July 27, 2026

KDOT Urges Motorists: ‘Check Your Height, Know It’s Right’

Kansas recorded 377 vehicle strikes to bridges in 2025 – more than one every day of the year.

To help raise awareness on the dangers of bridge strikes, the Kansas Department of Transportation is joining the Check Your Height, Know It’s Right national safety campaign. The initiative is directed at reminding drivers to check vehicle and bridge heights on planned routes and lower truck beds or trailered equipment while traveling.

In addition to semitruck and commercial vehicle drivers, those driving rental/delivery box trucks, recreational vehicles and construction vehicles, or pulling livestock/equipment trailers have the potential of overhead collisions.

“For taller vehicles, make sure you check your height before you leave, and always buckle up and avoid distractions,” said Secretary Calvin Reed. “Hitting a stationary structure while traveling at any speed could have devastating consequences.”

Kansas data shows that nine people were killed and 138 injured in bridge strike crashes on state and local roadways in 2025. These crashes can also cause serious structural damage that may lead to road closures and impact emergency responders and other motorists.

“KDOT and local public works offices have made investments to build and maintain bridges on our state’s transportation system,” Secretary Reed said. “Repairing damaged structures can be costly and time consuming.”

Drivers should know their vehicle’s height, pay attention to posted bridge heights and avoid relying just on navigation devices or apps. Bridges that are 14 feet or under are required to have signing stating the clearance.

Trailers hauling round hay bales can be 14 feet, 5 inches tall. For all other vehicles, the limit is 14 feet. People using vehicles over 14 feet should contact the state’s K-TRIP central permit office at 785-368-6501 to receive a permit and check the route.