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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.
In Palm Beach County, Road Rangers cover I-95 24 hours a day, 7 days a week and 365 days a year. In Martin, St. Lucie and Indian River Counties, Road Rangers cover I-95 Monday through Friday, from 6 a.m. – 10 pm.
Click on the links below to find out more about the Road Ranger Service Patrol:
Road Ranger Services
The 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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2012
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393,405
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129,805
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2011
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395,516
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124,809
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2010
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351,941
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84,462
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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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April 18, 2013
Wednesday April 10th I was traveling to work northbound 95 at approximately 8 a.m. I had a tire blowout and needless to say,it scared me and I was a nervous wreck.I pulled over on the left-hand shoulder and before I could even turn my hazard lights on, Derek pulled up! What a pleasant gentleman! Within 7 minutes, my tire was changed and I was on my way. I felt horrible, because I did not have any cash on me to tip him. He was a true southern gentleman. I thanked and hugged him and he helped me back onto the busy highway. THANK YOU, DEREK!! You made my day. This program is a wonderful service!!
Sincerely
- Eve F.
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April 12, 2013
Yesterday, (4/11 2:20pm) I had my first flat tire in at least 25 years. I was driving north I 95 just about to Woolbright exit 56 when I got a flat...pulled over to the side of the road. To my surprise and delight a State Farm Road Ranger came up behind me and changed my tire. His name was Oscar and he should be commended. Polite, professional and caring! I have seen Road Rangers on the highways before and always thought it a good idea. NOW I think it is a brillant idea and I am proud to have State Farm as my insurer.
Thank You
- Carole B.
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April 05, 2013
While traveling home on 95 in Ft Lauderdale I hit some road debris and blew out my tire. I called my husband and he called the road rangers. He said the woman who answered was incredibly nice and helpful, told him what to relay to me (for safety purposes) and gave us an ETA for assistance. Within 10 minutes Marcus showed up and changed my tire for me, in the rain. It was the right side tire facing the traffic on 95 during rush hour. I cannot thank him and Road Rangers enough. It was scary enough watching Marcus work, I could not imagine have to have had to do that myself. Thank you again, you guys are awesome!!!
- Terri R.
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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.Treasure Coast Road Rangers patrol Monday through Friday, 6 a.m. – 10 p.m
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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