The Jefferson County Sheriff’s Office in Tennessee has issued a public warning regarding a scam targeting truck drivers near a Love’s Travel Stop along Interstate 40 in Dandridge, Tennessee.

According to an official Facebook post by the sheriff’s office, victims reported being approached by a suspect who then led them to a group of accomplices. The victims were coerced into participating in a betting game, which resulted in them being scammed out of their money and valuable items, such as jewelry.

The sheriff’s office has shared photos of the suspects and urged anyone with useful information to contact Detective Lt. Robby McMahan. If you have pertinent details, you can call 865-471-6000 ext. 1105 or email rmemahan@jeffersontytn.gov.

Text Scams Impersonating State Agencies

The Jefferson County Sheriff’s Office also alerted the public on June 5 about a separate scam involving fraudulent text messages. These messages falsely claim to come from the “Tennessee Department of Vehicles” and warn recipients of outstanding traffic violations. The texts threaten fines, suspensions, and prosecution if payments are not made by a specified deadline and include links to supposedly resolve the issue.

Authorities advise recipients not to click these links and to immediately delete such messages. This particular scam follows a growing trend of phishing schemes targeting individuals through text messages across multiple states.

Earlier in the month, state Departments of Transportation from Idaho, Iowa, and Wisconsin also cautioned residents against similar scams. These phishing attempts often involve fake requests for payments related to unpaid tolls or traffic violations and use fraudulent messages that appear to be from official state agencies.

Tina Braddy, Director of Wisconsin’s DMV Bureau of Driver Services, commented on the pattern of scams, stating, “We’re hearing from our DMV counterparts that Illinois, Pennsylvania, Florida, New Jersey, Georgia, and New York were hit with this scam last week. Given the number of calls we’re getting from DMV customers, it’s likely Wisconsin is the next target. We want to protect our residents, so we are quickly issuing this alert to ensure fewer fall victim to these scams.”

Protect Yourself from Fraud

Both scams highlight the importance of vigilance when dealing with unsolicited communications, especially those requesting payments or personal information. If you receive suspicious messages or are approached under dubious circumstances, report them to local authorities and avoid sharing any sensitive details. Always verify the authenticity of messages or calls claiming to come from official organizations before taking any action.

Source: Land Line

The post Tennessee Scams Targeting Truck Drivers and Texting Scams Reported appeared first on Truck Drivers USA.

Emergency Safety Solutions (ESS) has unveiled the HELP Alert Network, a real-time, groundbreaking hazard communication system designed to enhance safety on roadways.

Tim VanGoethem, ESS CPO, shared, “The HELP Alert Network represents a groundbreaking leap forward in how we protect vulnerable vehicles and individuals on the road. By empowering a broader community of vehicles and systems to communicate with each other in real-time, we’re working with our customers and network partners to deliver critical, life-saving awareness precisely where – and when – it’s needed most.”

According to ESS, this integrated system is poised to revolutionize road safety by overcoming the limitations of outdated hazard lights and disconnected vehicle technologies. The HELP Alert Network communicates essential alerts with exceptional speed and accuracy, improving situational awareness for all road users.

How HELP Works

The HELP Alert Network gathers and processes critical hazard data from various sources, including connected vehicles, fleet platforms, roadway work zones, and emergency systems. The system then shares this information with navigation apps and in-vehicle displays, providing timely and accurate updates to help drivers and autonomous systems react quickly and effectively.

This advanced communication network supports better decision-making for the entire transportation ecosystem, enhancing safety across the board.

A Unified Approach to Roadway Safety

The HELP Alert Network comprises three key service pillars that work together to create safer roadways:

1. Notification Partner Network: This network includes vehicles, devices, and platforms that detect and share critical hazard data. These may include disabled or vulnerable vehicles equipped with ESS’s globally patented HELP Digital Alerts, work zone vehicles, emergency response fleets, and even wrong-way drivers.
2. Protect Partner Network: This advanced system calculates and distributes real-time alerts about roadway hazards to navigation platforms, in-dash displays, mobile devices, and autonomous vehicle systems, ensuring drivers are aware of potential dangers ahead.
3. Response Partner Network: This network enables faster and more informed emergency responses by quickly sharing incident data with traffic management centers, 9-1-1 providers, and public safety networks.

ESS highlighted their progress, noting, “With its patented safety technologies now deployed in the market, ESS is expanding HELP and actively bidding projects with commercial fleets, Department of Transportation fleets, OEMs, and beyond – advancing public safety and extending protection across America’s roadways.”

