Broke down on the 91, 60, 15 or 215? What to do and how to get a tow
Get out of the travel lanes if you can do it safely, turn on your hazards, and stay belted inside the car. Then call for help with your direction of travel and the nearest exit or call box number. On weekdays you can also dial 511 to ask for the Freeway Service Patrol, and 1-800-TELL-CHP for non-emergencies.
What to do, in order
- If the car still rolls, get to the right shoulder or off at the next exit. The right shoulder is safer than the center divider.
- Hazards on. If it is dark, leave your parking lights on too.
- Stay inside with your seatbelt on. Getting out on a live freeway shoulder is the most dangerous thing you can do.
- Know your location: freeway number, direction (eastbound 91, northbound 15), the last exit you passed, and any call box number near you.
- Call 911 if you are in a travel lane, the car is on fire, or anyone is hurt.
- For a tow, call (951) 277-6778 with that location and what you drive.
Freeway Service Patrol vs a tow company
The Freeway Service Patrol is a free program that runs on set freeway stretches during weekday commute hours. It can give a quick jump, a gallon of gas, or a tire change, or move you off the freeway to a safe drop spot. It does not tow you home or to your shop. Its trucks patrol their stretch looking for stalled cars, and you can also dial 511.
If you need the car taken somewhere, that is a tow company. If CHP is on scene and has to remove the car because it is a hazard, they call the company on their rotation list. If you are safe on the shoulder and free to arrange your own tow, you can call us.
Freeways we run
Our base is on Magnolia Avenue in Riverside, and we cover the 91, 60, 215, 15, 10, and 210 through Riverside, Corona, Eastvale, Jurupa Valley, Moreno Valley, Norco, Ontario, Rancho Cucamonga, Fontana, San Bernardino, Redlands, and Colton.
Common questions
What should I do if my car breaks down on the freeway?
Get out of the travel lanes if it is safe, turn on your hazards, and stay belted inside the car. Then call for help with your freeway, direction, and nearest exit. Call 911 if you are stuck in a lane or anyone is hurt.
Is the Freeway Service Patrol free?
Yes. The Freeway Service Patrol is free and runs on set freeway stretches during weekday commute hours. It gives a quick fix or moves you to a safe spot, but it does not tow you to your home or shop. Dial 511.
Can I call my own tow truck on the freeway?
Yes, if you are safely on the shoulder and CHP has not ordered the car removed. If CHP orders the tow, it goes to the company on their rotation list.
Which freeways does Towrunner cover?
We cover the 91, 60, 215, 15, 10, and 210 across Riverside and San Bernardino counties in the cities we serve. Call (951) 277-6778 with your direction and nearest exit.
Stuck on the freeway?
A dispatcher answers and quotes it on the phone before a truck rolls.
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