The number of crashes involving Tennessee Department of Transportation (TDOT) HELP trucks has been on the rise, which is a concerning trend for the state’s roads this year.
Jason Moore, a HELP truck driver, vividly remembers the training he received before starting his job. He was told that getting hit while on duty was not a matter of if, but when. Moore knew that at some point in his career, his truck would be hit while he was doing his job.
Having worked inside a HELP truck, Moore is familiar with the challenges and demands of the job.
Moore revealed that he has been in seven car accidents in the span of eight years. The accidents ranged from minor to more serious, resulting in one of his trucks being completely totaled.
TDOT has reported that a total of 61 of its vehicles were struck in 2024, with 13 of those incidents involving HELP units. Although the department has not disclosed the number of incidents that occurred last year, it has confirmed that incidents involving TDOT vehicles have increased.
Moore expressed his frustration with the prevailing situation on the roadways where most accidents are avoidable if people just paid attention. He believes that the primary cause of distractions on the road is people using their phones, reading books, eating, and even watching movies on their DVD players while driving. According to him, a significant portion of accidents can be prevented if people just focused on driving and avoided such distractions.
In 1999, the HELP Program was launched with the aim of reducing traffic congestion, enhancing safety, and aiding drivers in need of assistance. Recently, the program celebrated a milestone, completing 25 years of service in July.
During winter events, when drivers may become stranded or encounter hazardous conditions on the road, operators play a crucial role in providing assistance. Additionally, they are instrumental in intercepting wrong-way drivers and aiding crash victims. Their work is vital in ensuring the safety and well-being of all those on the road.
In the line of duty, two HELP operators lost their lives. One such incident occurred on Christmas Eve of 2016, when James ‘JR’ Rogers was helping a stranded driver on the westbound of Interstate 40. Unfortunately, while he was changing a flat tire, a motorist hit him. Rogers battled for his life but succumbed to his injuries on Dec. 28, 2016.
In 2011, Robert ‘Bob’ Nowicki II sprung into action when he received a report about a tractor-trailer causing traffic obstruction on the Arkansas side of Memphis’ Interstate 55 bridge. While attempting to move the trailer, it was hit by another truck, ultimately leading to it colliding with Nowicki’s patrol unit.
Moore expressed the importance of prioritizing safety measures while working. While it may not be possible to constantly monitor traffic, it is disheartening when individuals do not take the necessary precautions to slow down or move over. As first responders, their ultimate goal is to assist and help those in need, and it is crucial for them to be able to do so safely. At the end of the day, they also want to return home just as much as anyone else.
TDOT reports that 113 of its employees have lost their lives while on duty. This highlights the critical need for drivers to exercise caution and slow down whenever they come across yellow trucks or other stationary vehicles. It’s a simple but crucial act of responsibility that can go a long way in ensuring the safety of those who work on our roads.