Innovative Features for the Modern Road

ESS’s HELP safety system introduces cutting-edge communication technologies that replace outdated hazard lights and systems. Key features include:

• HELP Lighting Alerts

This high-visibility flash pattern significantly increases the visibility of stationary and vulnerable vehicles, prompting oncoming drivers to slow down and move over, thus reducing accidents.

• HELP Digital Alerts

These alerts notify oncoming motorists about disabled or vulnerable vehicles via mobile navigation apps and in-cabin displays. Warnings provide drivers with advanced notice about potential dangers.

“These connected vehicle features work together to enhance situational awareness, reduce collisions, and increase protection for not just drivers – but also passengers, pedestrians, and roadside workers alike,” stated ESS.

With the HELP Alert Network, ESS continues to redefine modern roadway safety, delivering unmatched technology for protecting lives and ensuring safer roads.

Source: The Trucker
Image Source: ESS

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Starting this week, the 6-State Trooper Project is in full swing, with state police from Indiana, Kentucky, Michigan, Ohio, Pennsylvania, and West Virginia launching an eight-day enforcement push focused entirely on seat belt violations. The high-visibility campaign runs from Monday, May 19 through Memorial Day, wrapping up on Monday, May 26.

This coordinated initiative is part of an ongoing effort to keep roadways safer through joint enforcement and shared resources. It comes at a time when traffic tends to spike — and so does the risk of serious crashes involving unrestrained drivers and passengers.

Last year, this initiative resulted in 8,159 seat belt citations across the participating states.

The multi-agency collaboration behind the effort, known as the 6-State Trooper Project, is designed to enhance highway safety, support criminal patrol operations, and improve interagency communication across state lines.

While the focus this time is seat belt compliance, the larger mission is always about saving lives.

With millions expected to hit the road for the holiday, officials are urging everyone behind the wheel — especially commercial drivers — to lead by example. Whether you’re hauling freight or heading to a family cookout, it’s a simple move that could make all the difference.

Source: Truckers New

The post Seat Belt Crackdown Underway Across Six States for Memorial Day Travel appeared first on Truck Drivers USA.

Work Zone Safety is Everyone’s Responsibility

“Work zone safety is a shared responsibility, whether behind the wheel or working on the side of the road,” said Deputy Governor and TDOT Commissioner Butch Eley. He added, “We engineer our roads to be as safe as possible, but no amount of engineering can change driver behavior. 113 TDOT workers have been killed in work zones. Let’s work together to ensure everyone makes it home safely.”

As spring and summer kick off peak construction season, Tennessee’s highways will see crews performing major projects like interstate expansions, roadway repaving, and even essential tasks like litter collection. These work zones are necessary to maintain and improve roadways but come with increased risks for workers and drivers alike.

Last year, Tennessee reported 16 fatalities in work zone crashes. As of this year, there have already been 35 incidents where vehicles crashed into TDOT equipment, including HELP Trucks that assist stranded motorists.

TDOT’s Work Zone Safety Campaign

To combat these alarming statistics, TDOT has been running the “Work with Us—Move Over, Slow Down” safety campaign since 2017. This initiative reminds drivers across Tennessee about the importance of year-round vigilance in work zones. It encourages motorists to take the “Work with Us” pledge to commit to safer driving behavior.

Key messages will be shared on TDOT’s overhead Dynamic Message Signs, which are visible in major cities, including Memphis, Nashville, Chattanooga, and Knoxville. Orange lighting will also illuminate prominent buildings and bridges throughout the state to symbolize the campaign. Additionally, “Work with Us” signs will be stationed near construction areas to further emphasize driver safety.

The Human Impact of Work Zone Incidents

Work zone safety is more than just numbers. Crashes can leave a lasting impact on families, workers, and communities. TDOT reports that 2024 there were 2,318 total crashes in work zones, including 563 that resulted in injuries. These sobering statistics highlight the urgent need for drivers to prioritize safety.

Unfortunately, risks aren’t limited to primary work zones. TDOT’s secondary work zones, where HELP Trucks and other first responders provide assistance, also face significant dangers. These vehicles are often struck while helping motorists, putting workers in harm’s way.

