You\u2019ve probably seen it while driving on Central Florida\u2019s expressways: a blown-out tire, a piece of furniture or some other unexpected obstacle sitting in the middle of the road.<\/p>\n
But who gets it out of the way \u2014 and how much of your toll money goes toward keeping those roadways clear?<\/p>\n
News 6\u2019s Lauren Melendez rode along with Road Rangers to get a behind-the-scenes look at the work they do to keep drivers safe.<\/p>\n
\u201cSafety is our number one priority,\u201d Shiva Lalchan tells News 6 a he operates one of the heavy duty patrol units, equipped with specialized tools called LaneBlades.<\/p>\n
They\u2019re a cross between a snowplow and a forklift, allowing Road Rangers to quickly scoop debris out of travel lanes, reducing the need for workers to enter dangerous traffic and helping keep vehicles moving.<\/p>\n
From mattresses to canoes: What Road Rangers find on the road<\/p>\n
Road Rangers encounter all kinds of debris during their shifts.<\/p>\n
\u201cWe\u2019ve seen water heaters, fridges, mattresses,\u201d Lalchan added. <\/p>\n
And ironically, minutes after running down the list of hazards found on the expressways, during News 6\u2019s ride-along, the crew even spotted a canoe sitting in the roadway \u2014 a reminder of how quickly unexpected and dangerous debris can appear.<\/p>\n
It\u2019s why their training emphasizes defensive driving and constantly watching the roadway for potential hazards, learning to scan miles up the road to anticipate random objects that may appear. <\/p>\n
\u201cYour eyes are looking back and forth between the lanes to see any foreign material,\u201d the ranger explained.<\/p>\n
Where your toll dollars go<\/p>\n
CFX operates eight expressways spanning approximately 125 miles in Central Florida. The system is funded through toll revenue rather than tax dollars, bringing in roughly $1 million a day.<\/p>\n
Part of that revenue supports roadway safety operations, including the Road Rangers, who help remove nearly 2,200 pounds of debris from the roads each day.<\/p>\n
Their work also involves coordination with traffic operators in a control room who monitor the expressway network.<\/p>\n
Those operators can close lanes and post alerts on electronic signs to warn drivers about hazards and help Road Rangers safely respond.<\/p>\n
What should drivers do when they see debris?<\/p>\n
Road Rangers say drivers should never try to remove debris themselves.<\/p>\n
Stopping in the roadway or attempting to retrieve an object can put drivers and other motorists in danger. Unexpected movements can also startle other drivers and potentially cause a chain-reaction crash.<\/p>\n
Instead, drivers should report roadway debris by calling: *FHP.<\/p>\n
And if you see a Road Ranger or another emergency or roadside service vehicle stopped along the road, remember to move over. <\/p>\n