Bridge strikes represent a critical safety hazard within the UK's transport network, as they pose significant risks not only to the vehicle involved but also to road users, train services and the bridge’s integrity. If a vehicle collides with a bridge, it can cause substantial structural damage and significant delays across the local transport network.

The frequency and repercussions of bridge strikes have prompted stringent regulatory actions, and the implementation of comprehensive prevention and response strategies by transport managers and operators. However, the reality is that despite all of these measures, incidents like this cannot always be prevented - and it is therefore the responsibility of any professional driver to know what to do in these cases.

This guide outlines the critical steps drivers must take following a bridge strike, and provides essential tips that can help keep the impact of these incidents to a minimum.

What is a bridge strike?

A bridge strike, in the context of road and rail transportation, occurs when a vehicle collides with a bridge, typically because the vehicle exceeds the maximum height clearance allowed under the bridge structure. This type of incident primarily involves heavy goods vehicles (HGVs), buses, coaches and other large commercial vehicles. Bridge strikes are a significant safety concern that can lead to extensive property damage, traffic disruptions and serious injuries.

Low bridges, particularly railway bridges and arch bridges, have specific height limitations for exactly this reason, and these are clearly indicated by road signs leading up to the structure and on the bridge itself. A bridge strike typically happens when drivers misjudge or fail to comply with these restrictions, resulting in their vehicle impacting the bridge.

Most incidents involve railway bridges due to their prevalent location over public roads and the strict height restrictions associated with them. Arch bridges are also commonly involved, due to their curved design, which can be deceptive in terms of clearance space and prove more challenging in terms of vehicle alignment.

Bridge strikes pose serious safety risks, including the potential for severe injury to the driver, passengers and other road users. There is also a risk of causing secondary accidents as a result of debris or sudden traffic stops. Additionally, they can cause significant damage to the bridge structure, leading to expensive and time-consuming repairs. When vehicles hit railway bridges, there can be substantial impact on rail infrastructure, affecting train services and causing train delays or cancellations.

As such, bridge strikes also have a considerable financial impact that encompasses repair costs, train delay costs, traffic disruption, and the operational effects on businesses that rely on affected transport routes. Drivers and operators will often face legal repercussions, including fines, penalties, criminal prosecution and regulatory action from bodies such as the traffic commissioner.

Bridge strikes are a notable issue in the UK. Significant numbers of incidents (an average of five per day) are reported annually and lead to disruptions in both road and rail services. The frequency of these incidents has prompted initiatives from Network Rail, local highway authorities, and the transport industry to raise awareness and implement preventive measures.

What to do immediately after a bridge strike

If you, as a driver, are involved in a bridge strike, immediate actions are vital to mitigate the situation and ensure safety. Here’s what you need to do right after a bridge strike occurs:

• Stop safely: immediately bring your vehicle to a safe stop, ensuring you do not obstruct the road any more than is unavoidable. Activate your hazard lights to alert other road users to your presence and the potential hazard ahead.
• Assess for injuries: check yourself and any passengers for injuries. Do not attempt to move injured individuals unless there is an immediate danger, such as fire.
• Secure the scene: if it is safe to exit the vehicle, do so carefully. Use warning triangles or other safety markers to warn other road users of the obstruction and potential danger ahead. Maintain a safe distance from the bridge to avoid any potential falling debris.
• Avoid moving your vehicle: unless instructed by the police or emergency services, do not attempt to move your vehicle. Moving the vehicle before the scene has been properly documented and assessed could compromise safety and legal procedures.
• Await instructions: wait for the police, railway authorities or other emergency responders to arrive and follow their instructions. They will assess the situation, facilitate any necessary immediate repairs or safety measures, and instruct you when it is safe to move your vehicle.

Taking these immediate steps following a bridge strike helps to ensure personal and public safety, secure the scene for a proper response, and comply with legal and operational requirements. Proper action can significantly reduce the negative outcomes associated with such incidents.

How to properly report a bridge strike

After retreating to safety, the next steps involve formally reporting the incident. This is essential for legal compliance, insurance purposes, and to facilitate any necessary investigations. Here’s how to properly report a bridge strike:

• Notify the authorities: contact the police and report the bridge strike immediately. If the strike involves a railway bridge, you must also immediately inform the regional railway control centre, typically through the clearly marked emergency telephone numbers provided on the identification plates fixed to railway crossings or bridges. This is crucial to prevent train services from running over a potentially compromised bridge. If there is no identification plate fixed to the bridge, the police will be able to identify the bridge owners after you contact them.
• Inform the operator: immediately report the incident to the operator or your transport manager. Most companies have a specific protocol for incidents such as bridge strikes, which may include internal reporting forms or direct communication lines. Adhering to your company’s bridge strike policy ensures that all necessary steps are taken from a corporate standpoint.
• Document the bridge strike: create a detailed collision report of the incident while the details are fresh in your mind. Include the time, date, location, weather conditions and events leading up to the strike. Describe the incident in as much detail as possible, including any actions taken before, during and after the strike. Take photos at the scene and make notes regarding road signs, vehicle height, and bridge clearance warnings.