How You Can Help

TDOT urges drivers to take specific actions to protect both themselves and workers:

• Check traffic conditions before leaving: Use TDOT SmartWay to plan your route and avoid unnecessary delays.
• Put your phone away: Secure your device in a hands-free system to eliminate distractions.
• Follow Move Over laws: Slow down and change lanes when you see flashing lights or vehicles in work zones.

Join the Effort to Save Lives

With thousands of crashes and dozens of injuries each year, small actions like reducing speed and staying alert can make a significant difference. The Tennessee Department of Transportation is asking every driver to do their part to help ensure “We All Get Home.”

Source: The Trucker
Image Source: MSN

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Between 2013 and 2023, the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration reported approximately 3,500 fatalities involving individuals standing near disabled vehicles. These troubling numbers have prompted state lawmakers to pursue updates to move-over laws, providing greater coverage and clarity. Here’s a look at how several states are advancing their road safety statutes.

Kansas

Kansas has recently broadened its move-over legislation. Governor Laura Kelly signed a law expanding protections that previously applied to emergency vehicles, law enforcement, and utility trucks. The updated rule now includes any stopped, standing, or parked vehicle displaying hazard lights, road flares, cones, reflective triangles, or other caution signals.

Colonel Erik Smith of the Kansas Highway Patrol explained that the law aligns the state’s safety message to simplify public understanding. “It aligns our message across the board – if you see flashing lights, move over and slow down,” Smith testified before the Senate committee.

Governor Kelly emphasized the importance of these changes, saying, “Thanks to this commonsense bill, all drivers will now be required to move over or slow down if there is a vehicle on the side of the road with flashing lights. This bill will improve safety and will make it easier to educate the driving public.”

West Virginia

West Virginia lawmakers are advancing move-over provisions to include additional vehicles. Current law requires motorists to slow down or change lanes for emergency vehicles with their lights activated.

Proposed legislation (HB2344) seeks to protect maintenance vehicles and any stationary vehicle displaying warning signals, such as flashers, flares, or reflective markers. With support from state representatives, the measure now heads to the Senate Transportation and Infrastructure Committee for further consideration.

California

California is among the states pushing for further move-over protections. Current law requires drivers to move over or reduce speed for emergency vehicles, tow trucks, and Caltrans vehicles.

Assembly Bill 390 (AB 390) aims to include all marked highway maintenance vehicles and any other stationary vehicle displaying flashing hazard lights or safety signals, such as cones, flares, or reflective devices.

Assemblymember Lori Wilson remarked that this change is long overdue, backed by data from AAA Foundation for Traffic Safety, which reported 72 deaths, including truck drivers, delivery workers, motorists, and passengers, outside disabled vehicles in 2021 alone. California’s highways have also recorded the second-highest number of fatalities under similar circumstances nationwide between 2013 and 2022.

Massachusetts

Massachusetts is proposing amendments to its move-over law through Senate Bill 2352 (S2352). The current statute already covers emergency, maintenance, and recovery vehicles. However, the amendment seeks to extend protections to utility vehicles and stationary disabled vehicles parked on shoulders or in breakdown lanes.

This proposal is under review by the Senate Transportation Committee and aims to enhance roadside safety in a densely populated and highly trafficked state.

New Hampshire

New Hampshire is joining the move to expand roadside safety laws. Currently, state law requires drivers to slow down and move over for emergency vehicles with red, blue, or amber lights.

Senate Bill 273 (SB 273) aims to add coverage for vehicles stopped with activated hazard lights or other safety devices, such as cones or flares. Following unanimous approval from the Senate, the provision moves forward with support from the New Hampshire State Police.

Urging safe driving behaviors, Colonel Mark Hall stated, “We urge everyone to prioritize safety by paying attention, slowing down, and moving over for those working or stopped on the side of our roads.”

New Jersey

A year after extending protections to all roadside vehicles with hazard lights, road flares, or reflective markers, New Jersey lawmakers are considering additional refinements.

Amendments under Assembly Bill 4813 (A4813) would require drivers to move over or slow down for stationary vehicles, even if they are not utilizing hazard lights or reflective warnings. This measure has already passed the Assembly and now awaits review from the Senate Transportation Committee.

Ohio

Ohio lawmakers are working to strengthen their move-over laws with Senate Bill 16 (SB 16). The bill proposes protection for any “vehicle in distress” displaying safety signals like flares, red lights, reflectors, or hazard lights.

Currently, Ohio’s law covers emergency, utility, and enforcement vehicles with flashing warning lights. This bill, now under review by the Senate Transportation Committee, broadens the definition of protected vehicles.

