Thousands of Iowans were expected to be hitting the highways Friday through this weekend, for Christmas activities. The man who oversees the state’s Highway Helper program, Scott Marler, deals with problems throughout the year. He says one of the biggest keys to making sure you get to your destination without problems is to be sure your car is ready. “One of our most frequent items that we see out on the roadsides actually are stalled vehicles,” Marler says.

‘Highway Helper trucks operate on the interstates in the Des Moines, Council Bluffs and Iowa City/Cedar Rapids area. Marler says a little preparation can prevent problems during busy holiday times, and throughout the year. “Travel prepared and do keep you vehicle maintained,” Marler says, “particularily during these winter months. That’s when we are most concerned with people finding themselves inadvertently in harms way.”

His crews see a lot of other things happening out on the roadways that could lead to problems. Marler says most can be prevented. “Drive alert, don’t drive distracted, put the cellphone down. Buckle up. Every seat every time,” Marler says. “If you do those things, people will get to where they need to go safely.” Marler says the Highway Helpers are out weekdays from five a-m until eight p-m. And he says they are also out sometimes during major holidays when traffic is expected to be heavy.

(Radio Iowa)