Motorist Assistance Programs – Service Patrols

Motorist assistance programs are widely used to help stranded motorists. These programs feature mobile service patrols that travel the highways and render assistance where needed. The service patrols often push disabled vehicles off the road, provide gasoline, change flat tires, or provide minor repairs to allow the motorist to safely drive the vehicle from the highway. If the vehicle cannot be moved, the service patrols can contact tow companies for the motorist. The service patrols can be a public service or conducted by private companies, either as a contracted service for a public agency or as a free promotional activity or for a fee.

Service patrols help assure that stranded motorists don't stay "stranded" and that the travel lanes and shoulders are kept clear. They are also an extra set of eyes and ears for other incidents and often can provide traffic control or communications assistance at the scene of a larger incident.