NASHVILLE, Tenn. -- Some drivers are depending on somebody else to pay for their gas by pushing their tanks to the limit.

Video - TDOT: Gas Demand Increases For Stranded Drivers

Tennessee taxpayers are having to foot the bill for those who run out of gas on some local highways.

The Tennessee Department of Transportation has yellow trucks that drive up and down the interstate to help people having car trouble.

However, TDOT said that the number of motorists who are in need of gas is climbing.

The Department of Transportation's Rick Culwell spends a majority of his day helping motorists stranded on Tennessee's roadways.

As a truck driver for the Department of Transportation, Culwell usually helps people with flat tires and overheated engines. But these days, he's dealing with more and more people who run out of gas.

"Each truck has a five gallon can. Usually that lasts a couple of shifts or a couple of days. There are some days I fill it up two and three times because of the volume," said Culwell.

Officials from TDOT feel the surge is because of the high gas prices. People are pushing it to the limit, waiting until the last possible moment to fill up their cars with the expensive fuel.

"I've noticed that there have been more requests for fuel and usually they're fairly close to the exit. They claim they were trying to buy some gasoline," said Culwell.

The drivers of help trucks only dispense a gallon or two, just enough to get to the next exit.

Although TDOT could not give a breakdown on how much the costs are from the increased demand, officials said the tab is small.

But they said that the assistance helps everyone because it prevents backups from cars that can't move.

TDOT drivers point out that if a driver is running out of gas to get to the far right lane since it’s easier for their truck to assist motorists.