New blocker trucks will improve safety for Dallas emergency crews on freeways and major roads

Dallas, Texas – The Dallas Police Department will soon expand its roadway safety efforts after the Dallas City Council approved the receipt of a donation from QuikTrip to purchase four new blocker trucks. Officials say the additional vehicles will help protect first responders and motorists at crash scenes and emergency incidents across the city.

The new units will be Ford F550 trucks designed to block traffic at crashes and incidents on freeways and major thoroughfares where emergency crews are working in active roadways. Each truck is equipped with an LED arrow board to direct traffic and a crash attenuator mounted at the rear. The crash attenuator is designed to absorb the impact of a collision, protecting personnel and equipment positioned ahead of the vehicle.

Safety measure born from tragedy

Blocker trucks have become a widely used safety tool across the country, helping shield workers and responders at crash scenes, construction zones, and road closures. Dallas first introduced the vehicles in 2023 following the tragic death of Officer Mitchell Penton, who was struck and killed while working a freeway crash in 2021.

Before blocker trucks were available, officers relied on patrol vehicles or fire apparatus to block traffic. Those options often tied up essential emergency resources for extended periods and could result in costly repairs if the vehicles were struck.

Since their introduction, Dallas blocker trucks have been deployed to more than 1,200 incidents and are called into service multiple times each week. In the past two years alone, the trucks have absorbed the impact of five crashes, preventing serious injuries and potentially saving lives.

“We are deeply grateful to QuikTrip for this generous donation to protect our first responders at accident scenes,” said Dallas City Manager Kimberly Bizor Tolbert. “The company has a long history of supporting public safety, and this donation further elevates their commitment,” Tolbert added.

Community partnership supports safety

QuikTrip has supported public safety initiatives in Dallas beyond the blocker truck donation. The company previously provided funding to support construction of a container-based Reality Based Training Village at the Dallas Police Academy and donated more than $200,000 to Assist The Officer, a nonprofit foundation that provides financial assistance and counseling for officers and their families.

Dallas Police Chief Daniel C. Comeaux urged drivers to remain alert when encountering emergency scenes. “When you see one of these blocker trucks at a crash site, please slow down and give our first responders the space they need to do their jobs safely,” he said.

The department also reminds motorists to follow Texas’ Move Over or Slow Down law when approaching emergency vehicles with flashing lights. Drivers must move over to an open lane or reduce speed by 20 miles per hour below the posted limit, or to 5 miles per hour if the speed limit is 25 mph or less. Violations can result in fines of up to $1,250 for a first offense.

Officials say the additional blocker trucks will strengthen roadway safety efforts and ensure emergency personnel can perform their duties with greater protection while serving the public.