Published: March 28, 2008 11:50 am         

Keeping the roads safe

On March 10, I had the privilege to be assigned to write a story about the Safe patrol program and schedule a ride-along trip with the Safe patrol operators.

For those who did not get the pleasure to read my article, I’ll re-cap it for you. Safe patrol is a program that is funded by the government and is a part of Homeland Security. Whenever motorists who are traveling Kentucky interstates get stranded due to car trouble, Safe patrol operators come to help. They are equipped with any tool needed to change a tire, charge a battery or simply put water in your radiator when your car overheats.

Safe patrol is there to help whenever you are involved in an accident on the highway. Each operator is trained in Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation (CPR) and basic first aid skills to help stabilize you until the ambulance arrives.

Also these guys will work to keep other traffic away from your accident scene. All services the Safe patrol offers are free except car towing. They do not do that. If you are in an accident and your car needs towed, you must pay for that service.

The following routes the Safe patrol travels are: I-75, I- 64, I-65, I-265, I-24, I-71, US 23, and KY 80. The following parkways are a part of the Safe patrol route. Louie B Nunn, Wendell H Ford Western KY, Audubon Parkway, Edward T. Breathitt, William H. Natcher, Bert T. Combs Mountain, Hal Rogers, Martha L. Collins, and Julian Carroll Purchase.

These guys patrol the highways looking for you. Also the guys stop in at rest areas to check to see if there are any motorists in distress. Also if you do become stranded at a rest area or on the shoulder of the highway, you can call 1-877-367-5982.

I rode around in the big white truck pictured in my article, which was featured in the March 18 issue. The operators I rode around with were Gary Beckstrom, Alan Blair and Harvey Holbrook. The guys were fun to hang out with and gave me a ton of information about the Safe patrol program.

Many who are approached by the Safe patrol are usually scared and nervous. The Safe patrol guys want you to know that they are the good guys and they are there to help you. I personally witnessed them stopping and helping people. They really do care about you and your safety. They enjoy doing this. They like to help people. Even if you do not have safety on your mind, they do.

Safe patrol operators caution you to stay off the edge of the road whenever you are stranded on the highway. Whenever you are on the highway you are in danger. Vehicles traveling 70 plus mph are dangerous and drivers who are traveling at that speed may not be paying attention. They may not see you. So for your safety, operators ask that you remain in your vehicle and remain calm.

Also Safe patrol operators suggest that you keep a spare tire in your vehicle, water, antifreeze, blankets (if it is winter) and flashlights handy in your car. Keeping items like these will help save some time for you while stranded on the road. Being prepared is very important. It could mean saving time for you and it could mean safety as well.

Whenever you make a call for help, relax because help is on its way. Also remember Safe patrol operators get many calls so they may not be there as fast as you would like them to. They are helping people just like you who are scared, nervous and need of help. They are concerned about you too so please be patient with them. Changing tires and charging batteries take time.

To all long distance and short distance travelers, be careful. Do not forget to call the Safe patrol for help and do not be embarrassed. It can happen to anybody.