Broke down on I-80 in central Nebraska: the first 10 minutes
Flat ground and long sight lines can make a stopped truck on I-80 look safer than it is. Traffic at 75 mph and gusting crosswinds leave little room for error. Work through these steps in order.
Make the truck visible
- Get as far right as you can, or onto a ramp if the truck will make it.
- Flashers on right away.
- Within 10 minutes, set out warning triangles. On a divided road like I-80, place them about 10, 100 and 200 feet behind the truck, toward oncoming traffic.
- Put on a reflective vest and stay on the side away from the travel lanes.
- Call 911 first if anyone is hurt, the truck is blocking a lane, or there is fire or a fuel spill.
Then line up help
The dispatcher checklist goes into more detail.
- Mile marker and whether you were eastbound or westbound
- Nearest town: Gothenburg, Cozad, Lexington, Elm Creek, Odessa or Kearney
- What happened and what the dash shows
- Whether the truck can move
- Carrier, PO number and who approves repairs
Before anyone heads out
Look at Nebraska 511 for closures and incidents. In wind or snow, a crew may not be able to reach you until the road opens.
Common questions
Is a rest area a better place to wait?
If the truck can get there safely, yes. Brady, Cozad and Kearney all have rest areas with truck spaces.