Texas

Texas also seeks to strengthen its roadside protections. Lone Star State law already requires drivers to slow down to 20 mph below the posted limit when passing emergency vehicles, tow trucks, or similar official vehicles.

House Bill 3726 (HB 3726) and Senate Bill 2126 (SB 2126) aim to extend these requirements to vehicles stopped on highway shoulders or adjacent areas with hazard lights activated. Both measures are under consideration in their respective transportation committees.

A Unified Push for Safer Roads

With nearly half of all U.S. states now revising move-over laws to encompass more roadside scenarios, lawmakers are aligning efforts to create cohesive public safety messaging. These updates not only aim to reduce roadside accidents but also emphasize the importance of vigilance for all drivers.

For the thousands of individuals working, assisting, or traveling on America’s roads, these changes offer much-needed protection. By respecting move-over laws, drivers contribute to safer highways where everyone is afforded the precautions they deserve.

Source: Land Line

The post Kansas and Other States Expand Move-Over Laws to Improve Roadside Safety appeared first on Truck Drivers USA.

A Dangerous Spike in Snowplow Collisions

On Wednesday, February 12, during a massive statewide snowstorm, Iowa recorded 15 incidents where vehicles struck DOT snowplows, setting a new single-day record. Previously, the highest number of snowplow strikes in a single day stood at nine in 2024.

This year’s unprecedented collisions didn’t just impact February. Until this week, only nine snowplow hits had been recorded for the entire 2025 winter season, which officially began on October 15. Now, with two months remaining until winter operations conclude on April 15, the season’s total has climbed to 25 snowplow strikes.

To put this in perspective, the annual average for snowplow collisions from 2015 to 2024 hovered around 32, with the highest total set in 2019 at 47 accidents.

Collision Breakdown and Key Patterns

The snowstorm’s collisions comprised equal numbers of rear-end hits and sideswipes, occurring across multiple regions, including the northeast, southeast, and southwest parts of Iowa. Seven of these accidents were reported along the heavily traveled I-80 corridor. While snowfall persisted throughout the day, the majority of incidents took place during daylight hours.

Although all 15 strikes caused varying levels of damage to snowplows, specific estimates are not yet available.

Why Are Snowplow Collisions Happening?

Craig Bargfrede, Iowa DOT’s winter operations administrator, pointed to several preventable factors contributing to this sharp rise in snowplow collisions.

“Many motorists are distracted and not recognizing what’s ahead or adjusting their following distances in winter driving conditions,” he explained. “Additionally, speed and visibility—two key factors—are creating dangerous situations. Working plows travel between 10 and 35 miles per hour and often create snow clouds that reduce visibility. Drivers approach these clouds too quickly without reducing their speed.”

Bargfrede emphasized that these accidents not only jeopardize the safety of DOT employees but also compromise the safety of all motorists. Many collisions even result in snowplows being taken out of service, limiting their ability to maintain safer roads during critical times.

Stay Safe Around Snowplows with Smart Driving Practices

To prevent accidents and protect both DOT workers and travelers, the Iowa DOT urges drivers to follow these vital safety tips when approaching a snowplow:

1. Don’t Crowd the Plow

Snowplows are wider than most road vehicles and frequently turn or exit the roadway. Their front blades extend several feet and may cross the shoulder or centerline.

2. Avoid Passing on the Shoulder Side

Plows are designed to move snow toward shoulders, making it unsafe to pass on that side. Stay behind them—it’s safer and ensures cleared paths.

3. Beware of Wing Blades

Watch out for wing blades, which may be hidden under blowing snow but extend from either side of the snowplow truck.

4. Don’t Tailgate or Stop Too Close

Keep a safe distance behind snowplows as they may stop abruptly or spread deicing materials onto the road. Following too closely puts you at risk if they need to maneuver suddenly.

5. Limit Time Beside the Plow

Driving alongside snowplows can be risky, especially if a snowdrift or packed snow causes the truck to shift unexpectedly.

6. Move Away from the Centerline

When passing a snowplow on a two-lane road, give them space by moving to the far-right side of your lane.

7. Pass Only When Absolutely Necessary

If you need to pass a snowplow, wait for a large, unmistakably clear opening, and don’t merge back too closely.

8. Use Your Headlights

Using your headlights ensures that snowplow operators can spot you easily in their mirrors, especially in low-visibility conditions.

Source: The Trucker

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