When winter’s biting cold hits Illinois, ensuring safety on the road becomes paramount. To tackle this, the Illinois Tollway has launched a dedicated effort to assist drivers during frigid conditions, employing continuous patrols for rapid roadside help.
Assistance When You Need It Most
The Illinois Tollway is encouraging drivers to stay prepared for severe cold weather travel and to call *999 if assistance is needed on the Tollway system. Help is available for those facing mechanical issues or being stranded. Regularly deployed Zero Weather Road Patrols are now active around the clock, improving the response time for those needing help.
“Safety is always our highest priority and during this frigid weather we want to remind drivers they can always reach us by dialing *999 if they need roadside assistance on our system,” not only during freezing winter weather but throughout the year,” said Illinois Tollway Executive Director Cassaundra Rouse.
By calling *999, drivers can connect with Zero Weather Road Patrols, Tollway Highway Emergency Lane Patrol (H.E.L.P.) trucks, or Tollway roadway maintenance teams who are ready to provide aid.
Winter Driving Tips from the Illinois Tollway
The Tollway has issued advice for drivers navigating brutal winter conditions to stay safe on the road. Follow these essential tips when driving during subzero temperatures:
- Use *999 for Assistance: Provide your location details, like the nearest mile marker or crossroad, for faster help.
- Stay in Your Vehicle: If stranded, turn on your emergency lights and remain inside your car until responders arrive.
- Charge Your Phone Fully: Ensure your cell phone has enough battery life before leaving your destination.
- Mind Your Tires: Cold weather deflates tires—check inflation levels regularly.
- Keep a Full Tank: Avoid gas line freeze-ups by maintaining your tank at least halfway full.
- Pack a Safety Kit: Include gloves, blankets, boots, flares, bottled water, and a flashlight with fresh batteries in your car.
For real-time updates on road conditions, drivers can subscribe to Tollway Trip Tweets at Twitter or find updates on the Tollway’s website at illinoistollway.com. Track specific roadways like @94_294_Tollway and @I_88_Tollway for personalized alerts.
Around-The-Clock Zero Weather Road Patrols
During freezing conditions, the Illinois Tollway deploys 24-hour Zero Weather Road Patrols to supplement regular roadside services provided by the H.E.L.P. trucks.
Available Monday through Friday from 4 a.m. to 8 p.m. under Geico sponsorship, H.E.L.P. trucks are complemented by at least 12 Zero Weather Road Patrols outside these hours, including nights and weekends.
These patrol vehicles, equipped with arrow boards for traffic management, can transport stranded drivers to Tollway maintenance garages, plazas, or oases while helping address common issues like flat tires, drained car batteries, overworked radiators, and empty gas tanks.
Source: The Trucker
