When you’re stranded on a Florida highway, searching for “Near Me Road Service” can be stressful. Fortunately, the Florida Department of Transportation (FDOT) provides a valuable, free service just for you: the Road Rangers. These dedicated service patrols are designed to enhance highway safety and assist motorists like you in your time of need. If you’re facing car trouble on a Florida roadway, remember to call *347 for immediate assistance from the Road Rangers.
What is the Road Ranger Service?
The Road Rangers are a vital part of Florida’s Traffic Incident Management system. Funded by the FDOT, this service operates through contracted providers who patrol congested and high-incident areas of Florida’s freeways. Their primary mission is to improve safety for both emergency responders and the public by swiftly responding to traffic incidents and providing crucial on-site assistance. Think of them as your first responders for minor roadside emergencies, dedicated to getting you back on your way safely and efficiently.
Road Ranger truck assisting a motorist with a flat tire on a highway shoulder
Comprehensive Roadside Assistance Services Offered
The Road Rangers are equipped and trained to offer a range of helpful services at no cost to you. When you call *347, expect a Road Ranger to potentially assist with:
- Flat Tire Changes: A flat tire can be a major inconvenience and safety hazard. Road Rangers can quickly change your flat tire, getting you off the dangerous roadside and back on the road.
- Jump Starts and Minor Repairs: Battery issues are a common cause of breakdowns. Road Rangers can jump-start your vehicle and handle other minor repairs to get you moving again.
- Free Local Calls: If you need to contact family, work, or further assistance, Road Rangers can provide you with two free local calls.
- Vehicle and Debris Removal: Disabled vehicles and road debris can cause significant traffic delays and accidents. Road Rangers are adept at safely removing vehicles from travel lanes and clearing debris to maintain traffic flow.
- Emergency Supplies: Running out of gas or water can be especially problematic in Florida’s climate. Road Rangers can supply emergency gasoline, diesel, and water to stranded motorists.
- Abandoned Vehicle Monitoring: Road Rangers monitor abandoned vehicles and notify the Florida Highway Patrol (FHP) as needed, ensuring roadways are clear and safe.
- Maintenance of Traffic (MOT) Services: During traffic incidents, Road Rangers provide crucial MOT services, helping to manage traffic flow and ensure safety at incident scenes.
Identifying a Road Ranger Vehicle
For your safety and peace of mind, it’s important to be able to identify a Road Ranger vehicle. While the specific make and model of vehicles may vary depending on the contractor, all Road Ranger vehicles share common characteristics. They are uniformly white in color and prominently display the Road Rangers logo on the rear and sides. This consistent branding helps motorists quickly recognize and trust approaching assistance.
Close-up of a Road Ranger service patrol driver in uniform assisting a motorist, emphasizing professionalism and approachability
Road Ranger service patrol drivers are easily identifiable as well. They are always in uniform, ensuring a professional and trustworthy presence. Furthermore, these drivers are trained to be courteous and many are certified or in training for first aid and CPR, demonstrating their commitment to your well-being beyond just vehicle assistance. After assisting you, drivers typically provide a comment card, reflecting the FDOT’s dedication to continuous service improvement based on motorist feedback.
Benefits of the Road Ranger Program
Since its inception in 2000, the Road Ranger program has provided over 6.1 million service assists, proving its significant impact on Florida’s roadways. The benefits of this program are substantial and far-reaching:
- Reduced Traffic Crashes: By quickly clearing incidents and assisting motorists, Road Rangers contribute to a reduction in secondary crashes caused by traffic congestion.
- Shorter Incident Durations: Road Rangers work in conjunction with the Florida Highway Patrol to expedite incident clearance, minimizing traffic delays and getting everyone moving again faster.
- Direct Assistance to Motorists: The core mission of the Road Rangers is to provide direct, hands-on assistance to disabled or stranded motorists, offering a lifeline in stressful situations.
- Road Debris Removal for Safer Roads: By proactively removing road debris, Road Rangers create safer driving conditions for everyone on Florida’s highways.
- Enhanced Safety at Incident Scenes: Their presence and traffic management skills significantly increase safety for all involved at incident scenes, including motorists, emergency responders, and themselves.
The Road Ranger service is a testament to Florida’s commitment to motorist safety and efficient traffic management. Remember, the next time you need “near me road service” in Florida, call *347 and experience the reliable assistance of the Road Rangers. For more information, you can also view helpful FAQs provided by the FDOT.
