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

The post Idaho Introduces I-90 Roadside Assistance Program appeared first on Truck Drivers USA.

A collaborative effort between the Ohio State Highway Patrol (OSHP) and the Ohio Turnpike and Infrastructure Commission (OTIC) is in place to address the frequent causes behind both passenger and commercial vehicle collisions.

“The motoring public can expect to see troopers conducting high-visibility patrols on the turnpike through the rest of 2025, focusing on distracted driving, speed enforcement and safety belt usage,” said Lt. Erica Gockstetter. “But we cannot just enforce our way to a safer Ohio Turnpike. To truly create the safest driving environment, we need a commitment from motorists to drive in ways that are responsible and safe.”

Lt. Gockstetter highlighted the importance of safe driving practices for all types of motorists, especially in how passenger vehicles share the road with commercial trucks.

“We want to remind the motoring public to use caution around commercial vehicles. Avoid the no-zone by staying out of the blind areas in the front, back and sides of these vehicles. Do not cut in front of a commercial vehicle, as they require more stopping distance than a passenger vehicle,” she advised. “We equally ask commercial drivers to drive alert, follow the hours-of-service regulations, and be attentive to blind spots when changing lanes. Additionally, driving appropriately for road or weather conditions is crucial.”

Alarming Turnpike Safety Statistics Drive Action

The safety campaign comes on the heels of sobering data from the Ohio Turnpike. Between 2020 and 2024, there were 3,810 crashes caused by speeding, resulting in 18 fatalities and 1,514 injuries. Additionally, 326 accidents involved distractions, resulting in one death and 141 injuries, while 29 fatalities were recorded where safety belts were available but not used.

To address these troubling numbers, OSHP and OTIC are urging drivers to reflect on their habits behind the wheel.

Chris Matta, chief engineer and deputy executive director of the Ohio Turnpike and Infrastructure Commission, called for a collective effort to change dangerous driving behaviors.

Chris Matta, chief engineer and deputy executive director of the Ohio Turnpike and Infrastructure Commission, urged drivers of both passenger vehicles and commercial trucks to recognize and address unsafe driving habits, such as aggressive or distracted driving. Taking these steps is crucial to reducing accidents and preventing injuries and fatalities on the Ohio Turnpike and beyond.

Source: Overdrive

The post Ohio Law Enforcement Focuses on Safer Driving on the Turnpike appeared first on Truck Drivers USA.