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Road Ranger Service Patrol - dial *FHP (*347) to request assistance
The Road Ranger Service Patrol is a service of the Florida Department of Transportation and sponsored by State Farm. Its mission is to provide free highway assistance services during incidents to reduce delay and improve safety for the motoring public and responders.
In Broward County, Road Rangers cover I-95, I-75 and I-595 (monitored and maintained by I-595 Express, LLC). Services are available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week and 365 days a year. On Oakland Park Boulevard, service is available from 6 a.m. – 9 a.m. and 4 p.m. – 7 p.m. on weekdays only. Coverage on Oakland Park Boulevard is eastbound and westbound from University Drive to US 1.
In Palm Beach County Road Rangers cover I-95 24 hours a day, 7 days a week and 365 days a year. Road Rangers are dispatched from the Transportation Management Center in their respective county.
Click on the links below to find out more about the Road Ranger Service Patrol:
Road Ranger Services
The Broward County Road Rangers continuously rove I-95, I-75 and I-595 (monitored and maintained by I-595 Express, LLC) looking for stranded motorists, roadway debris, traffic accidents, or other events that affect the normal flow of traffic. The following free services are provided by the Road Rangers:
- Change flat tires
- Jump-start vehicles and make minor repairs
- Provide stranded motorists two free local calls
- Clear disabled vehicles from travel lanes
- Clear debris from travel lanes
- Supply emergency gasoline, diesel, water
- Monitor abandoned vehicles and notify FHP
- Provide maintenance-of-traffic (MOT) services during incidents
The Road Ranger trucks are equipped, at a minimum, with the following equipment:
- 5 gallons of speedy dry
- Cell phone
- Wood blocks
- Flashing arrow board
- First aid kits
- Gas / diesel
- Public address system
- 2-ton jacks
- Auto fluids
- Reflective cones
- Fire extinguishers
- Flares
- Booster cables
- Air compressor
- Water
To present a professional appearance, the drivers are required to wear uniforms and name tags. They are very courteous and provide excellent customer service. A comment card is given to every assisted motorist, requesting mail-in feedback on their experience. Responses have been extremely positive and the program is a major success. Click here for samples of actual Road Ranger Feedback and thank you letters.
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Road Ranger Statistics
The growth of the program is illustrated in the number of service assists every year.
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Year
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Statewide
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District Four
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2009
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296,041
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68,336
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2008
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320,207
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76,144
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2007
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354,053
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87,725
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2006
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277,537
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82,632
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2005
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298,776
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74,691
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2004
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342,895
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75,815
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2003
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316,883
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66,391
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2002
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279,525
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63,058
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2001
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198,372 |
38,065 |
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2000
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112,000
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35,267
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History
In the late 1980s, the service focused on assisting disabled vehicles in construction zones and was first provided in District Four by a contractor at the Department's direction for the expansion of I-95 in Broward County. In February of 1995, District Four started the current form of the Road Rangers, which initially covered the I-95 corridor throughout Broward. Palm Beach County was added in 1997. The program has since been expanded to include all types of roadway incidents; it has become one of the most effective of FDOT's incident management programs. In December 1999, the Department began funding the program statewide. The name Road Rangers was selected from a statewide contest in 2000.
Road Ranger Feedback and Thank You Letters
Here are a few of our most recent Road Ranger appreciation letters
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August 5, 2010
I just wanted to express my heartfelt appreciation for the Road Ranger who assisted my daughter on I-95 Tuesday, August 3, 2010 at approximately 4:15 p.m. She was in an accident south of Blue Heron Boulevard, north of 45th Street in Palm Beach County. He was the kindest, most polite, courteous, helpful, etc. gentleman. Unfortunately in the turmoil, we failed to get his name but I hope you make the effort to identify him and thank him on behalf of myself and my daughter, Annie.
Sincerely,
Laura K.
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May 25, 2010
This morning I had a blow out of my car’s rear tire when traveling south on I-95 in Boynton Beach Florida (between Lantana Rd and Gateway Blvd). I had called AAA for assistance, when a truck pulled up behind me I assumed it was AAA but they said they would be an hour and only 15 minutes had passed.
With cars speeding by me and being in a precarious position, I was scared to death! Low and behold it was one of your Road Rangers!! It was like an Angel answering my prayers. He offered to change my tire, so he put up traffic cones and in no time I was back out on the road. He was the best anyone could ask for.
I just wanted to let him know how much I appreciated his help and thank him for his kindness. His name was Evans and he was in truck # 412. I am so grateful that you have this road service and such wonderful employees.
Thank you so much,
Barbara F.
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April 29, 2010
I wanted to tell you how much I truly appreciate the Road Ranger crew and especially a gentleman named Jak who assisted me with a flat tire this morning on my way to work. This is my first encounter with using the services of the Road Rangers and was very impressed. Jak was very professional and efficient. I had only been sitting there for a few minutes before he arrived and was on my way to work within 10 minutes. Thank you so much Jak. I appreciate all that you do.
- Brenda F.
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Contact Information
For additional information contact Gaetano Francese at the SMART SunGuide TMC.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does the service cost motorists?
Motorists are not charged for the service and may also make up to two local phone calls while being assisted.
Can I call them if I need help while I'm stranded?
If you have a cell phone you may call *FHP (*347) for assistance, otherwise during operating hours they should be able to locate you within 30 minutes as long as they are not detained by an emergency.
What are the operating hours?
In Broward and Palm Beach Counties the Road Rangers patrol the highways 24 hours a day, 7 days a week and 365 days a year. In Broward County, Road Rangers patrol Oakland Boulevard from 6 a.m. - 9 a.m. and 4 p.m. - 7 p.m., Monday through Friday.
What is the service area?
I-95 from the Miami-Dade County line to County Road 708 in Martin County, I-595 in Broward County, and I-75 from Miami Gardens Drive to Mile Marker 50.
What happens when a repair exceeds the services offered?
The Road Rangers will move the vehicle to the nearest safe location and FHP will contact another towing service, at your expense, to assist further.
What is my responsibility if I am stranded on the highway?
Pursuant to Florida state statute, Chapter 316.071, Florida's
Move It Law requires that damaged and disabled vehicles be moved out of the traffic lanes as soon as possible. If a damaged vehicle is obstructing traffic, the driver of the vehicle must make every effort to move it or allow it to be moved.
How did the program come to be known as the Road Rangers?
In 2000 the name “Road Rangers” was established by way of a DOT sponsored contest.
How can I find out about the service patrol program in other Florida counties?
For more information on the Florida Road Ranger program, visit the State Web site.
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