Improper mailbox placement and support systems play a significant role in accidents, resulting in potential death and injuries.

Heavy, ornamental and certain multiple installations can be lethal as roadside obstacles.

Mailbox installations should conform to the following regulations:

1. Mailbox shall be constructed of light steel, aluminum or plastic conforming to U.S. Postal Service requirements. Mounting posts shall be a four (4) inch x four (4) inch square post or a two (2) inch diameter steel post.

Masonry installations, large receptacles filled with sand or concrete,

metal posts larger than two (2) inches in diameter, and wood posts

larger than four (4) inches square shall not be permitted.

2. No more than two (2) mailboxes shall be mounted on one support post.

3. The mailbox shall be firmly fixed to the support post to prevent them from separating in the event of an accident.

4. Supports shall be embedded no more than 24 inches into the ground and shall not be embedded in concrete. Posts shall not be fitted with anchor plates unless they are federally approved to meet break-away standards.

5. The mailbox, support or base may be no closer than four (4) feet to the edge of the paved or the main traveled portion of the roadway. Where shoulders, grass or gravel, are in excess of four (4) feet the mailbox, supports, and base shall be located at the back edge of the shoulder. Where curbs are constructed adjacent to the road the mailbox, supports and base shall be located at the back of curb.

Construction and snow removal along county roads creates the potential for damage to mailboxes and their support systems.

The replacement of a mailbox or support struck by a Cass County Road Commission vehicle shall be conform to the following:

1. There must be physical contact between Cass County Road Commission equipment and the mailbox or support. The Road Commission shall determine if the mailbox or support was hit by a Road Commission vehicle.

2. Mailboxes and supports knocked down by snow during removal operations shall not be replaced by the Road Commission.

3. Mailboxes whose construction does not conform to the installation regulations shall not be replaced by the Road Commission.

4. Mailbox replacements by the Road Commission shall be a standard box and post  and shall be installed as soon as practical. If the standard mailbox and post is not desirable the citizen may install a mailbox and support which meets the regulations at their own expense.

5. Damaged mailboxes and supports shall be retained by the property owner and shall be removed after the installation of any new mailbox and support.

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