JACKSON, MISS.— With the recent fall back for Daylight Savings Time, motorists will be traveling more at night. The Mississippi Department of Transportation (MDOT) reminds motorists to be alert for log trucks, especially during early evening and morning hours.
Mississippi’s logging industry plays a vital role in the state’s economy. Keeping the traveling public safe is MDOT’s top priority, and with the time change, motorists are reminded to share the road safely with log trucks.
Year round, log trucks must have a permit to be on the road two hours before sunset and two hours after sunset with a 12-foot rear overhang. During the day, log trucks must have a red flag on the back of the longest log. At night, log trucks must have an amber or red flashing light on the back of the longest log.
To show just how dire this situation can be, MDOT released a brief video demonstrating the nighttime visibility of a log truck at 90 feet, 20 feet and 10 feet here:http://ow.ly/WkGw3062S6p. By following these safety guidelines, potential crashes can be prevented. Help MDOT keep the traveling public safe—be alert for log trucks, especially at night, and leave enough space between vehicles.
“To help reduce potential crashes, we want to ensure the traveling public is aware of these log trucks and alert for them, especially during early evening and morning hours,” said Chief Willie Huff, MDOT Office of Enforcement director.
The Office of Enforcement’s primary responsibility is the regulation and safe operation of commercial motor vehicles on state and federal highways. Along with preserving Mississippi’s transportation infrastructure, these laws and regulations help further MDOT’s efforts to reduce crashes, injuries and fatalities.
