Drive at Your Own Risk

A recent article outlined a recurring issue faced by shipping and freight companies that was called to light after a recent bridge collision. When over-sized truck routes are planned, they often rely on Department of Transportation (DOT) guidance on determining potential obstacles.

These may include bridges and roads with weight restrictions, height limitations, narrow pathways, and other areas that could present a higher risk of an accident if an oversize load tried to drive through like it was a standard pickup truck. However, this guidance that the DOT offers is not 100% foolproof.

For example, the bridge that was stuck in the article had been hit by other vehicles in the past. Even though the bridge stood up to the punishment...multiple ton, high speed impacts can't be good for any structure. Unfortunately, the DOT is unable to track every single impact, scrape, accident, construction project, structure repair, and other alteration to every road, bridge, and ramp.

For the majority of us who drive a passenger-sized car or truck (or utilize public transportation), these concerns are generally not in our minds during the regular commute. In fact, Minnesotans generally freak out and seize up when they see rain or a pothole, much less a height obstacle. Our inability to navigate our 8 months of road construction season is testament to that fact. We endure narrower lanes, tighter turns, and reduced speeds, and think nothing of it.

While I can understand the appeal of 100% accurate DOT guidance for larger vehicles, I'm not convinced the shipping companies of the world need that to move their goods, much less to do so in a safe manner. If a driver (and by that extension, their company) requires an outside entity to provide a route of what to avoid...I'd have to wonder if they are in the right job.

If a bridge isn't part of a highway system, it shouldn't be carrying loads that require one. If a road is too narrow, it shouldn't be squeezed into by a wide load. And if a driver or company needs that much help getting from Point A to Point B that the question is raised "Why didn't the DOT do a better job holding their hand", I really have to ask why they thought they should be making that trip in the first place.

Post #6, open topic 2 of 2.