Working on the shoulder of a highway can be dangerous and requires the utmost caution and awareness. It is every Adopt-A- Highway participant’s responsibility, both volunteers and contractors, to be aware and watchful while performing work on the shoulder of any highway. When working near the traveled way, participants should always face traffic and be aware of errant vehicles. Always be aware of potential protective barriers such as guardrails, trees, or other natural obstacles that could be used to shield yourself from errant vehicles. A lookout may be used to give advance warning to your group.

Gore Points and surrounding areas are extremely dangerous because they occur at traffic decision points where motorists are normally paying attention to the task of entering or exiting the highway. While working you must be keenly aware of the dangers traffic poses while entering and exiting the highway. These areas are the onramp gore and exit gore. The entrance gore point is dangerous because motorists may be looking over their shoulder or in the rear view mirror trying to merge. The exit gore is dangerous because of motorists making a last minute exit.

Leaving bags in gore areas increases exposure to yourself and highway workers retrieving bags. Adopt-A-Highway participants should not enter gore areas at any time for any reason.

Entrance Ramp Gore Area Paved area Landscaped/ hardscaped/ mulched/ dirt area Traveled way (mainline) Gore point = Areas of concern Right shoulder of entrance ramp Entrance ramp lane

Paved Area Landscaped/ hardscaped/ mulched/ dirt area Traveled way (mainline) Gore point Exit Ramp Gore Area Right shoulder of exit ramp Exit ramp lane = Areas of Concern