www.sdchamber.org

Don’t Let Car Trouble Spoil Your Holiday Spirit:  Use 5-1-1 for Roadside Assistance

While the holidays are a time of joy and cheer, the festive season also brings long to-do lists that keep you on the go.  Consequently, you will be spending more time driving, which puts you at higher risk of running into car trouble.  Don’t let a flat tire or breakdown spoil your holiday spirit.  Before going out to buy last minute gifts, picking up food for a holiday feast or visiting your loved ones, take a minute to learn about SAFE 5-1-1 Mobile Call Box Program.  If you do hit a bump in the road, calling 5-1-1 on your cell phone can help you and your family stay safe amid a festive yet hectic holiday season. 

What is the SAFE 5-1-1Mobile Call Box Program?

The SAFE 5-1-1 Mobile Call Box Program was implemented as an additional option to current roadside call boxes for motorists in need of non-emergency roadside assistance on San Diego County freeways and highways.  By calling 5-1-1 on your cell phone, toll free, you will connect to the same live answering center accessed through the blue roadside call boxes. Whether you are need of a tow truck, tire change, gasoline or any other type of non-emergency roadside assistance, calling 5-1-1 will get you the help you need. 

*Please keep in mind that roadside call boxes are still operational if a cell phone is not available.

Stay Safe This Holiday! Follow These Steps in Case of Car Trouble:

• Pull over to the shoulder of the road, and use your hazard lights.
• Determine where you are located, either by the nearest exit, highway number, or other landmark.
• Dial 5-1-1 from your cell phone.
• When prompted, say “Roadside Assistance” or “Call Box.”

The SAFE 5-1-1 Mobile Call Box Program was launched last year by the San Diego Service Authority (SAFE) to provide non-emergency roadside assistance to motorists driving on San Diego County highways or freeways. The Mobile Call Box Program is just one feature of the San Diego Association of Governments’ 5-1-1, which provides San Diego residents and visitors information about traffic and public transit throughout the County.

“No one likes having to deal with car trouble,” said Eddie Castoria, executive director of the San Diego SAFE Mobile Call Box Program.  “With the Mobile Call Box Program, we’ve taken an important free public service and made it safer and easier - it’s like having your own personal call box in your purse or pocket.”