Part Two - Law Enforcement Escorts
Task #4: Safely escort the oversize/overweight movement.
A. Monitor communications with all other vehicles in the convoy.
All drivers are required to maintain radio communication. The lead pilot car escort is responsible for advising the
load operator of any condition that may require precautionary action such as reducing speed or pulling off the
roadway. Lead pilot car escorts should use the radio to inform other drivers of traffic congestions, overhead
clearances, hazards, flat tires, obstructions, pedestrians, and other problems that require advance warning.
Appropriate communication procedures should be followed during all transmissions. Special attention should be
given while traveling in mountainous areas.While maintaining radio contact may be difficult, it may be necessary
to increase vehicle spacing to allow for adequate braking distance.
B. Ensure the movement is proceeding lawfully at all times.
The escort vehicles must apply with all traffic laws in effect during the movement. All pilot car and law
enforcement escorts and the load operator should act as a team to ensure the safety of the traveling public. This includes following all safety laws.
C. Ensure all procedures and special conditions mandated by permit(s) are followed.
Often there are special conditions set forth in the permit that must be followed to ensure the safe movement of the oversize/overweight load.
D. Maintain and facilitate traffic control.
The primary responsibility of the law enforcement escort is to protect the traveling public. In the performance of duties as the operator of an escort vehicle, the pilot car escort is authorized to direct traffic to stop, slow down or proceed in situations where such direction is necessary to allow traffic or the escorted vehicle or load to continue moving safely. When necessary, the law enforcement escort should assist the pilot car escort in maintaining and facilitating traffic control.
E. Activate contingency plan if necessary, including safe stopping points.
The law enforcement escort shall require the driver of the oversize/overweight load to stop and move as far off
the roadway as practical and allow traffic to pass, under the following conditions:
- When the oversize/overweight load has become disabled;
- When the movement of the escorted load on a particular section presents a safety risk or unreasonable risk to or unreasonably interferes with the efficient movement of other traffic, based upon such factors as width of the load, roadway, volume of traffic, limited visibility or mountainous terrain.
When the escorted vehicle stops, the law enforcement escort shall direct other traffic past the escorted load as necessary until the escorted load can reenter the roadway and continue moving without presenting a safety risk or unreasonably interfering with the efficient movement of other traffic.
F. Monitor progress of the movement, paying attention to all time constraints.
Most permits allow movement from sun up to sun down. It is important for law enforcement escorts to:
- Be alert at all times. One of the keys to accident prevention is being aware of what is going on around you. Be observant of others. Drivers do not always pay attention so be attentive to their actions.
- Keep a high profile. Always wear your safety clothing when working traffic. Stand where you are highly
visible and can be seen from the greatest distance. - Hope for the best but expect the worst.Whether driving or flagging, always have an escape route in mind.
Be aware of the traffic around you at all times.
