If you are planning to start a pilot car business, there are certain equipment you must have before you will get approval at different levels to start the business.
Trust me, because of the risks and hazards involved in the operation of the pilot car business, you are also required to meet certain safety standards.
In this article, we will look at some of the essential equipment a pilot car must have before it can be certified to have met the operational requirements in the United States.
List of Equipment a Pilot Car Must Have to Meet Operational Requirement
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Oversize Load Sign
An oversized load sign is a large, highly visible warning sign mounted on the front and rear of vehicles transporting oversized or overweight loads to alert other drivers on the road.
A pilot car leads or follows an oversized load to help ensure its safe passage across its route. These vehicles are typically equipped with oversized load signs to warn other drivers of the oversized load.
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Flashing Lights (Beacons)
Flashing lights or beacons, are warning lights installed on pilot cars to enhance visibility and alert other drivers to the presence of oversized or overweight loads on the road.
Similar to oversized load signs, flashing lights (beacons) help improve safety by signaling the size and location of the convoy being escorted by a pilot car, reducing the risk of accidents or collisions.
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Two-Way Radio or CB Radio
Two-way radios or CB radios are communication devices used by pilot car operators to maintain contact with the convoy and other vehicles during transit.
Two-way radios or CB radios enable real-time communication for coordinating movements, providing updates on road conditions, and addressing any emergencies, ensuring safe and efficient operations.
The driver of a pilot car typically carries a two-way radio that allows for quick communication with the truck driver they are escorting.
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Flags and Flares
Flags and flares are safety equipment used by pilot car operators to enhance visibility and warn other drivers of potential hazards.
Flags are brightly colored markers attached to vehicles to indicate the presence of an oversized load, while flares provide additional warning in low visibility conditions or emergencies, ensuring safe passage.
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Safety or Reflective Vests
A safety vest or reflective vest is a vest that is constructed out of reflective material and typically comes in a slew of bright colors.
Safety vests or reflective vests are worn by pilot car operators, road flaggers, construction crews, and emergency personnel, the function of safety vests is to help alert people that another human is present in their field of vision.
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Safety Cones or Traffic Barrels
Traffic cones, also called pylons, witches hats, road cones, highway cones, safety cones, caution cones, channelizing devices, construction cones, roadworks cones, or just cones, are usually cone-shaped markers that are placed on roads or footpaths to temporarily redirect traffic safely.
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GPS Navigation System
The Global Positioning System (GPS) is a space-based radio-navigation system consisting of a constellation of satellites broadcasting navigation signals and a network of ground stations and satellite control stations used for monitoring and control.
Pilot car operators use GPS for navigation, route planning, and real-time tracking of their location and the convoy, ensuring efficient navigation and timely communication with other vehicles during transit.
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First Aid Kit
A first aid kit is a collection of medical supplies and equipment used to provide initial treatment for injuries or medical emergencies.
Pilot cars carry first aid kits to address any injuries or medical incidents that may occur during transit, ensuring prompt and appropriate care for themselves, convoy members, or other individuals involved in the operation
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Fire Extinguisher
A fire extinguisher is a handheld active fire protection device usually filled with a dry or wet chemical used to extinguish or control small fires, often in emergencies.
Pilot cars need fire extinguishers to quickly and effectively suppress fires that may occur due to vehicle malfunctions, accidents, or other emergencies, helping to mitigate potential risks and ensure the safety of the convoy.
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Vehicle Inspection Tools
Vehicle inspection tools are equipment used to assess the condition of pilot cars before and during transit. Vehicle inspection tools include tire pressure gauges, fluid level indicators, and basic mechanical tools.
Vehicle inspection tools are essential for ensuring that pilot cars are in optimal working condition, minimizing the risk of breakdowns, and ensuring safe and efficient operations throughout the journey.
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Spare Tires and Jack
As a pilot car operator, you will need spare tires and a jack. The fact that a pilot car may encounter punctured tires during operations means that it must be well-equipped to handle such emergencies.
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Reflective Tape
Reflective tape is a highly visible adhesive tape with reflective properties, often applied to pilot cars to enhance visibility in low-light conditions or inclement weather.
Reflective tape improves the vehicle’s conspicuity, making it easier for other drivers to identify and maintain safe distances, reducing the risk of accidents.
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High-Visibility Vehicle Decals or Markings
High-visibility vehicle decals or markings are brightly colored and reflective stickers or paint applied to pilot cars to enhance their visibility on the road, especially in low-light conditions or adverse weather.
High-visibility vehicle decals or markings help other drivers identify the pilot car and convoy, reducing the risk of accidents and ensuring safe passage during operations.