Broke down on I-57 in southern Illinois: the first 10 minutes
I-57 through southern Illinois looks flat and open, but traffic moves fast and fog can settle in the low ground near the rivers and around Rend Lake with little warning. A stalled truck there needs to be easy to see before anything else.
Use the steps below in order: protect the scene, then get help on the way.
Make the truck visible
- Ease the rig as far right as the shoulder allows, or take the ramp if it will roll that far.
- Hit the four-ways the moment you stop.
- Triangles go out within 10 minutes. For a divided road like I-57, 49 CFR 392.22 places them roughly 10, 100 and 200 feet to the rear, facing the traffic coming up behind you.
- Wear a reflective vest outside the cab and stay on the side away from traffic.
- Injuries, smoke or flames, leaking fuel, or a truck in a travel lane: dial 911 first.
Pin down your location
Illinois numbers I-57 exits by mile, so the nearest mile marker and your direction are the key facts. Near Exit 44 say whether you are on I-57 or I-24. Around Mount Vernon say whether you are on I-57 or I-64.
Have this ready for the mechanic
The dispatch checklist goes further.
- Tractor, engine and trailer details
- The symptom plus any dash lamps or codes
- Can it still drive
- Carrier, the approving contact and how payment works
Check the road before help leaves
IDOT's Getting Around Illinois map shows closures and incidents, which matters in fog or ice.