Overdimensional Special Permit

Movements within Atlantic Canada

Escort Vehicle
Drivers’ Handbook

November 2008
Preface:

The document that follows has been prepared as an informational

guidebook for Escort Vehicle drivers in support of harmonization of
special permit conditions for movement of indivisible
overdimensional vehicles and loads within Atlantic Canada.

Special Permits - General Information

New Brunswick Dept of Transportation

(506) 453-3939

Prince Edward Island Transportation and Public Works:

(902) 368-5228

Service Nova Scotia and Municipal Relations:

(902) 424-5536

Newfoundland and Labrador Government Services:

(709) 729-2519

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Introduction

As the driver of an escort vehicle, you are part of a team

doing the important job of safely moving overdimensional
loads on the public highways.

You carry much of the responsibility for protecting the public,

a valuable load, the load driver and yourself.

Your duties go beyond just carrying an overdimensional

sign. At every phase of the movement of an
overdimensional load, you will have specific tasks to
perform. The success of the trip will depend a lot on your
skill, alertness and good judgement.

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 Table of Contents

1. Driver Requirements ........................................... 5

2. Escort Vehicle Requirements ............................. 6
a) Vehicle Requirements ............................................. 6
b) Equipment Requirements ....................................... 6
c) Overdimensional or “D” signs specifications ...... 8
d) “D” sign light box .................................................... 9
3. Escorting Overdimensional Loads .................... 10
a) Rules of the Road .................................................... 10
Traffic Signals and Signs ............................................... 10
Road Markings............................................................... 10
Drivers Signals............................................................... 10
Maintain a Safe Following Distance .............................. 10
Stopping Under Special Conditions............................... 10
Right-Of-Way Rules....................................................... 11
Defensive Driving........................................................... 11
b) Movement of Overdimensional loads ........................ 12
c) Before the Trip ........................................................... 14
d) During the trip ............................................................ 15
Traffic signals................................................................. 15
Traffic Build-up............................................................... 15
Weigh Scales and Inspection Stations .......................... 16
Breakdowns and inclement weather.............................. 16
If a collision occurs ........................................................ 16
Reporting a Collision...................................................... 17
e) Escort Vehicle Driver's Role ...................................... 18
Front escort.................................................................... 18
Rear escort .................................................................... 18
Advance escort .............................................................. 18
f) After the Trip .............................................................. 19

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1. Driver Requirements

To qualify as an escort vehicle driver you should:

• Have a valid, full 1 driver's license from the province, territory

or state in which you are resident
• Have no less than one year’s experience with a full driver’s
license
• Have successfully completed a recognized course on
defensive driving
• Comply with all terms, conditions, requirements and or
regulations set forth by the agency(s) responsible for special
permits for movement of overdimensional loads on the routes
to be followed during the movement of the load.

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“Full License” - means having completed the last phase of
graduated licensing program, where applicable
2. Escort Vehicle Requirements

a) Vehicle Requirements

Vehicles used to provide escort services during the movement of

overdimensional loads must:
• have a Gross Vehicle Weight Rating no greater than 8000 kg
• have no more than 2 axles
• have a wheelbase of at least 2.5 m
• not carry cargo or tow a trailer. Only equipment and
passengers related to the movement of the
oversize/overweight load can be carried in the escort vehicle
• have clear rearward visibility from all mirrors
• have annual mechanical fitness inspections.

b) Equipment Requirements

Each escort vehicle must be equipped with:

• Three approved warning devices (red flares or lamps,

lanterns, reflectors or advance warning triangles)
• One warning flag per crew member for flagging during
emergency situations, 40 cm by 40 cm, fluorescent red or
orange, mounted on a staff and fastened at two consecutive
corners
• One reflective vest per crew member
• One hard hat per crew member, which must be worn when out
of the vehicle during escort operations.
• Three “Stop/slow” traffic control paddles for emergency
situations
• One flashlight equipped with signal tube per crew member
• An approved "D" Sign, positioned so that it is readily visible to
motorists approaching the overdimensional load (see following
sections for specifications)

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• A two-way radio which meets Communications Canada
standards (for communicating with the load vehicle and other
escort vehicles)
• A cellular telephone (for communication with police and
emergency service agencies). If two escort vehicles are
required for a movement of an overdimensional vehicle or
load, only one cellular phone is required.
• A first aid kit and a fire extinguisher
• Additional safety equipment as may be needed for
emergencies.