Properly reporting a bridge strike involves clear communication, detailed documentation, and cooperation with various authorities. Taking these steps will ensure that everyone who needs to know about the bridge strike is kept informed, and that efforts can begin to repair the situation.

What will happen next?

In the immediate aftermath of a bridge strike, several actions are taken by relevant authorities to manage the situation and mitigate any risks. Here's what typically happens next:

• Removing the vehicle: the struck vehicle will be assessed for safety and may be moved from the scene only once authorities deem it safe. This is to prevent further damage to the bridge or road and to ensure the vehicle does not pose a hazard to other road users. If the vehicle is severely damaged, a recovery service will be called to remove it safely.
• Road closure and diversions: to ensure public safety and facilitate the initial investigation, the road under or around the struck bridge may be temporarily closed. Traffic will be diverted to an alternative route, and diversions will be clearly signposted. The local highway authority, in collaboration with the police, will manage traffic arrangements and aim to minimise disruption.
• Bridge assessment and repairs: specialist engineers will be dispatched to assess the bridge's structural integrity. If the bridge is found to be unsafe, it will remain closed until necessary repairs are made. In cases involving railway bridges, Network Rail or the relevant rail authority will undertake an immediate assessment to determine the impact on rail services.
• Traffic and rail service management: the relevant authorities will implement measures to manage the impact on traffic and train services. This may include issuing travel advisories, adjusting train schedules, and providing real-time updates to the public. The goal is to minimise disruption and ensure safety for all road and rail users.
• Investigation and documentation: authorities will document the scene, and collect evidence and statements for their investigation into the cause of the strike. This information will be used to understand the circumstances leading to the incident and to develop strategies to prevent future strikes.
• Communication with the public: local authorities, the police or rail services will provide information to the public regarding the incident, expected disruptions and alternative travel options.
• Safety checks and clearance: before the road and bridge can be reopened, thorough safety checks must be conducted. This includes ensuring the bridge is structurally sound, debris has been cleared, and the road surface is safe for travel. Once safety has been assured, the road and, if applicable, the railway will be reopened. Authorities will continue to monitor the site and traffic conditions to ensure ongoing safety and to implement any additional measures as needed.

In the short term, the focus of the relevant authorities is on ensuring public safety, assessing and repairing any damage, and restoring normal traffic and rail service as quickly and safely as possible. These actions are crucial to minimise the impact of the bridge strike on transportation networks and local communities.

Tips on how to prevent bridge strikes

When it comes to bridge strikes, prevention is always better than a cure. Here are practical tips for professional drivers - particularly lorry drivers and those operating high-sided vehicles, such as double-decker buses - on preventing bridge strikes:

• Know your vehicle’s height: understanding the maximum permitted vehicle height is fundamental. Ensure this measurement is clearly displayed inside the cab and on your daily defect report, and that you are aware of it at all times. Regular checks are essential, as vehicle height can change based on load and equipment.
• Use appropriate route-planning tools: invest in and utilise satellite navigation systems designed for commercial vehicles. These systems consider vehicle height (and other vehicle dimensions) and can be configured to avoid low bridges. Always have an up-to-date map or app and plan your route before setting off, especially when carrying wide loads.
• Heed traffic signs and warnings: pay close attention to traffic signs related to bridge heights and weight limits. Warning signs and advanced warning indicators are placed to guide and alert drivers. Ensure you understand the signs (particularly conversions between metric and imperial units) and comply with the restrictions they indicate.
• Conduct risk assessments: transport managers and drivers should perform risk assessments for routes, especially when using unfamiliar roads. Assessments should consider potential low bridges and alternative routes.
• Avoid distractions: stay focused on the road and surroundings. Distractions can lead you to miss vital height restriction signs or misjudge bridge clearances.
• Communicate with traffic planners and transport managers: if there are any doubts about a route or bridge clearance, communicate with your traffic planner or transport manager for guidance. They can assist you in finding an alternative route or provide additional information on bridge heights.
• Respond to height alerts: if your vehicle is fitted with height alert systems, respond immediately to any warnings. Stop and reassess if you have any doubt about making it safely under a bridge.
• Prepare for the unexpected: even with thorough planning, unexpected diversions or road changes can occur. Always be prepared to stop and reassess if faced with an unplanned low bridge, and do not follow any unfamiliar routes or shortcuts unless you can be certain they are safe.

By following these tips and maintaining constant vigilance, drivers can significantly reduce the risk of bridge strikes, ensure the safety of all road users and safeguard the integrity of infrastructure.