Although AASHTO’s 1998 Interim specification contained more detail with regards to the “how to” and performance criteria of a safe electrical disconnect system, the language was only suggestive as seen by the use of the words “SHOULD”.  In the 2001 guide, AASHTO has revised their language going from a detailed suggestion (“should”) to an absolute requirement as indicated by the usage of the word “SHALL”.  

The key language in the new specification reads, “Upon knockdown, the structure shall electrically disconnect as close to the concrete foundation (pole base) as possible.”  
 
A review of any state’s current knockdowns as compared to new systems available on the market and referred to within both the Highway Engineer’s Handbook and the FHWA-NHI Highway Safety Course is needed to determine whether or not a particular state’s current specification adheres to the AASHTO guideline.  An assessment of most states today indicate that their current wiring method or system would not comply with the new criteria.  Failure to comply with the AASHTO guideline could have several detrimental effects.  For example, the Code of Federal Regulations (23 CFR 625) requires National Highway System (NHS) and Federally funded projects (including lighting) to follow the minimum guidelines set forth in AASHTO’s Standard Specifications for Structural Supports for Highway Signs, Luminaires and Traffic Signals.  Variance from the minimum guidelines found within this AASHTO publication can result in a failure to receive federal funds for the respective project and/or unnecessary exposure to lawsuits based upon gross negligence wherein punitive damages can be awarded against an individual engineer.  

There are systems available today that can assure compliance with AASHTO and reduce, if not eliminate, future liability in the event of injury or death attributed to electrical wiring of a breakaway structure.  If you are a design professional, it is your duty in design to provide the highest practical and feasible level of safety for people and property associated with the Nations’ Highway Transportation Systems, and further, to reduce highway hazards along with the resulting number and severity of accidents on all the nation’s highways.  I encourage all DOT engineers and consultants to conduct due diligence in staying abreast of both newly issued design guidelines, published recommendations as well as the technological advances that can save lives and maintenance dollars. 

**Also of note in the new AASHTO Specifications is the requirement for breakaway supports to be tested with breakaway wiring devices in place [ section 12.5.1( j ) ].  In the past, poles were tested “hollow” without any wiring whatsoever thereby eliminating a consideration that may very well adversely affect the trajectory of the pole during knockdown.

The complete set of specifications is available from the AASHTO bookstore (www.aashto.org)

-Martin A. Maners, III
Martin A. Maners, III is the Vice President & General Counsel for [MG]², Inc.  He has a B.S. from  the University of Alabama at Birmingham and J.D. from the Cumberland School of Law.  Mr. Maners serves as an industry member of AASHTO’s Task Force 13 and the ITS America EAC.  He is also a member of the American Bar Association, and the Association of Trial Lawyers of America Section on Motor Vehicle Collision, Highway and Premises Liability Section.  He provides presentations on roadway safety technology for Municipalities and DOT’s across the United States.