Section 2500.30  The Operation Of Wrecker Emergency Road Services On The Illinois State Toll Highway

Safety precautions should be foremost in the operators minds so that his and the lives of others can be protected.  The following rules and regulations are designed to help each one take these precautions:

a)         Definition:  The word "Operator" when used herein shall mean any person who is rendering service to a disabled vehicle on the Illinois State Toll Highway, including but not limited to persons driving, assisting or controlling a wrecker or other approved emergency vehicle.

b)         All disabled vehicles in traffic lanes or on the left side of the highway (inner lane) rate priority over other calls for assistance.

c)         No operator shall give assistance to a vehicle on the opposite side of the Highway, except in extreme emergencies.

d)         No operator shall walk across the highway.

e)         When travelling at night, the operator shall have the wrecker's bright lights on so as to enable said operator to easily locate disabled vehicles on the berm.

f)         When approaching a disabled vehicle either on left or right side of highway, the operator shall turn on his proper turn lights and his warning lights.

g)         The operator shall pull his wrecker onto the berm, decelerate, stop not closer than twenty (20) feet to the rear of the disabled vehicle whenever possible, and have its warning lights unobstructed to approaching traffic.

h)         The operator shall leave his wrecker motor running, set emergency hand brake and turn steering wheels hard to the direction away from the highway.

i)          The operator shall ascertain the nature of trouble or vehicle instructions given on the call with the driver of the disabled vehicle if he is present.

j)          The operator shall put out the three (3) cones, placing them at a length of two hundred (200) feet back from his wrecker.  The first cone shall be placed on the berm near the edge of the highway; the second, two (2) feet from the edge of the highway about one hundred (100) feet to the rear of the disabled vehicle and the third, four (4) feet from the edge of the highway slightly to the rear of disabled vehicle.  Flags may be used in place of cones, in daylight hours or pot flares at night, provided however, that the flags are at least 16" square and are on bases so that they will not be blown over by wind or traffic.

k)         No service shall be performed until cones, flags or flares are placed. If at night, in foggy weather, or during a snow storm, the operator shall place fusees back to approximately five hundred (500) feet at one hundred (100) foot intervals.  At the completion of service, fusees shall be extinguished and covered in the dirt off the berm.

l)          When starting up, the operator shall keep his wrecker on the berm until it has accelerated to a speed of not less than 35 MPH.

m)        The operator shall wear a reflectorized vest or belt at night.

n)         The operator shall move onto highway or regular lane only when the road is clear.

o)         Before performing services, operator shall inform the patron or driver of the disabled vehicle of the tow service fee and estimated price of any additional product or labor.

p)         The operator shall not attempt to render any mechanical service while on the road proper.  The disabled vehicle shall be removed to a plaza or garage for repairs.

q)         Operators shall not stand in front of vehicle while the motor is being started.

r)          All emergency vehicles to be used on the toll highway must be equipped with a large size 360 degrees Dome red flasher along with one 6" alternating flasher on each side located toward the top at the rear of each vehicle.

s)         The operator shall give each patron an official tollway receipt, and shall file a copy of said receipt with the Authority.

t)          All operators must abide by the schedule of fees as set forth herein, and as hereafter from time to time modified by the Authority.