HIGH VISIBILITY GARMENTS FOR SPOTTERS-CHASERS-MEDIA?

[JIM SELLARS]

Just a reminder...On November 24th, 2008 Federal Highway Administration (FHWA) regulation 23 CFR 634 goes into effect. It requires the wearing of high visibility garments on all federally funded highways. This is a compliance issue for public safety, the towing and recovery, road construction and maintenance industries. Its impact on spotters and chasers has not been determined.... reading the law I see where it could become an issue...Does anyone have more info on this?....

 

[Darrin Rasberry]

I don't see anything in the law's definition of "workers" requiring this outside of construction crews and emergency responders. Hopefully that's how it will be interpreted...

 

[rdale]

Although it's not a bad idea to spend $20 on a reflective garment if you spend much time on the highway system outside of your car...

 

[Shane Adams]

Law or not, doesn't sound like a bad idea. Hell, I'd even strap a Kojak light to my head.

 

[Mike Hollingshead]

I carry flares, which I ignite and strap to my waist.

When they change the law for chasers to have to wear those things, are they going to change the law allowing you to park on shoulders in the first place?

 

[mike scantlin]

lightbarz......................

 

[Tim Shriver]

While I do not think this applies to spotters, I do think it is a good idea.
You can never be too safe these days..

Tim

 

[Ryan McGinnis]

I carry flares, which I ignite and strap to my waist.

When they change the law for chasers to have to wear those things, are they going to change the law allowing you to park on shoulders in the first place?

Dude, nobody's ever going to see anything mounted to your waist. You have to get a skull mount screw flare. They hurt a bit going in, but the feeling of satisfaction you get from the highway patrolman giving you the thumbs up as he drives by is well worth it.

 

[Dann Cianca]

Dude, nobody's ever going to see anything mounted to your waist. You have to get a skull mount screw flare. They hurt a bit going in, but the feeling of satisfaction you get from the highway patrolman giving you the thumbs up as he drives by is well worth it.

... and you're always a popular fixture at 1st birthday parties.

 

[Jim Saueressig]

Most likely it will be like Kansas where aside from the emergency personnel part its if anything you are doing is federally funded in any amount that is putting you on the interstate.

 

[Sam Sagnella]

I agree with many in this thread, in that, while I doubt this will technically apply to chasers/spotters, I think it's probably not a bad idea to wear something that'll increase your ability to been seen along the side of the road. Now I'm not thinking "rodeo clown" LOL, but something mildly-reflective - along the lines of what you might wear while running in the evening - is probably smart. We've all seen the crazies on the road at one time or another, and as far as that goes it's definitely 'better safe than sorry.'

 

[Bill Hark]

I also doubt it apples to chasers/spotters but probably is a good idea especially after dark. I have seen some nice reflective vests at Dick's and other sports equipment stores for runners. I use one for running that is very light and greatly increases my visibility.

Bill Hark

 

[Chris Howell]

I agree with the others. Oftentimes we are on the side of the road...sometimes walking across the road several times..back and forth...it would be a good idea if we do wear something bright such as a reflective garment. So far I don't believe this law will affect us, but for safety concerns its better to be safe than sorry.

 

[Jason Foster]

Not for me.

I don't know....my approach for next year is to be as low profile as possible....no stickers, no lightbars, no shiny vests. Just me, and vehicle, hopefully off someplace away from the hoards of people. I'd rather look like I'm just pulled over for no apparent reason doing just fine. Shiny jackets might have folks pulling over asking what's going on, etc. All that pesky questions in my video isn't helping.

 

[Jesse Risley]

I concur that it's a wise idea to wear protective clothing if you're outside of your vehicle, yet within close proximity to major highways while chasing.

Reading the text published in the Federal Register, the law will only apply to "workers," whether paid or volunteer, whose actual duties place them on or in close proximity to a Federal-aid highway right-of-way.

It does mention that "workers" would include media representatives when covering news events or similar action within highway rights-of-way funded by Federal-aid. Actual enforcement of the provision seems to be a bit sketchy according to what's published in the Federal Register.