Quick answer
Treat a freeway shoulder as an active hazard: get as far from travel lanes as safely possible, stay visible, and provide direction, exit, and nearest landmark.
What to do
- Call 911 for a crash, injury, lane blockage, fire, or immediate danger.
- Do not walk along or cross freeway lanes to reach an exit.
- Share the highway name, travel direction, nearest exit or mile marker, and vehicle description.
Freeway traffic closes distance quickly, and snow or darkness reduces visibility. Do not stand behind the vehicle or attempt a tire change beside fast-moving traffic when the position is unsafe.
MnDOT’s Regional Transportation Management Center coordinates freeway incident response in the Twin Cities, and Minnesota 511 provides current incidents and road conditions. Private roadside service should be requested only after immediate hazards are addressed.
Official sources
Conditions, laws, parking rules, addresses, and agency procedures can change. Check the linked official source before acting.
Editorial note: this guide was checked against the cited public sources. The representative image does not document a specific JKS Towing call, operator, or vehicle.