MN Dot information about Highway Helpers
Charles Nguyen
I see cars stuck on the road all the time and would love to help by calling
them in, but I hate calling in 911 if it's not an emergency. After months of
tracking down the number for Highway Helper, I finally found the information
that I need. I'm passing it along with permission, so that you have this
information as well.
Charles
-----------------------------------
From: "Karla Jensen" Karla....@dot.state.mn.us
Charles:
Yes, please do! We are in the process of updating our public brochures with
information such as "What To Do In A Crash" as well as other information
about programs at the Traffic Management Center. If you or others that you
know are interested, we can send those to you in the future. We also offer
free tours of our control room and facilities, for groups of up to 20
people. Tours can be arranged by calling 612/341-7500.
Again, thanks for your interest in the Highway Helper program.
Karla Jensen
Incident Management
Project Manager
Mn/DOT Traffic Management Center
(612) 341-7281
karla....@dot.state.mn.us
>>> Charles Nguyen <> Monday, July 02, 2001 >>>
Karla:
Would you mind it if I passed this message out to other people that I know
as well? I think this would be helpful. I would also encourage that you
post this on the MNDOT website because it was very difficult for me to find
the information.
Thanks!
Charles
At 09:27 AM 6/29/2001, you wrote:
>Mr. Nguyen:
>
>Thanks for your question about requesting a Highway Helper to aid a
>stranded motorist. We appreciate motorists such as yourself taking such an
>active role in helping other motorists and promoting safety on the
roadways.
>
>To answer your question, there are three options that would help
>responding personnel as well as the motorists involved in the incident:
>
>If you see a crash or suspected crash, always call 911 first. In the event
>of possible injuries or damage to property that could require a Minnesota
>Vehicle Accident Report, State Patrol should respond.
>
>If you see a stalled vehicle, blocking the roadway or a ramp, also call
>911. The vehicle needs to be towed as soon as possible to prevent a
>secondary incident.
>
>If you see a stalled vehicle on a shoulder or median, not blocking, please
>call the Highway Helper dispatch line at (612) 349-2604.
>
>Highway Helpers are available at the following hours:
>Monday - Friday 5:30 a.m. - 7:30 p.m. and limited weekend hours.
>
>The Highway Helper program has proven very valuable to stranded motorists
>on Metro roadways. They can:
>
>· Push a disabled vehicle off the roadway or from a dangerous location.
>· Contact State Patrol and/or a tow truck and stay with the motorist until
>help arrives.
>· Change a flat tire.
>· "Jump start" vehicles.
>· Refill radiator and tape hoses.
>· Provide a gallon of fuel.
>
>Motorists can assist the Highway Helpers in reducing incident-related
>congestion by practicing a few simple and safe procedures:
>
>Move the vehicle off the freeway if possible.
>Being stalled on the freeway is very dangerous. Try to drive your vehicle
>to the shoulder or a nearby Accident Investigation Site if
>available. Even if you have a flat tire or an overheat, you can move your
>vehicle off the roadway without causing major damage. Getting out of the
>lane of traffic is safer for you, for Highway Helpers, and for other
>motorists approaching your vehicle.
>
> Stay in your vehicle.
>If the vehicle is not drivable, even if it is stalled in the lane,
>motorists should stay in their vehicles with their seatbelts
>fastened. Motorists should not attempt to walk across or off the
>roadway. Call 911 for assistance or, if you don't have a cell phone, wait
>for a trooper or Highway Helper to arrive -- a motorist driving by will
>usually report the problem. Highway Helper trucks are equipped with push
>bumpers and can push your vehicle off to the shoulder if necessary.
>
>Don't wait to for the gas gauge to read "empty" before you fill up.
>When traffic is crawling along at a "stop and go" pace, your vehicle uses
>more fuel. It is against the law to stop on the freeway for
>non-emergencies and running out of fuel is a non-emergency.
>
>I also want to pass along the following information to you if you are
>involved in a crash:
>
>WHAT TO DO IN CASE OF A CRASH
>
>You must stop if you are involved in an accident.
>If no injuries are involved and the vehicle is drivable, pull off to the
>shoulder or the nearest Accident Investigation Site. Do not leave your
>vehicle. Remain in the vehicle, seatbelt fastened, until help arrives.
>
>Stay calm.
>If you can, call 911 or if a motorist stops to assist you, ask that person
>to call for you.
>
>Filing a crash report.
>If you suspect there are injuries or property damage over $1000, it is
>Minnesota state law to file Minnesota Motor Vehicle Accident Report with
>law enforcement personnel. Names, license plate numbers, addresses and
>insurance information must be provided to State Patrol or local law
>enforcement.
>
>Highway Helpers cannot substitute for law enforcement personnel to submit
>an accident report, but they can call for State Patrol and/or a tow truck.
>In any situation, do not stand between the vehicles when exchanging
>information.
>
>Thanks again for your question. If you would like any other information
>about the Highway Helper program, please contact the Traffic Management
>Center at (612) 341-7500.
>
>Sincerely,
>
>Karla Jensen
>Mn/DOT Traffic Management Center
>karla....@dot.state.mn.us
>