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c) Overdimensional or “D” signs specifications

Large Sign for Oversize Vehicle

Section Widths (cm)

Small Sign for Escort Vehicle

Section Widths (cm)

“D” Sign Requirements

a. Dimensions Overdimensional Vehicle - 240 to 245 cm
wide by 30 cm high
Escort Vehicle - 180 cm wide by 30 cm high
b. Colour White level II reflectance and stop sign red (#
712 3M or equivalent)
c. Material Retro-reflective, on a hard, flat surface
d. Position Visible from the rear and front of the
overdimensional vehicle or load

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d) “D” sign light box

Instead of the panel described in section c), the escort vehicle may
be equipped with a lighted sign box, which meets the following
specifications:

• the sign must be upright when in use, and clearly visible from
the front and rear of the vehicle (the sign must be folded flat
when not in use or not required, or must be removed from the
vehicle)

• Box Dimensions - the box must be 180 centimetres x 35

centimetres x 10 centimetres and constructed of mild steel
material with inside and outside surfaces of baked white
enamel. The box must shelter all wire connectors, switches,
flashers, etc.
• Illumination - A sufficient number of lamps must be mounted in
the box and spaced to give even lighting of the sign
background across its full width.
• Sign Panel - the sign panel must be 3 millimetres thick, with a
white plexi-glass background with red bars painted with
transparent red paint. The letter "D" must be white in color and
must be 20 centimetres high, Series E.
• Outboard Lights - must consist of two 175-millimetre
(minimum) amber lights with reflectors, rated at 12.5 volts, 3
amps and 0.50 candela with a rated life of 300 hours.
• Inboard Lights - must consist of 2 standard 203-millimetre
rotating amber lights, with 2 sealed beam units per lamp.

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3. Escorting Overdimensional Loads

a) Rules of the Road

Traffic Signals and Signs

The traffic signals and signs, for all drivers must also be obeyed
during escort operations. For example, escort drivers are required
to stop for red lights and school buses and to drive strictly in
accordance with all regulatory signing.

Road Markings
Road markings improve highway safety by providing important
traffic control information to motorists. Escort operators should
carefully observe all road markings and never drive to the left of a
solid double yellow centerline.

Drivers Signals
Escort drivers should give proper signals in advance of turning at
intersections or when changing lanes.

Maintain a Safe Following Distance

As a general rule, the two-second rule should be used to assure
that a correct following distance is being maintained. To determine
if the following distance is proper, the driver should note when the
vehicle ahead passes a definite point on the road (such as a tar
strip or telephone pole). Then the driver should count "one
thousand and one, one thousand and two". If the driver reaches
the mark before completing the count, the following distance is too
close and a greater Interval is needed. The two-second rule is
applicable regardless of vehicle speed. Escort drivers, who follow
the overdimensional load or other traffic at distances less than a
safe distance, are not giving themselves enough time or distance
to respond to emergency situations.

Stopping Under Special Conditions

When the driver of the overdimensional load or the escort operator
is forced to stop (except momentarily) on any portion of the road,
the drivers should immediately set out three warning flares,
torches, or reflectorized triangular warning signals to warn
approaching traffic of the hazard. Every precaution should be

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taken to remove the load and escort vehicles from the roadway

Right-Of-Way Rules
Escort drivers are required to obey all right-of-way rules, especially
at intersections in urban areas and when entering or leaving a
limited access highway. The size of the load is not justification for
assuming that other drivers must yield to the load or the escort
vehicles.

Defensive Driving
A defensive driver is a person who is always alert, and takes every
reasonable precaution to prevent traffic mishaps, over and above
what is required by law. Because the movement of every
overdimensional load affects the normal flow of traffic on the
highway, the escort driver must develop a positive attitude toward
accident prevention. A defensive driver must anticipate possible
accident problems by evaluating constantly changing situations
and planning preventive measures. Escort drivers should consider
the "accident prevention formula" which follows:

• See the Hazard: Think about what is going to happen as far

ahead of encountering the situation as possible. Never
assume everything will be "all right"
• Understand the Defense: There are specific ways of handling
specific situations. Learn these ways and be prepared to apply
them when the need arises
• Act in Time: Once you have perceived the hazard and
determined the defense, act immediately. Never take a “wait
and see” attitude

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b) Movement of Overdimensional loads

Before a load that exceeds legal size and weight limits can be
transported, the driver of the vehicle transporting the load must
obtain the necessary special permit(s) from the appropriate
authorities. The permit specifies general and specific conditions
under which the movement must be made.

