As part of Public Service Recognition Week, Utah State Government Executives were asked by Governor Herbert to spend part of the day with state workers who provide direct help to the public. UDOT’s Incident Management Teams are trained to work with Highway Patrol officers at accident scenes, come to the aid of stranded motorists and remove dangerous debris from the freeways.
Like guardian angels of motorists on state roadways, IMT workers spend most of the day looking for people who need help. Director John Njord spent a few hours patrolling I-15 in an IMT truck with Jeff Reynolds.
IMT worker Jeff Reynolds, left, and Director John Njord, far right, look on as a motorists calls for assistance. Jeff first makes sure the motorist is not hurt and is safely away from traffic.
The red car had a punctured gas tank. A jagged piece of steel, bottom right, is the culprit.
Jeff and John discuss the scene with IMT Coordinator Dave Stallworth. Luckily, the amount of gas spilled is very minimal, and does not pose a hazard to the public.
Soon confirmation is received that a tow truck is on the way, so the IMT truck is back on the road. Most stranded motorists who get IMT help see resolution within 30 minutes.
John thanks IMT Coordinator Dave Stallworth. Dave and his team work from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. every day, but are on call 24/7.
Jeff and Dave briefly discuss truck mileage and maintenance issues before going back on patrol.
So how does one contact the Incident Management Team when one has an “incident”?
I teach the AARP Driver Safety Program and I tell my participants about IMT. Is there a direct phone number people can call to get help? If so, is it OK for me to give that number out in my classes? I think you do a great job and I really encourage people to use your services instead of trying to do things themselves in a dangerous situation. Right now I am just telling them to call 911.
They are dispatched by the Department of Public Safety at 801-887-3800.
911 can dispatch them but for non-emergencies we recommend using 801-887-3800.
I am not sure who my angel in the white truck was, but I would like to say thank you. I had a tire blow out 6/14/13 on the 2100 exit northbound. He called it 1400 and the collector when speaking to my insurance’s roadside assistance. My angel that day helped to keep me calm. He was so patient and polite. I was very scared with traffic so close my car was shaking. I was also shaking because I had my 6 week old niece and 3 year old nephew in the car, along with my daughter and sister. He even offered to change the tire if roadside assistance took longer than 10 minutes. It was a very emotional experience for me and I am not emotional person. I am just grateful that there are people out there like my angel was today. Thank you whoever you were.
Just wanted to say thanks to the incident management folks who helped me with a shredded tire today (I-15 South, 4500 S exit). They showed up within 10 minutes and stayed until everything was fixed. Thanks again.
Thank you for letting us know! I’ll pass along your thanks to our folks.
Just wanted to say THANK YOU! I had a tire blow-out while traveling north bound I-15 on the Beck Street Bridge this evening. I managed to get passed the bridge, and off to the side of the road. It was dark, and traffic was moving by fast. I was having a little stress as the tire which needed changing was on the driver side near traffic. I got the spare out, and was hesitating about changing it when an Incident Management truck pulled up behind my car. I was so relieved. I was able to get tire changed safely, and get on my way, I didn’t get the name of the driver. But Thank You! You’re Awesome!
Thank you Shane from Incident Management for getting me off the freeway and safely to Les Schwab after a very scary blowout on I-15.
You were very kind and prompt and courteous.
You’re very much appreciated!!
Gina
What do I do if I have a complaint against a UDOT IMT driver who was driving crazy?
Hi Josh: You can send an email to srwebmail@utah.gov and it will be forwarded to the the IMT state supervisor. Please include as much detail as possible about the incident.
Thanks.
Hi. I would like to thank the IMT gentleman that helped me on northbound I-15 in Orem by the orem center street exit yesterday afternoon at rush hour. My tire blow so i was in the emergency line calling AAA to get help. I was scared with all the cars speeding by rocking my car. It was 15 minutes just to speak with AAA and up to 45 minutes to get a truck to my location. I did get a call from the AAA driver we was still 20 minutes away, when I saw the IMT truck pull behind me. I was so greatful to see him. He put my donut on my car and I was back on the road in no time. Thanks again!
I want to Thank my Angel Billy for coming to my rescue today on the North I 2-15 . My car just died as i was entering the freeway
I was able to pull over to the shoulder. Billy arrived 15 mins. later. Pulled over with his lights on and walked up to my passenger window and was very friendly and said hello and wanted to see if I was safe and if there was anything he could do for me. I informed him AAA was on their way. He said ” thats great, I’m just gonna wait here so you feel safe, until they arrive. And that he did!. Thank you Billy!
Pamela: We love hearing stories like this. (Not that your car died, but that our IMT folks were able to be of assistance). Thank you for posting.