The cell-phone call boxes, which give stranded motorists a direct line to a California Highway Patrol dispathcer, have benn a standard safety feature on urban highways for several years. Now they are finally coming to Monterey County highways. Starting in March, the first phase of the call boxes will be installed on Highway 101. There will be a call box every mile on both sides of the highway between Salinas and the San Benito County line. South of Salinas to the San Luis Obispo County, there will be one call box every two miles.
Swift responses reduce the chance of further accidents and traffic backups caused by the incident.
TAMC is applying for funding from Caltrans to operate a pilot freeway service patrol program in Monterey County during commute hours and the tourist travel weekends.