The Freeway Service Patrol (FSP) helps get stranded motorists back on the highway during morning and afternoon rush hours. FSP drivers help stranded motorists with a gallon of gas, a “jump-start,” water for the radiator, and will even change a flat tire.
Since many traffic tie-ups are caused by vehicle breakdowns, the FSP patrols assist motorists or remove vehicles from the region’s most congested freeways as rapidly as possible. Getting these stranded motorists and disabled vehicles on their way helps to improve traffic flow. In addition, the FSP drivers are frequently the first on the scene to assist with accidents. If the FSP driver can’t get the vehicle running in a few minutes, they tow the vehicle to a safe, pre-determined drop location.
Using a fleet of 25 tow trucks and seven light-duty pickup trucks, FSP drivers have assisted more than 50,000 motorists during the past year. The FSP trucks patrol approximately 225 miles of San Diego freeways, including sections of Interstates 5, 8, 15 and 805, and State Routes 52, 54, 56, 78, 94, 125, 163, and 905. The FSP operates during weekday rush hours from 5:30 to 9:30 a.m. and from 3 to 7 p.m., excluding holidays.
This free service is provided by SANDAG, Caltrans, and the California Highway Patrol.
The FSP Program was established in March 1993. In 2000, legislation was signed by the Governor to establish the FSP Program as an ongoing activity supported as part of the California state budget. Each year the FSP program assists more than 600,000 motorists in 13 metropolitan areas in California.
To request assistance from the FSP in San Diego County, contact the CHP Border Communications Center at (858) 637-3800 or dial 511 from any phone and ask for 'Roadside Assistance'. If you are experiencing an emergency, please dial 9-1-1. |
