Truck drivers relying on TravelCenters of America for emergency roadside assistance will need to plan. TA has temporarily paused its roadside assistance program while it reviews safety procedures and updates its protocols.
“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
