If the car is exposed to moving traffic
Turn on the hazard lights if possible. Move out of the travel lanes only if the vehicle can be moved safely. Call 911 for immediate danger, a vehicle stuck in an active lane, injury, fire or another emergency. Do not walk along a traffic lane to flag down a truck or attempt a traffic-side repair.
On a high-speed road, remaining belted in the vehicle is generally the safer choice while waiting for help. Fire, smoke, rising water or another immediate threat may require leaving it; follow emergency instructions and move away from traffic when you can do so safely.
Give the road, direction and nearest exit
Say North DuSable Lake Shore Drive, the direction of travel and the nearest exit or visible cross street. Distinguish the main roadway from an exit ramp, frontage street, harbor approach or parking lot. A pin near Belmont Harbor may identify several different approaches.
Describe your vehicle’s color and model and whether it is in a lane, on a shoulder or safely in a lot. Do not stop on a ramp or block traffic to create a meeting point.
Choose service after the location is safe
For an overheating vehicle, read the safe-stopping guidance; a jump start will not repair a cooling-system failure. For a flat, tell Rick’s whether you have a usable spare. If the car stalled while moving, report that rather than assuming it only needs a boost.
Once safe access and any responder directions are established, discuss wheel-lift towing or roadside help. Service availability and vehicle compatibility must be confirmed.
Tollway assistance is a different road system
The Illinois Tollway publishes highway safety advice and offers *999 assistance on its system. DuSable Lake Shore Drive is not the Illinois Tollway; do not treat that assistance number as a universal Lake Shore Drive service number. Use 911 for an emergency or immediate roadway danger.
Questions before arranging service
Does a landmark such as Belmont Harbor identify my pickup?
It helps, but give the road, direction and exact ramp, lot entrance or cross street. A harbor parking space and a disabled car on the main roadway need different access plans.
Should I change a tire beside fast-moving traffic?
Avoid exposing yourself to traffic for a repair. Call for assistance and follow emergency directions. A spare-tire service requires a safe working location.
Need help near the Drive after the location is safe?
Tell Rick’s your exact pickup location, vehicle and what happened. Confirm equipment fit, access, availability, arrival estimate and the total quote before dispatch.
Call (312) 451-5785