ORLANDO, Fla. – News 6 traffic safety expert Trooper Steve Montiero answers viewer questions twice per week in a segment called “Ask Trooper Steve.”
Trooper Steve on Thursday was asked about “crash trucks.”
If you’ve ever driven through a construction zone and spotted a big truck sitting at the back of a lane closure with what looks like a giant yellow bumper on the back, you’ve seen what’s known as a “crash truck.”
Despite the name, it’s not there to haul equipment or move dirt. Officially, these vehicles are outfitted with what’s called a Truck Mounted Attenuator, or TMA. The large cushion on the back is designed to absorb the force of a crash if a driver plows into the work zone. The idea is simple: the truck takes the hit, so construction workers don’t have to.
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Crash trucks are built to be heavy duty, often reinforced and fitted with arrow boards, flashing lights and safety signage to help direct drivers through lane shifts or closures. They are strategically placed at the end of work zones, creating a barrier between traffic and crews.
Transportation officials say these vehicles have saved countless lives. By absorbing the energy of an impact, they reduce the severity of crashes and give distracted or speeding drivers one last chance before reaching workers.
The next time you drive past one, remember that it’s not “just parked there.” It’s a vital piece of safety equipment, standing guard for the men and women repairing and improving Florida’s roads.
Respect the cones, follow the signs and give crash trucks the space they need, because their job is protecting lives.