• Permits are not issued to the drivers of escort vehicles but

every escort driver must comply with the permit conditions that
cover escort operations.
• Escort vehicles must maintain an adequate distance in front of
or behind the unit carrying the load in order to warn
approaching vehicles of the overdimensional load.
• All escort vehicle drivers and the overdimensional load driver
must be able to communicate at all times by two-way radio.
• Overdimensional load movements may not travel in convoy
unless special permission has been given to the operators
involved in the move. The driver of the overdimensional
vehicle should take every opportunity to allow following traffic
to pass. If traffic build-up behind the unit becomes heavy, the
entire combined unit should move off the travelled portion of
the roadway to allow traffic to pass safely.
• Travel on all highways must be within the right-hand lane with
the overhang extending over the shoulder except where there
are roadside obstacles. Passing slower vehicles is allowed
where this can be done safely.
• Red or orange flags must be displayed at each of the four
corners of the overdimensional load. These must be at least
40 cm x 40 cm (16” x 16”) and be in good condition.
• Vehicle headlights and other non-flashing exterior lights
should be turned on during the move, including those of the
escort vehicle.
• “D” signs shall be properly displayed on the overdimensional
vehicle and on each escort vehicle.
• Other standard conditions may also be imposed on the permit,
and the escort vehicle driver should be aware of these
conditions, including:

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 Restrictions on days and/or times of travel;
Limits on load overhangs;
Speed limits;
Flags, lights and warning devices;

It is the responsibility of the escort vehicle driver to make the

travelling public aware of the presence of an overdimensional load
and to warn traffic when necessary.

Escort vehicle drivers also help the driver of the vehicle

transporting the load move the load as safely as possible with the
least possible delay and inconvenience to the travelling public.

Depending on the size of the load and the type of highway, either
front or rear escort vehicles, or both, will be required.

When permitted by provincial laws, one or more escort vehicle

drivers or other appropriately trained personnel may be required to
control traffic, whether due to an emergency situation or as a
condition of the permit at bridges. All persons performing traffic
control are responsible for knowing and abiding by the required
procedures, policies and regulations in each province for
controlling traffic.

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c) Before the Trip

It is important for all members of the team responsible for moving

an overdimensional load to check their equipment and to make
sure that everyone understands the permit, the route and each
person's responsibilities.

Being comfortable and familiar with the escort vehicle is an

important factor, and drivers should familiarize themselves with the
vehicle's performance and operating characteristics before
escorting an overdimensional load.

• Check the permit for any special requirements or instructions.

• The escort driver should advise the permit holder whether the
permitted load has the proper signing, lighting, and special
requirements as designated on the permit, prior to escorting.
Vehicles that do not meet or respect all of the conditions
outlined on the permit will not be allowed to proceed from an
inspection station or weigh scale, until the situation is
corrected.
• Make sure everyone understands the route and directions to
be taken.
• Plan ahead; verify any hazards or concerns that may be
encountered along the route
• Confirm the load’s dimensions before departing to understand
the space required for turning and clearances for bridges,
tunnels and roadside objects.
• Check all equipment for the escort vehicle(s). The sign should
be securely mounted, mirrors adjusted, lights turned on and all
safety equipment accounted for.
• Check all radios and select an appropriate two-way channel.
• Each escort driver should check to ensure that they have their
driver's license and escort certification (if required) are in their
possession at all times during the trip so they are available for
inspection by appropriate authorities. The operator of the
oversize/ overweight load should also check to ensure the
escort drivers are certified (if that is required). The permit
must accompany the load in the cab of the truck.

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d) During the trip

The safety of the travelling public is of primary importance. Escort

drivers must obey all traffic laws and regulations - don’t be
tempted to assume that other drivers will yield the right of way
because of the size of the load.

Alertness will help avoid collisions and may even save lives.

For example: it is easy not to notice pedestrians dressed in dark

clothing, or vehicles stopped without lights, on the road ahead,
especially during the difficult lighting conditions of dusk or dawn.
But with an overdimensional load extending onto the shoulder,
failure to warn the load driver in time could mean a tragedy.

