Part Two - Law Enforcement Escorts

Overview

The NTSB report found that State requirements for law enforcement escort rules vary widely and that there are little or no formal guidelines on the roles and responsibilities of law enforcement escorts in the safe movement of permitted oversize/overweight loads. The NTSB report recommended that uniform guidelines address the issue of when pilot car escorts and law enforcement escorts are required. It is our recommendation that a standard be created to determine when law enforcement escorts are required and how many law enforcement escorts are needed for varying loads.

The following table summarizes the best practices guidelines for law enforcement escorts involved in the safe movement of permitted oversize/overweight loads. The summary table is then followed by details of each task and checklists.

It is recommended that individual States determine how these best practices guidelines for law enforcement escorts be implemented. It is noted that some states (e.g., Oklahoma) currently do not provide law enforcement escorts. Other states (e.g., Florida) provide law enforcement escorts primarily for traffic safety concerns. Yet in other states (e.g., Vermont) law enforcement escorts are there for safety concerns and to ensure compliance with the permit that has been issued. Finally, there are states (e.g., California) where law enforcement escorts are there to assist with every detail of the movement, including issues surrounding the permit, traffic safety, and the superload itself.

1. Prepare for the escort.

1. Obtain a copy of all permits.
2. Verify the load is the size and weight stated in the permit.
3. Review the route plan and ensure copies are distributed to all participants.
4. Determine the number of law enforcement escorts needed based on the permit and jurisdictional requirements.
5. Ensure a list of telephone contacts has been compiled (i.e., power companies, utility companies, railroad
   companies, tow truck companies etc.) to accompany the escort and is distributed to all participants.
6. Ensure a list of contact phone numbers for municipalities along the route has been compiled to call when
   appropriate and is distributed to all participants.
7. Ensure a reliable means of communication is available.
8. Ensure a plan for enroute assistance is established as called for in the permit.
9. Ensure a contingency plan has been developed that includes safe stopping places and 24 hour emergency contact numbers.

2. Make the initial on-site contact.

1. Introduce yourself to everyone involved.
2. Perform an inspection of the transport vehicle(s) and driver(s).
3. Check the pilot car driver(s) and escort vehicle(s) for required equipment and certifications.
4. Review all permits to ensure they are appropriate for the load. Physically measure the load and ensure it
   matches the permit.
5. Review the route plan and ensure copies are distributed to all participants.

3. Plan enroute communications and vehicle positioning.

1. Discuss roles and responsibilities of everyone involved in the movement of this load (including drop-ins,
   bucket trucks, etc.).
2. Identify a lead contact for the entire escort.
3. Coordinate and test all communications equipment.
4. Identify who will make notifications when necessary.
5. Discuss where vehicles will be located and when they will be there (including drop-ins, etc.).

SAFETY CONCERN: Designate everyone as a Safety Officer to stop the movement of the load immediately if
an unsafe condition is found.

CHANGE IN JURISDICTION: When there is a change in jurisdiction, repeat Steps 2 and 3 at a safe and
appropriate location before the permitted movement continues.

4. Safely escort the oversize/overweight movement.

1. Monitor communications with all other vehicles in the convoy.
2. Ensure the movement is proceeding lawfully at all times.
3. Ensure all procedures and special conditions mandated by permit(s) are followed.
4. Maintain and facilitate traffic control.
5. Activate contingency plan if necessary, including safe stopping points.
6. Monitor progress of the movement, paying attention to all time constraints.

5. Debrief and depart.

1. Review movement with all participants, note areas of improvement, and then report all incidents to the motor carrier, pilot car company and permitting office.

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