The Illinois Tollway has initiated 24-hour Hot Weather Patrols to assist motorists during a period of extreme heat expected to last through July 25. These patrols are designed to quickly locate and help drivers who become stranded along the tollway system.
According to the agency, the special patrols are deployed whenever high temperatures or heat indexes create hazardous conditions for those stopped on the road. The teams search for disabled vehicles and respond to calls made to *999 motorist assistance, Illinois Tollway dispatch, or the Illinois State Police.
“Protecting our customers is always our highest priority and during this dangerously hot weather we’re re-assigning workers to patrol our roads to ensure we can more rapidly locate and assist any drivers stranded along our system,” said Illinois Tollway Executive Director Cassaundra Rouse. “Operating Hot Weather Patrols bolsters our roadway coverage and provides an additional layer of protection to drivers so they can safely complete their travels.”
Typically, Highway Emergency Lane Patrol (H.E.L.P.) trucks supported by GEICO operate from 5 a.m. to 8 p.m., Monday through Friday. During the heat wave, at least 12 Hot Weather Patrols will provide continuous coverage, supplementing H.E.L.P. services.
Motorists in need of assistance are advised to call *999, note their location and direction of travel, and stay with their vehicles with emergency lights activated until help arrives.
Hot Weather Patrol crews use specially equipped trucks that can transport passengers out of the heat if necessary. Common issues addressed include empty fuel tanks, flat tires, battery problems, and overheated radiators.
The Illinois Tollway also offers several summer travel safety tips: keep tires properly inflated; check fluid levels; carry an emergency kit with water, food, jumper cables, a flashlight, road flares or beacons, basic tools, and a first aid kit; avoid using hand-held phones while driving; and slow down or move over when approaching stopped vehicles with hazard lights activated.
Drivers are reminded that oases along the tollway provide opportunities for rest and vehicle checks. These locations offer food, beverages, retail stores including 7-Eleven outlets, and fuel stations at various points such as Lake Forest and Chicago Southland Lincoln on the Tri-State Tollway (I-94/I-294/I-80), Hinsdale and O’Hare service areas, DeKalb on I-88 (Reagan Memorial Tollway), and Belvidere on I-90 (Jane Addams Memorial Tollway).
The Illinois Tollway operates as a user-fee system without state or federal funding for its maintenance or operations. It manages 294 miles of roadways across 12 counties in Northern Illinois.