If there is any chance that an obstacle ahead could cause

problems, notify the load driver immediately. That’s your job.

Traffic signals
When travelling a route controlled by traffic lights, care should be
taken that stopping for signals does not cause the escort vehicles
and load to be widely separated.

If the escort vehicle passes through the intersection but the load is
required to stop, the escort vehicle driver should pull over as soon
as possible on the right-hand side of the road and resume travel
as the load approaches at the required distance.

When the rear escort vehicle is stopped by a red light which has
been cleared by the load, the load driver should proceed, and the
rear escort vehicle driver should catch up to the load as soon as
possible.

The escort vehicle driver(s) must be alert and avoid sudden stops
at traffic signals.

Traffic Build-up
When there are more than three vehicles following the unit, or
when following traffic is held up for more than a few minutes, the
escort driver(s) should help the load driver find a suitable place for
the vehicles to pull off the travelled portion of the roadway and

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allow the traffic to pass safely.

Weigh Scales and Inspection Stations

Escort vehicles must accompany the overdimensional load to
weigh scales and inspection stations. Drivers should be prepared
for inspection of the escort vehicle, its equipment and confirmation
of certification as a escort vehicle driver (if driver certification is
required).

Breakdowns and inclement weather

When inclement weather causes poor visibility and driving
conditions, or there are such problems as mechanical
breakdowns, a safe place should be found to remove the load
from the roadway.

On winding or narrow roads or where obstacles are located near

the road, approaching motorists may not be able to see the load
clearly until they are very close to it.

In these cases, the escort driver should travel to a point where the
escort vehicle can be seen clearly from some distance away.

If a collision occurs
Avoid a second collision by pulling completely off the road. Turn
on the vehicle's hazard warning lights and use red flares or lamps,
lanterns, reflectors or advance warning triangles to warn
approaching traffic of the problem.

If moving off of the roadway is impossible, use flagging to stop or

divert traffic.

• Get help: Dial 911 for police and ambulance. If you are in an
area where no cellular phone connection is available, ask the
next person who stops to phone for police and ambulance.
Use the two-way radio but do not rely on it as a sole means of
requesting aid.
• When trained personnel arrive (rescue squad, police, fire, etc.)
give a brief summary of what you’ve done and ask if you can
be of further assistance, but do not interfere with their efforts
to care for the injured.

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Reporting a Collision
Report to police authorities as quickly as possible any collision:

• in which a person is killed or injured, or

• in which a vehicle or other property is damaged, to the extent
of reportable accidents.

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e) Escort Vehicle Driver's Role

Front escort
The driver of the escort vehicle ahead of the overdimensional load
will:
• Warn oncoming traffic an overdimensional load is following, by
travelling 300 to 1000 metres ahead of the load and displaying
an approved dimensional sign and flashing lights.
• Use a two-way radio to warn the load driver of any potential
problems ahead, including hazards, pedestrians or
obstructions such as parked vehicles, on the road ahead.
• Make sure the vehicles are following the route specified on the
permit.
• Find safe places for the vehicles to pull over in order to allow
following traffic to pass safely.
• Inform the driver of the overdimensional vehicle and rear
escort that they are approaching a structure which will require
a speed reduction as required by permit.

Rear escort
The driver of the escort vehicle following the overdimensional load
will:
• Warn traffic approaching from the rear that an
overdimensional load is ahead by travelling 100 to 300 metres
behind the load and by displaying an approved dimensional
sign and flashing lights.
• Use a two-way radio to warn the load driver of flat tires,
objects coming loose from the load, defective lights and other
potential hazards the driver may not be aware of.
• Notify the front escort driver and the oversize / overweight
load operator of traffic buildup and other delays to the normal
flow of traffic.
• Notify the load driver of motorists attempting to pass the load.

Advance escort
In cases where the overdimensional load is very large, the special

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permit may require three escort vehicles; usually two in the front
and one in the rear.

The advance escort vehicle will normally be required to travel well

ahead of the overdimensional load to provide advance warning of
hazards and to warn and/or control other traffic prior to the arrival
of the load.

f) After the Trip

When the trip is over, the amber flashing (or revolving) lights must
be turned off, and any flags must be removed. The “D” sign(s)
must be removed, folded down, or covered up, such that they are
not visible by other traffic on the highway. “D” sign(s) may only be
displayed on the highway when an oversize move is in progress.

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