Gem State Wire

The Idaho Transportation Department (ITD) is set to launch a new Incident Response Vehicle (IRV) program next week, aimed at assisting drivers along key corridors in North Idaho. The initiative focuses on enhancing safety by providing rapid response to disabled vehicles, minor crashes, and other roadside emergencies. This service aims to help motorists get off the highway safely with minimal delay or risk to other drivers.

The IRV will primarily patrol the I-90 corridor, particularly focusing on work zones where limited shoulders and space pose increased risks for travelers experiencing difficulties. High-priority areas include ongoing construction projects at the State Highway 41 Interchange and the upcoming four-lane expansion between Post Falls and Coeur d’Alene. Additionally, the truck will respond to incidents along the US-95 corridor from the Spokane River Bridge to Lancaster Road through Coeur d’Alene.

Services offered by the program include assistance with flat tire changes, fuel delivery for vehicles that have run out of gas, jump-starting dead batteries, and providing push or pull assistance for vehicles stuck in ditches following a crash or slide-off. The truck is equipped with tools necessary for addressing minor maintenance issues and has lights and signs to alert other drivers of potential hazards while clearing incidents. These free services are expected to prevent costly congestion.

An ITD operations employee will operate the new truck from Tuesday to Friday between 6 a.m. and 4:30 p.m., based on data analysis of traffic volume and incident trends during peak hours. The schedule may change with seasonal variations.

“We are excited to bring this vital service to North Idaho,” said Ryan Crabtree, ITD Business Operations Manager. “By providing this dedicated vehicle, we are not only helping drivers get back on the road more quickly but also improving safety for everyone by reducing the risks associated with stopped vehicles in high-traffic areas.”

This program builds on a similar initiative in Southern Idaho's Treasure Valley region that has been operational since 1997. District One plans to add another incident response truck later this summer.

The program also aims to support law enforcement agencies by alleviating some non-emergency calls related to traffic issues. With ITD’s Incident Response Truck handling minor incidents and roadside assistance, local law enforcement can focus on more complex matters. For critical traffic incidents requiring police investigation, the IRV can provide additional traffic control ensuring safety for first responders and other drivers.

“We look forward to working closely with local law enforcement agencies to ensure a coordinated response to incidents,” Crabtree said. “This collaboration will help ensure that our highways are safer and that we are meeting the needs of the community.”

ITD encourages drivers to slow down and "move over" as per Idaho law when emergency vehicles like this one are operating.

Drivers needing assistance should report emergencies by calling 911 or contact local law enforcement for non-emergencies.