When approaching a bridge, what should you pay attention to?

When approaching a bridge, it's crucial to pay attention to possible clearance limits and traffic signals. Understanding clearance limits is essential for ensuring that your vessel can safely pass under the bridge without risk of collision or damage, particularly for taller boats that may not fit beneath lower structures. Additionally, traffic signals are used to manage the flow of both marine and vehicular traffic, providing important information about when it is safe to proceed. Ignoring these factors could lead to hazardous situations, such as running into a bridge or having to suddenly stop if a signal indicates that passage is prohibited. Therefore, awareness of these elements is vital for safe navigation in areas with bridges.