Starkville police urge drivers to know vehicle heights before bridges

The Starkville Police Department said in a Facebook post that drivers should know the height of their vehicles before attempting to pass under bridges. The post reminded motorists that a cargo van is about 8 feet tall, while a box truck is typically 10 to 13 feet, and advised drivers to choose another route if they are unsure.

The department, which is the municipal police agency serving Starkville, Mississippi, posted the reminder as a basic safety warning for both personal and commercial drivers. Knowing vehicle height can help prevent collisions with bridges and overpasses, incidents that can cause significant vehicle damage, structural harm and traffic disruptions.

Traffic safety experts and transportation agencies commonly recommend that drivers confirm their vehicle’s height, watch for posted clearance signs and use route-planning tools that include bridge clearances. Commercial drivers and those operating rental or unfamiliar vehicles are urged to measure or verify height before travel and to seek alternate routes when clearance is uncertain.

We will provide more information as it becomes available.