Safe Patrol personnel will step up patrols this weekend along Kentucky highways in the path of the eclipse.
Local officials expect boater traffic to increase this weekend on local waterways, and with that additional traffic could come potential mishaps and mechanical problems.
According to the Marshall County Office of Emergency Management, boaters who experience mechanical difficulties on local lakes or rivers are urged to call TowBoatUS Grand Rivers at 800-391-4869 for towing assistance. Local first response agencies — EM, police, water patrol or fire departments — will have a visible presence on the water this weekend, however responders will not deliver gas, jump batteries or tow boats. Agency insurance providers do not allow for such services due to liability issues.
Responders will, however, offer safe passage to land for boat occupants and conduct life-saving operations.
TowBoat US Grand Rivers can also be hailed via VHF Radio on Channel 16 from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. or by calling Green Turtle Bay Resort Marina directly at 270-362-1043. Local phone calls and VHF radio will be answered by Marina personnel who will relay the call for assistance to the captain on duty.
In addition to boat safety provisions, regional officials have stepped up safety response on area roadways in anticipation of the solar eclipse.
According to the Kentucky Transportation Cabinet, Safe Patrol personnel will be out in force to assist travelers on Kentucky Highways in the path of the eclipse. Safe Patrol offers highway assistance on freeways to motorists, according to KYTC.
Safe Patrol trucks will patrol normal routes along Interstate 24, Interstate 69, the Western Kentucky Parkway, the Pennyrile Parkway and the Purchase Parkway in anticipation of heavy traffic as visitors arrive in the area. Safe Patrol will also travel some additional four-lane arteries that provide access to the total eclipse corridor, such as US 68/KY 80 across southern Kentucky between Bowling Green and Mayfield.
Safe Patrol operators will be working two shifts to provide patrols from 8 a.m. to 10 p.m. through Tuesday. They will be assisted with additional patrols by Kentucky Transportation Cabinet maintenance crews and an enhanced Kentucky State Police patrol presence along major routes into and along the eclipse corridor.
Safe Patrol operators will be available to provide basic assistance to stranded motorists who have vehicles with flat tires or need of minor repairs to get back on the road. Safe Patrol can also assist motorists with getting to a service station or other safe place. They can also call a tow truck if more extensive repairs are required.
For more info go to http://transportation.ky.gov/Incident-Ma…/…/Safe-Patrol.aspx. To reach Safe Patrol call: (877) 367-5982 (877-FOR-KYTC) or 502-564-2080.