Oscar Mayer Wienermobile in rollover wreck in Illinois, no injuries reported
No people or hot dogs were injured after an Oscar Mayer Wienermobile was involved in a rollover crash in Illinois on Monday morning.
The crash occurred around 11:12 a.m. on a highway in Cook County, the Illinois State Police told USA TODAY.
The Oscar Meyer Wienermobile and a Hyundai Sedan were traveling north. The Wienermobile struck the sedan, lost control, overcorrected and rolled onto the Hyundai's side, police said.
The northbound right lane of the highway was shut down for a traffic crash investigation, according to police. The lanes were open about an hour later at 12:26 p.m.
Police did not say whether alcohol or speeding was a factor in the crash.
What is the Oscar Mayer Wienermobile?
Oscar Mayer deployed its fleet of six 23-foot-long Wienermobiles across America in 1988 so they could "continue to spread the joy and love of meat," according to the cold-cut-producing company. The first 13-foot Wienermobile hit the road in 1936.
The Wienermobile weighs as much as 140,050 hot dogs, has mustard and ketchup seats inside, a hot dog-shaped dashboard, a removable bun-roof, a ketchup walkway and an official Wiener Jingle horn.
Although no hot dogs are on the vehicle, it can store up to 11,000 Wiener Whistles.
Who drives the Oscar Mayer Wienermobiles?
The company's brand ambassadors drive the Wienermobiles all across America. Drivers travel and maintain one of the six Wienermobiles, traveling an average of 20,000 miles, visiting more than 20 states and handing out 250,000 Wiener Whistles throughout the year, according to Oscar Mayer. They also create content for the company's social media channels.
“The title of a Hotdogger is a rare and coveted position unique to those seeking adventure and a once-in-a-lifetime experience,” said Ed Roland, ‘Top Dog’ and senior manager of brand communications for Oscar Mayer at Kraft Heinz, in a statement to USA TODAY. “Statistically speaking, more people have visited space than driven the Wienermobile! We take pride in welcoming the next class who will continue to uphold the tradition of sparking smiles and bringing buns of fun to fans across the U.S.”
On average, fewer than 1% of applicants are chosen for Wienermobile driver positions, Oscar Mayer says.
Contributing: Kylie Martin/ Detroit Free Press and Mike Snider/ USA TODAY