Illinois Tollway takes kids suggestions names its talking mini-HELP truck HELP Truck Hank
2025-02-24
The kids have spoken—and the Illinois Tollway listened.
After sorting through names suggested by children visiting its booth at the Chicago Auto Show, the Tollway has dubbed the talking, kid-sized safety education vehicle “HELP Truck Hank.”
“We’re thrilled that so many children suggested such creative and clever names for our mini-H.E.L.P. truck, which will help us reach other kids with important safety messages,” said Illinois Tollway Executive Director Cassaundra Rouse. “Safety is always our top priority and we plan to use HELP Truck Hank as a fun, friendly way to share key safety messages with children that they can use now and in the future when they become the next generation of drivers.”
The 34-inch-tall, 100-pound remote-controlled truck with oversized blinking eyes and flashing emergency lights will travel to local safety events as part of the Tollway’s public outreach efforts to educate youngsters about driving and roadway safety.
The tiny truck needed a name, so the Tollway asked children visiting the auto show to stop by the Tollway booth and submit a written suggestion for a name.
In addition to the winning entry, four names were chosen as runners-up: HELP Truck Chuck, Help’n Hank, Tolley and Buddy.
The children who suggested the top five names each are receiving a goodie bag that includes a $20 I-PASS gift card for their parents or guardians.
The mini-H.E.L.P. truck delivers kid-friendly messages through a loudspeaker, putting a creative twist on critical safety issues, including following posted speed limits, putting away cellphones and reminding adults to always put their young children in safety seats or booster seats.
HELP Truck Hank will visit Tollway Tykes safety events across northern Illinois throughout the year to talk to children about roadway and driving safety issues.