When travelers are in need of assistance, OCTA’s Freeway Service Patrol (FSP) steps in. FSP is a unique team of tow trucks that patrol Orange County's freeways during peak commuting hours to help motorists whose vehicles become disabled on the highway. Motorists may use a freeway call box or call 511 from their cell phone and select motorist assistance for limited on-freeway assistance during FSP operating hours. FSP aims to keep traffic moving and reduce congestion by assisting with minor roadside repairs and removing disabled vehicles and debris from the roadway.
All FSP services are free to motorists. These trucks and drivers help people get back on the road with limited essential assistance, from a jump start to a gallon of gas or simply changing a flat tire. FSP will even help take vehicles to a safe location off the freeway where drivers can seek additional assistance at no charge.
OCTA manages the FSP program. The California Highway Patrol oversees daily tow operations, trains the tow truck operators, and provides dispatch services so FSP can respond quickly to incidents on the freeway.
According to the California Tow Truck Association, one tow operator is killed in the line of duty every six days. This is one of the most dangerous jobs in the United States, so training is essential. To maintain their certifications, FSP operators must complete at least eight hours of refresher training annually.
Recently, Orange County Freeway Service Patrol (FSP) operators competed in their biennial Tow Truck Roadeo. The Roadeo provides an interactive, hands-on method for FSP drivers to demonstrate their skills in a friendly and competitive environment.
The FSP program began service in 1992 and is supported by the California Department of Transportation (Caltrans), the California Highway Patrol (CHP), the California Road Repair and Accountability Act (SB1), the Orange County Service Authority for Freeway Emergencies (OC SAFE), the 91 Express Lanes, 405 Express Lanes and OC Go (also known as Measure M). For more information regarding the Freeway Service Patrol program, please visit here.