Montgomery, Ala. (WDNews) — The Alabama Department of Transportation is urging drivers to help prevent avoidable accidents during this year’s Bridge Hit Awareness Week with a new campaign titled “Check Your Height, Know It’s Right.”
The 2025 awareness effort reminds both commercial and personal drivers to know their vehicle height and to secure their loads before traveling. ALDOT officials say bridge strikes are not only dangerous but can cause serious damage to roadways and long delays for travelers.
“Bridge strikes are preventable, and it starts with drivers knowing their vehicle height and making sure their loads are secure,” said ALDOT Deputy Director of Operations George Conner. “This campaign is a great reminder that taking a few seconds to double-check your vehicle height can ensure safety while preventing major traffic delays and costly damage.”
Bridge hits often occur when drivers misjudge or overlook posted height restrictions, especially with delivery trucks, RVs, and leased moving vehicles. For instance, a 26-foot moving truck may stand between 11 and 13 feet tall. These miscalculations have led to damage at locations such as the Bankhead Tunnel in Mobile, which remains a frequent site of over-height collisions.
The campaign, backed by The Eastern Transportation Coalition, is a multi-state initiative aimed at improving safety and awareness across the region. Drivers are reminded to look out for bridge height signage and not rely solely on GPS or navigation apps.
ALDOT hopes the campaign will reduce the number of incidents across Alabama and keep both roadways and responders safe.
