As temperatures soar, the Illinois Tollway is taking proactive measures to ensure the safety and well-being of its drivers. With dangerously hot and humid conditions expected to persist, the Tollway has launched 24-hour hot weather patrols. These patrols are designed to quickly locate and assist motorists who may find themselves stranded along the Illinois Tollway system. Learn about these initiatives and essential summer travel tips to stay safe on the road.
The Illinois Tollway understands the risks associated with traveling during extreme heat. Overheated vehicles, flat tires, and other heat-related issues can leave drivers vulnerable. The implementation of these additional patrols demonstrates a commitment to driver safety and aims to minimize potential disruptions caused by the weather. By providing rapid assistance, the Tollway helps to prevent dangerous situations and ensures that motorists can reach their destinations safely.
In this article, we’ll cover the details of the Illinois Tollway’s hot weather patrols, the services they offer, and essential summer travel tips to help you prepare for your next journey. These tips include maintaining proper tire inflation, checking fluid levels, and carrying an emergency kit. Stay informed and stay safe on the road!
Illinois Tollway Launches 24-Hour Hot Weather Patrols
To combat the dangers of extreme heat, the Illinois Tollway has launched 24-hour hot weather patrols. These patrols consist of crew cab trucks equipped with arrow boards to direct traffic around stranded vehicles. These patrols are deployed to quickly locate and assist motorists stranded along its system during the dangerously hot conditions.
According to a news release from the Illinois Tollway, the around-the-clock patrols search for drivers stranded in disabled vehicles and respond to calls that come in to *999 motorist assistance, dispatch, or . While the Illinois Tollway’s Highway Emergency Lane Patrol (H.E.L.P.) trucks supported run from 5 a.m. to 8 p.m., Monday through Friday, a minimum of 12 hot weather patrols are providing additional coverage around the clock throughout the heat wave to augment H.E.L.P. trucks.
The hot weather patrols typically assist drivers whose cars or trucks have been disabled by empty fuel tanks, flat tires, batteries needing a boost, or overheated radiators. The trucks can also accommodate passengers if motorists need to get out of the heat or be transported to a tollway maintenance garage or to a tollway oasis while service is obtained.
This initiative ensures that more assistance is available during peak heat hours, reducing response times and minimizing the risks associated with stranded vehicles in extreme temperatures. The presence of these patrols offers peace of mind to drivers, knowing that help is readily available should they encounter any difficulties.
How to Obtain Help on the Tollway System
Knowing how to seek assistance on the tollway system can be crucial in an emergency. The Illinois Tollway provides several ways for drivers to request help, ensuring that assistance is readily available when needed.
To obtain help while traveling on the tollway system, drivers should and note the roadway and direction of travel and nearest milepost or crossroad. Stranded motorists should turn on their emergency lights and remain with their vehicles until help arrives, according to the release.
By following these steps, drivers can quickly and efficiently alert the authorities and receive the necessary assistance. Remember to stay with your vehicle and keep your emergency lights on to ensure your safety and visibility.
Essential Summer Travel Tips for a Safe Journey
To ensure a safe journey during the summer, the Illinois Tollway offers several essential travel tips. These tips can help drivers avoid common heat-related issues and stay safe on the road.
- Keep your tires properly inflated. Driving on under-inflated tires can cause tires to overheat and increase the likelihood of a blowout, especially when road temperatures are extremely high.
- Make sure fluids are at appropriate levels. Most engine fluids lubricate and serve as coolants by helping carry heat away from critical components. Low fluid levels reduce the cooling effect and increase the possibility of overheating.
- Keep an emergency kit in your vehicle that includes water, non-perishable food items, jumper cables, a flashlight with extra batteries, road flares or an emergency beacon, basic hand tools, and a first aid kit.
- Drop it and drive. Using a hand-held phone while driving is illegal in Illinois.
- Give them distance. Drivers are required to slow down and move over when approaching any stopped vehicle that has its hazard lights activated.
Following these tips can significantly reduce the risk of encountering problems during your summer travels. Regular maintenance checks and responsible driving habits are key to ensuring a smooth and safe journey.
Utilize Tollway Oases for Rest and Vehicle Checks
The Illinois Tollway also reminds customers that provide drivers an opportunity to check their vehicles or simply take a break. These oases offer a convenient place to rest, refuel, and ensure your vehicle is in good condition for the remainder of your trip.
Taking advantage of these facilities can help prevent breakdowns and ensure a more comfortable and safer journey. Regular breaks can also help combat driver fatigue, which is a significant factor in many accidents. The Illinois Tollway oases are equipped to provide a range of services, making them an invaluable resource for travelers.
Stay Safe and Prepared on the Illinois Tollway This Summer
The Illinois Tollway’s proactive measures, including the deployment of 24-hour hot weather patrols, demonstrate a strong commitment to driver safety. By providing additional assistance during extreme heat, the Tollway aims to minimize the risks associated with summer travel. Remember to follow the essential travel tips outlined in this article to ensure a safe and smooth journey.
Staying prepared and informed is crucial for navigating the challenges of summer travel. By taking simple steps such as checking your tire pressure, monitoring fluid levels, and carrying an emergency kit, you can significantly reduce the likelihood of encountering problems on the road. The Illinois Tollway oases offer a convenient place to take breaks and ensure your vehicle is in good condition.
Drive safely and enjoy your summer travels, knowing that the Illinois Tollway is dedicated to your safety and well-being.
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