CNBNews

Program reduces congestion and increases mobility on our roads

(Trenton) (October 30, 2019)--- New Jersey Department of Transportation (NJDOT) officials today celebrated the 25^th Anniversary of the Safety Service Patrol (SSP). Created in 1994, the SSP assists motorists whose vehicles have become disabled as a result of a crash, a mechanical failure or other cause, and provides safety for emergency responders.  They patrol 225 linear miles of interstate and state highways throughout New Jersey, extending to over 394 miles during the winter season.

“Feeling stranded on the road after a motor vehicle crash or car trouble is a nightmare scenario for many motorists,” said Diane Gutierrez-Scaccetti, Commissioner of the New Jersey Department of Transportation. “When motorists see an SSP truck pull up behind them they can breathe a sigh of relief because they know that they are in good hands, and that our drivers are there to help. Their hard work helps troubled motorists, avoids accidents involving stranded cars and reduces rubbernecking.”

Since its inception, this highly visible and successful program has responded to over 1.5 million incidents on NJ’s highly traveled road network.   Assistance includes changing a flat tire, pushing a disabled vehicle off to the shoulder, pulling a vehicle trapped in mud or snow back onto the road, providing a small amount of gasoline and making minor repairs.

“For twenty-five years the men and women of New Jersey DOT’s Safety Service Patrol have been helping countless motorist on our highways.  Each and every one of them are brave, highly capable and friendly.  I am very proud to salute their selfless service and congratulate them on this wonderful anniversary,” said Andrew J. Tunnard, Assistant Commissioner of Transportation Operations Systems and Support.

“The men and women of NJDOT’s Safety Service Patrol are often called “angels” by the people they stop to help. They’re incredibly dedicated public servants who truly believe that the work they do makes a difference to the drivers of the state,” said Sal Cowan, Senior Director of Transportation Mobility.

The service is provided free of charge to the people they help and SSP drivers cannot accept tips. In addition to Federal Highway Administration (FHWA) funding, State Farm® has sponsored NJDOT's Safety Service Patrol Program since 2012 as part of a public-private partnership. This sponsorship is one of the first of its kind in New Jersey.

For more information about the Safety Service Patrol, please visit:http://www.state.nj.us/transportation/commuter/motoristassistance/ssp.shtm