Help for Motorists on the Freeway
By Perwaiz Ahmad
Fullerton , CA
We all drive on a daily basis but many people are unaware of the fact that free help is available 24/7 on the freeway from the State of California, barring a few national holidays. The service is quick and does not cost a penny to the car driver.
Many years ago, and recently too, I had a flat tire while driving on the freeway. With rush hour traffic zooming at an alarming pace, I did not attempt to change the tire myself. I called 911 immediately (what a convenience cell phone is) or one could use the yellow emergency phones installed on the freeway that connects directly to the Police Station. These yellow phones are located approximately one mile apart on the Interstate and California Freeway. The person attending the phone dispatches a tow truck immediately after ascertaining your location. He will change the flat tire, provide a gallon of gas to get you to the nearest gas station, jump your car if the battery has conked out, provide water in case your car needs it to stop over-heating. If nothing works, he will tow your car free of charge to the nearest repair shop.
Word of caution from DMV: Do not attempt to change tires on the freeway yourself; this free service is provided by the State to preclude accidents that could be fatal .
Every time I mention about this free service available for all motorists, provided by the State of California, I get a blank look, a look of astonishment or a comment like, “Oh, really!!”
It goes without saying that the tow service on the freeway costs at least three times more than what it costs on the local streets and if someone does not have AAA or other road service membership, it can add up pretty quickly to a substantial amount.
(Readers are encouraged to share information on topics that impact our daily lif, such as the assistance provided by the State of California on freeways. The information could relate to anything such as food, home remedy, car maintenance, home appliances, carpet care, etc. Remember, a stitch in time saves nine. – Editor)
------------------------------------------------------------------------------
