Listed in Asset Management
Defending Against Liability Claims
Highway departments are on the front lines of public safety, maintaining roads, traffic signals, signs, and other infrastructure that keeps communities moving. But with that responsibility comes liability. If a stop sign is missing, a traffic signal malfunctions, or a hazard goes unaddressed, a town can quickly find itself facing legal claims.
That’s where an asset management system becomes more than just a helpful tool—it becomes a vital part of your department’s legal defense.
How Asset Management Strengthens Liability Protection
When a claim arises, such as an accident at an intersection where a sign was allegedly missing or a traffic light failed, your ability to produce clear, verifiable records can mean the difference between a quick resolution and a costly legal battle. An asset management system gives you that confidence.
Here’s how:
Traffic Signal Records
Modern asset management systems allow departments to track:
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The exact location and type of every traffic signal
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Maintenance logs showing when each unit was inspected, repaired, or upgraded
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Notes or photos from field crews
If a claim is made about a malfunctioning signal, you can pull up a record showing it was last serviced just days prior, or that the issue was already identified and scheduled for repair. That kind of documentation goes a long way in demonstrating due diligence.
Traffic Sign Inventory
Signs are one of the most common sources of liability claims. Whether it’s a missing stop sign or a faded speed limit sign, failure to maintain proper signage can open a town to risk. An asset management system:
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Tracks every sign's location with GPS coordinates
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Stores installation and replacement dates
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Maintains condition ratings and notes from field inspections
You can also log photos showing the sign was in place and legible at the time in question. These kinds of records are difficult to dispute.
Roadway Conditions and Maintenance
Beyond signs and signals, asset management systems track pothole repairs, snow plowing routes, shoulder drop-offs, drainage issues, and more. Having a log of work orders and completed maintenance shows that your department actively manages hazards.
What Happens When You Don’t Have Records?
If a claim goes to court and your department can't produce documentation, the presumption often shifts against you. Without records, it may appear that no action was taken or that the issue was ignored. That can result in settlements, higher insurance premiums, or even judgments against the municipality.
A Digital Shield for Your Crew
Think of your asset management system as your department’s digital shield. It:
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Protects your team by showing they’re doing their jobs
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Supports your town’s legal defense
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Reduces risk for insurance carriers
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Keeps your infrastructure in better condition
And most importantly - it gives you peace of mind.
Protect Your Town by Documenting Your Work
Asset management systems aren’t just for planning budgets or scheduling maintenance. They’re also a vital tool for liability protection. By recording what work you’ve done, where you’ve done it, and when it was completed, your highway department can confidently defend itself when legal claims arise. In today’s world, that kind of documentation isn’t a luxury, it’s a necessity.