NYSDOT HELP Trucks

Information

Statewide:
The Highway Emergency Local Patrol (HELP) program provides free roadside emergency services on many major roads throughout the state during peak travel times. The assistance was established in 1994 to increase safety and decrease congestion by clearing broken-down vehicles from active lanes of traffic. 70 service trucks cover 16 patrol areas in many metropolitan areas throughout NYS, aiding more than 65,000 motorists annually.

HELP Patrols
Out of the 11 NYSDOT Regions, Only the Following Regions have HELP Truck Services.
HELP presently provides motorist assistance to vehicles traveling on nearly 1500 miles of limited access interstate roadways, parkways, and expressways within:

• NYSDOT Region 1 - Albany (Capital District)
• NYSDOT Region 3 - Syracuse
• NYSDOT Region 4 - Rochester
• NYSDOT Region 5 - Buffalo
• NYSDOT Region 8 - Hudson Valley
• NYSDOT Region 10 - Long Island
• NYSDOT Region 11 - New York City

106 service trucks, including backup trucks, covering 27 distinct patrol areas or beats, are utilized in this effort. These trucks are operated by NYS DOT employees or contracted to other service providers. The program is coordinated and monitored by the Department’s local Transportation Management Centers (TMCs).