Motorists stranded on I-95, the Spaulding Turnpike (Portsmouth Traffic Circle to Exit 16), the Everett Turnpike (Massachusetts state line to I-93 Exit 14), and I-93 from the Massachusetts state line to Exit 5 in Londonderry in need of minor roadside assistance can now request aid by dialing #999, which is a direct connection to the New Hampshire Department of Transportation’s Transportation Management Center (TMC) in Concord.
The TMC worked with Verizon and other cell phone carriers to provide this option to the traveling public. Motorists in need of roadside assistance should pull over to the side of the roadway or into a parking or rest area and come to a stop prior to calling #999 unless they are utilizing a Bluetooth device per the new Hands Free Law (effective July 1, 2015).
The NHDOT Safety Patrols, sponsored by State Farm®, communicate with the TMC which has direct contact with State Police and other emergency responders. The goal of the Safety Patrol is to improve safety and reduce the potential for traffic tie-ups by clearing minor accidents, removing debris, and assisting motorists in need of minor repairs, such as fixing flat tires, charging a battery, or handling an overheated vehicle as soon as possible. In 2014, the NHDOT Safety Patrol vehicles responded to 3,255 incidents.
The Safety Patrol operates year-round during early morning and late afternoon hours. For more information on the NHDOT Safety Patrol program and hours of operation, visit www.nhtmc.com/dashboard/servicepatrol and www.assistpatrol.com.
Information courtesy of the New Hampshire Department of Transportation.
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