Safe Shoulder Parking
A safety talk discussing safe parking practices on roadway shoulders for utility crews, inspectors, and municipal workers.
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Key Hazards
- Soft or unstable shoulder conditions
- Passing traffic near parked vehicles
- Reduced visibility around curves or hills
2–3 Minute Talk Script
Safe shoulder parking is important for utility crews, inspectors, survey teams, and municipal workers operating near roadways. Parking on narrow or unstable shoulders can expose workers and vehicles to serious hazards.
Drivers should inspect shoulder conditions before parking. Soft ground, steep slopes, or drop-offs can cause vehicles to become unstable or stuck. Vehicles should be positioned to maximize visibility for approaching traffic.
Different roadside environments create different risks. Rural roads may have narrow shoulders and limited lighting, while urban areas involve higher traffic volume and pedestrian activity.
Workers should use warning lights, reflective PPE, and cones whenever appropriate. Entering and exiting parked vehicles near traffic requires constant awareness.
Safety Reminders
- Inspect shoulder conditions before parking.
- Use warning lights and reflective PPE.
- Park where visibility is greatest.
- Stay alert when exiting vehicles near traffic.
Ask the Crew
- Are today’s roadside shoulders stable enough for parking?
- Do we need additional traffic control around parked vehicles?