The West Virginia Department of Transportation (WVDOT) has launched a public awareness campaign aimed at helping drivers avoid striking low-clearance bridges, from Tuesday, July 22, 2025, through Saturday, July 26, 2025.
The campaign, titled, “Check Your Height, Know It’s Right,” urges drivers to make sure their vehicle is not too tall, to pass safely beneath overpasses on state and local roadways. Collisions with low-clearance structures – commonly known as bridge hits – can damage vehicles and infrastructure, cause major traffic delays and pose risks to the public and emergency responders.
Drivers are responsible for knowing the height of their vehicles and for complying with posted bridge clearance signs. Relying solely on navigation apps without checking physical signage can result in costly and dangerous crashes.
The WVDOT’s campaign will be shared across its official social media channels and features graphics, with safety reminders.
The effort targets all types of drivers, including commercial driver’s license (CDL) holders, as well as those driving leased or rented box trucks – such as delivery vans and moving trucks – and recreational vehicles.
Crash data show drivers don’t always consider vehicle height when planning routes. For instance, a standard 26-foot moving truck may range from 11 to 13 feet, 6 inches in height, which can exceed the clearance of many older or lower bridges.
The WVDOT is one of several transportation agencies participating in this regional initiative, which is supported by The Eastern Transportation Coalition – a partnership of 19 states and Washington, DC. Working to improve transportation safety and efficiency across all modes of transportation.
For more on The Eastern Transportation Coalition’s bridge hit initiative, contact Marygrace Parker at mgparker@tetcoalition.org.