With the summer heat bearing down, the Illinois Tollway is stepping up to protect drivers from the risks of extreme temperatures. They’ve launched around-the-clock Hot Weather Patrols—a dedicated effort to spot and help anyone stuck along the Tollway system during dangerously hot conditions.
A Safety Net on the Road
“The Illinois Tollway typically mobilizes special Hot Weather Patrols to provide additional roadside assistance whenever temperatures or heat indexes indicate conditions could be hazardous for drivers stopped along the road,” the Tollway said in a recent press release.
These patrols are designed to actively search for stranded vehicles and respond to calls for help made to *999, the Illinois Tollway dispatch, or the Illinois State Police.
Illinois Tollway Executive Director Cassaundra Rouse emphasized how critical this service is right now:
“During this dangerously hot weather, we are adding these additional road patrols to better protect our customers by ensuring we can more rapidly find and aid drivers who are stranded along our roads or need assistance. Safety is always our highest priority.”
If you find yourself in trouble, you’re encouraged to call *999 and share your location, including the highway name, direction of travel, and the nearest mile marker or crossroad. It’s also important to stay with your vehicle, switch on your emergency lights, and wait for help to arrive.
More Patrols, More Coverage
Normally, the Tollway’s Highway Emergency Lane Patrol (H.E.L.P.) runs on weekdays from 5 a.m. to 8 p.m. But with the heatwave, extra patrols are hitting the roads—at least 12 specially equipped trucks are now on duty 24/7. These vehicles come with traffic arrow boards and can transport passengers to a safe, air-conditioned spot like a Tollway maintenance garage or oasis while arrangements are made for vehicle assistance.
The Hot Weather Patrols can help with common problems like:
- Running out of gas
- Flat tires
- Dead batteries
- Overheated engines
How to Stay Safe in the Heat
Along with deploying patrols, the Tollway is also urging drivers to prep for summer travel with these tips:
- Check your tire pressure – Under-inflated tires are more likely to blow out in hot weather.
- Top off fluids – Engine coolant and other fluids help prevent overheating.
- Keep an emergency kit – Pack water, snacks, jumper cables, a flashlight, road flares, tools, and a first aid kit.
- Stay off your phone – Using handheld devices while driving is against Illinois law.
- Move over for stopped vehicles – It’s not just courtesy; it’s the law when you see hazard lights.
With temperatures rising, the Illinois Tollway is making it clear that driver safety comes first. These extra patrols are more than just trucks on the road—they’re a lifeline for anyone who might get stuck in the heat. Just remember: help is always within reach at *999.
Source: The Trucker
