Shoulder Parking Safety: Traffic & Ground Stability

Key Hazards

• Vehicles struck by passing traffic
• Workers exposed while parked on narrow shoulders
• Soft, sloped, or unstable shoulders causing vehicle movement
• Poor visibility from curves, hills, weather, or darkness
• Workers exiting into traffic lanes
• Shoulder drop-offs, ditches, culverts, or uneven ground

2–3 Minute Talk Script

Shoulder parking safety starts with deciding whether the road shoulder can support the vehicle and provide enough separation from passing traffic. Narrow, soft, sloped, washed-out, or unstable shoulders can create vehicle stability hazards while leaving drivers and workers exposed to moving traffic.

Drivers should avoid parking on the shoulder when a safer location such as a parking lot, side street, wide pull-off, or protected work area is reasonably available.

Before stopping, drivers should evaluate the shoulder surface and road edge. Soft soil, loose gravel, steep slopes, drop-offs, ditches, culverts, erosion, and recently disturbed ground can cause tires to sink, slide, or move unexpectedly.

The vehicle should be positioned as far from the travel lane as practical without placing wheels too close to an unstable edge, ditch, slope, or other condition that could affect vehicle stability.

Visibility should be considered before stopping. Curves, hills, bridges, darkness, weather, vegetation, and road speed can reduce the time approaching drivers have to recognize and react to a vehicle on the shoulder.

Warning lights, cones, triangles, signs, or other warning devices may be needed depending on traffic speed, visibility, the length of the stop, and site or company procedures.

Workers should exit on the side away from traffic when possible and avoid standing between the parked vehicle and passing vehicles. High-visibility clothing should be used when workers are exposed to roadway traffic.

Safe shoulder parking means choosing the safest available stopping location, evaluating ground and edge stability, maximizing separation and visibility, using appropriate warning devices, and limiting the amount of time workers are exposed beside traffic.

Safety Reminders

• Avoid shoulder parking when safer options exist.
• Park as far from traffic as practical.
• Check for soft ground, slopes, ditches, and drop-offs.
• Consider visibility from curves, hills, weather, and darkness.
• Use warning devices when needed.
• Exit away from traffic when possible.
• Limit time spent exposed on the shoulder.

Ask the Crew

• Is shoulder parking necessary?
• Is there a safer parking location nearby?
• Is the shoulder stable enough for the vehicle?
• Can approaching drivers see the vehicle in time?
• What warning devices are needed?