Heavy truck towing and recovery on I-57 in southern Illinois

Some trucks have to leave on a hook: internal engine damage, a locked-up driveline, a crash, or a truck in the ditch after fog or ice. In southern Illinois, dense morning fog in the river bottoms and freezing rain on bridges are the usual setups for an off-road recovery.

The longest gaps are south of Marion. From the Mounds exits up to Marion the only truck services listed for this corridor are near Mounds and at the Trail of Tears rest areas, so a breakdown there often means a longer tow than one north of Marion, where Benton, Ina and Mount Vernon are close together.

Give the tow operator

• Interstate, direction and mile marker
• Whether the truck is upright, on the pavement, on the shoulder or off the road
• Whether the trailer is loaded, and with what
• Fuel or cargo spills and any injuries (call 911 first)
• Where the truck should be towed

Fix it first if you can

A tow costs more than most field repairs. If the problem might be a leak, a sensor or an electrical fault, have a mobile mechanic look first and call the wrecker only if needed.