“This pause allows us to ensure our team members have the right tools, training, and processes in place to safely assist professional drivers on the road,” said Kathleen Roseman, TA’s vice president of fleet sales, channel partner programs, and small fleets.

The company has not announced when the program will resume, and details on the exact reason for the suspension have not been shared. Roadside assistance on highways is affected, but services in parking lots, rest areas, and other off-road locations will continue.

This action comes after a tragic incident on October 23, when a TA service technician was killed while assisting a Freightliner on Interstate 80 in Frelinghuysen Township, New Jersey. Reports confirm he was a diesel technician for TravelCenters of America.

Roadside accidents remain a serious risk for truck drivers and service personnel. On average, 566 people die and more than 14,000 are injured each year in incidents involving disabled vehicles on highways. That risk is why move-over laws exist in all states, requiring drivers to slow down or move over when approaching stationary emergency vehicles.

Many states have expanded these protections in recent years to include all types of stopped vehicles, including commercial service and tow trucks. This year alone, California, Kansas, New Hampshire, and West Virginia updated their laws. Massachusetts, New Jersey, and Wisconsin are considering similar measures. In New Jersey, where the recent fatality occurred, the current law only protects emergency, highway maintenance, tow, and sanitation vehicles. Proposed legislation A4813 would extend protection to any stationary vehicle.

For truck drivers, the temporary pause at TravelCenters of America is a reminder to have backup plans for roadside support. Safety isn’t just about rules; it’s about protecting yourself, your rig, and those helping you when trouble strikes on the road.

Source: Land Line Media

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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

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Source: The IDT response truck will patrol Interstate 90, which is heavily traveled and experiences traffic congestion because it is a link to Spokane, Wash. (Idaho Transportation Department)

Program Overview

The roadside assistance program provides critical services to stranded drivers, ensuring smoother traffic flow and heightened safety for all road users.

Operating Hours and Coverage

• Schedule: The patrol operates from Tuesday through Friday, running from 6 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Adjustments to these hours may occur with seasonal shifts.

• Patrol Zones:

• • Interstate 90 (I-90), spanning from the Idaho-Washington state line to Coeur d’Alene.

• • U.S. Route 95, covering the corridor from the Spokane River Bridge to Lancaster Road in Coeur d’Alene.

• • Key locations, such as the construction area at the SH-41 Interchange and the upcoming four-lane expansion between Post Falls and Coeur d’Alene.

Why This Initiative Matters

With an average of 4,100 trucks traveling I-90 daily, ensuring prompt responses to roadside issues and emergencies is crucial to maintaining traffic efficiency and safety.

Support Services Offered

Patrol vehicles are equipped to handle various common roadside troubles, including:

• Fixing flat tires.

• Providing small quantities of fuel for vehicles out of gas.

• Jump-starting cars with dead batteries.

• Assisting vehicles stuck in ditches with push/pull solutions.

The Tools Behind the Program

Motorists can expect the latest Idaho Transportation Department (ITD) response trucks, equipped with the necessary tools to resolve minor mechanical problems. These vehicles also feature emergency lights and signs for added safety during incidents.

A Collaborative Effort

ITD has partnered with local law enforcement agencies to strengthen incident response strategies. This collaboration ensures thorough coordination in managing emergencies, from minor crashes to vehicle breakdowns.

Expert Insight

Ryan Crabtree, business operations manager at ITD, shared his perspective on the program’s focus. “The goal is to improve safety and reduce risks for stranded motorists while maintaining smoother traffic flow in these high-volume corridors.”

Strategic Deployment

The patrol schedule was thoughtfully designed around peak traffic times and patterns, ensuring drivers receive help when they need it most. Priority is given to areas undergoing active construction, where roadside assistance can make a significant difference in managing traffic efficiently.

Source: Transport Topics

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