ILLINOIS, USA — The Illinois Tollway sent out patrol trucks in response to the dramatic heat wave that's been affecting the Quad Cities.
These trucks monitor all 294 miles of the tollway, assisting disabled vehicles, said officials.
Heat Patrols consist of crew cab trucks equipped with arrow boards for directing traffic around stranded vehicles and can accommodate passengers if motorists need to get out of the heat or be transported to a tollway maintenance garage or tollway oasis, according to tollway officials.
The Illinois Tollway typically mobilizes special Hot Weather Patrols whenever temperatures or heat indexes show conditions as hazardous for drivers stopped along the road.
"It is a good practice for commuters and travelers to make sure their cars are serviced properly, especially when it comes to their tires," Illinois Tollway Deputy Chief of Roadway Maintenance Rohan Gayle said. "Reducing the time that it would take for someone to experience a difficulty with their vehicle, call into a dispatch and have your service rendered to you. For us the proactive approach is mitigating those instances. We'll continue to add additional units as the weather dictates."
If you find yourself in trouble on the tollway, dial *999, stay in your vehicle with your flashers on. Tollway officials said if you see a disabled vehicle, you should slow down or pull over.
These heat patrols will remain on the road for the time being, as temperatures and humidity remain high, said officials.
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