Adopt-A-Highway
SAFETY FIRST AND FOREMOST
Common sense and personal responsibility are “musts” for each program participant! Locations are selected to reduce risk; however, everyone must realize that they are working in potentially hazardous surroundings. While we want our roadways to be litter and graffiti free, your safety comes first.

We ask that you protect yourself and others by taking the following precautions:


Clothing
  • Put the hard hats, orange vests and gloves on when you arrive at your adopted location. Baseball or other soft caps are no substitute for a hard hat.
  • Wear light-colored clothing, and long pants. Bring plenty of sunscreen.
  • Wear comfortable and sturdy shoes or boots.
Vehicle Safety at the Location
  • Carpool whenever possible. Park vehicles off roadways and shoulders.
  • Do not park in grassy areas. Your vehicle’s exhaust system may start a fire.
  • Never park on a bridge, in a tunnel or on any other structure.
  • Do not use your emergency flashers while parked.
  • Display a copy of your permit in your windshield for identification purposes. Remember: an improperly parked vehicle may be ticketed or towed.
  • When leaving your location, pull out carefully. Use your signals and consider the speed and flow of traffic.

Personal Safety at the Location

  • Exit and enter your vehicle on the side away from traffic.
  • Always face oncoming traffic. Be alert.
  • Never walk on roadways, bridges or in tunnels with less than a 3’ pedestrian walkway.
  • Do not enter drainage facilities.
  • Do not work in roadway medians.
  • Do not run, throw objects, or engage in horseplay or any other activity that may distract drivers or interfere with motorists.
  • Always be cautious when crossing roadways. Use crosswalks and signals whenever possible.
  • Drink water to prevent dehydration. Be careful not to overexert yourself.
Work Conditions
  • Do not work on holiday weekends or 24 hours preceding a holiday weekend.
  • Do not work during rush hour traffic.
  • Do not work when it is raining or foggy or when dust is blowing. Avoid working when other conditions reduce visibility for drivers.
  • Do not work when the road is wet or icy.
  • Stop working before dusk.
  • Do not touch hazardous substances such as powders, chemicals, weapons, sharp objects or dead animals. When in doubt, contact your District Coordinator.
  • Be alert for snakes, stinging insects, and poison oak or ivy.
  • Do not consume alcoholic beverages or drugs before or while participating in your cleanup effort.

Remember: Always be Prepared.
 Be sure to have a first-aid kit on hand, know the location of the nearest hospital or emergency room, and always have transportation available.