All Adopt-A-Highway volunteers must watch a safety training video and abide by safety guidelines, which include but are not limited to the following:
- Wear all safety gear, including orange safety vests, provided by the N.C. Department of Transportation, as well as heavy work gloves, substantial shoes or boots and brightly colored clothing that covers arms and legs.
- Never wear or take along items that could distract drivers or impair their ability to drive.
- Work during daylight hours in good weather and discontinue service during inclement weather.
- Work one side of the road at a time while facing oncoming traffic.
- Stay at least 5 feet away from the edge of the road.
- Avoid overexertion and stay clear of mowing operations, construction and maintenance work.
- Watch for snakes, stinging insects and poisonous plants.
- Avoid overfilling trash bags to help prevent injuries.
- Never touch discarded syringes, needles and other hazardous materials. Instead, contact NCDOT to arrange safe removal.
- Carpool to cleanup sites to limit the number of vehicles parked along roadsides.
- Park vehicles clear of the roadway and on the same side volunteers are working.