Power lines

Discussion in 'Motor Carrier Questions - The Inside Scoop' started by Chadf652, May 28, 2020.

  1. Chadf652

    Chadf652 Bobtail Member

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    I've saw a few posts on here before about truckers and power lines.

    A co worker and I were talking about this a few days ago. If a semi, straight truck etc is in a neighborhood for a local delivery and pulls down a power line and the pole gets pulled down hitting a nearby building, car or any other piece of property causing damage. Who would be responsible? The driver or utility company for not having the lines high enough?
     
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  3. clausland

    clausland Road Train Member

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    To my knowledge, utilities have to maintain a minimum of 14', while the max height, without OS permit, of a semi trailer is 13' 6''.

    Some guys run big rubber and the front of their trailer might actually be 13' 9", while a line might sag down to 13' 8". Probably comes down to the measured height of the trailer or load at the scene.
     
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  4. Allow Me.

    Allow Me. Trucker Forum STAFF Staff Member

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    It's a grey area. When I hauled furniture, i once had to have a guy on the roof of my trailer while driving down an alley to access the homeowners back yard. He was moving the low power lines with a broom away from the trailer. I also hit some low power lines and took them down on private property (restaurant business) in Clarksville, Tn.. The owner called the cops and I presented a good defense, which was, "if a business has signs posted truck parking OK, then he cannot have low power lines that a truck might hit".

    Some streets in some backwoods towns have low power or phone or TV lines. Best to be careful when you see them. Same with low tree branches.
     
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