EVOC Pilot Car Operations & Load Escort Techniques 2 — Questions and Answers
Question 1: When approaching a low-clearance structure such as a bridge or overpass, the escort vehicle operator's first action should be to:
- Increase speed to pass through quickly
- Stop traffic and verify the structure's clearance against the load's height (Correct answer)
- Call the transport driver to ask if it looks clear
- Check the GPS for an alternate route
Correct answer: Stop traffic and verify the structure's clearance against the load's height
Before the load approaches any low-clearance structure, the escort operator must confirm the posted clearance matches or exceeds the load's height to prevent a strike.
Question 2: What is the purpose of a 'high-pole' (height pole or clearance bar) mounted on an escort vehicle?
- To display warning flags at a greater height
- To physically test overhead clearance before the tall load passes underneath (Correct answer)
- To serve as a radio antenna for long-distance communication
- To attach amber lighting to the top of the vehicle
Correct answer: To physically test overhead clearance before the tall load passes underneath
A height pole (high-pole) is set to the same height as the tallest point of the load so the escort vehicle can physically test and confirm vertical clearance before the load passes.
Question 3: During a narrow passage where only one lane is passable, the escort vehicle operator should:
- Stop oncoming traffic and radio the driver to proceed slowly (Correct answer)
- Speed ahead to block the next intersection
- Allow the transport to proceed without escort through the narrow section
- Follow behind the load through the narrow section
Correct answer: Stop oncoming traffic and radio the driver to proceed slowly
The escort operator must stop oncoming traffic and coordinate with the transport driver via radio before guiding the load through a one-lane or narrow passage.
Question 4: At railroad crossings, what is the escort vehicle operator required to do?
- Cross quickly and signal the transport to follow immediately
- Stop, check for trains, and ensure no train is approaching before allowing the load to cross (Correct answer)
- Contact railroad dispatch and obtain a clearance number
- Place flares across the tracks before the transport crosses
Correct answer: Stop, check for trains, and ensure no train is approaching before allowing the load to cross
The escort vehicle must stop at rail crossings, look and listen for approaching trains in both directions, and confirm it is safe before signaling the transport to cross.
Question 5: When the oversize load is making a wide right turn at an intersection, where should the rear escort vehicle be positioned?
- In front of the load to guide the turn
- Blocking the intersection to stop cross traffic until the load completes the turn (Correct answer)
- Parked on the curb out of the way
- Following directly behind the load at normal following distance
Correct answer: Blocking the intersection to stop cross traffic until the load completes the turn
During a wide turn, the rear escort vehicle should block the intersection to prevent cross traffic from entering until the oversize load has safely completed the maneuver.
Question 6: What information must escort vehicle operators consistently communicate to each other during transport?
- Only weather conditions and fuel levels
- Road conditions, upcoming hazards, clearance checks, and load status (Correct answer)
- Traffic ticket locations and police presence only
- Only when there is an emergency
Correct answer: Road conditions, upcoming hazards, clearance checks, and load status
Continuous radio communication between all escort operators and the transport driver about road conditions, hazards, clearances, and load status is essential for safe operations.
Question 7: Which of the following is the correct action when an escort vehicle operator discovers the permitted route has a road closure not indicated on the permit?
- Proceed on an alternate route without notifying anyone
- Stop the transport and contact the permit agency or law enforcement for guidance (Correct answer)
- Use a GPS app to find a detour and proceed immediately
- Complete the transport and report the closure afterward
Correct answer: Stop the transport and contact the permit agency or law enforcement for guidance
An unplanned road closure requires the escort to halt the transport and contact the permitting agency or law enforcement since the alternate route may also require a permit or inspection.
EVOC Pilot Car Operations & Load Escort Techniques 2
When approaching a low-clearance structure such as a bridge or overpass, the escort vehicle operator's first action should be to: