SAFE - Call Box Program

The Service Authority for Freeway Emergencies (SAFE) program pioneered the implementation of a motorist aid telephone network on the major roadways in Orange County. This network consists of solar-powered cellular telephone call boxes at one-half mile intervals along freeways, highways, toll roads and expressways in most densely populated regions of California. The call boxes allow motorists to report road hazards, mechanical breakdowns, traffic accidents and other incidents to a private call center.

The call box program in Orange County began operation in 1987. All call boxes are equipped with full two-way communication by voice and by typewritten message to assist speech and hearing-impaired individuals. The call boxes are programmed to send regular messages verifying they are still working properly and they also send out a signal if they have been damaged. If you encounter a malfunctioning or damaged call box please contact OCTA.

Despite the proliferation of cell phones, the call boxes are a safeguard for Orange County motorists who may have no other means of calling for assistance. OCTA administers and installs all the call boxes in Orange County and maintains the call box system. 

The Department of Motor Vehicles collects a $1 annual fee per vehicle registration, which is used to fund the SAFE program as well as other motorist aid services. Annual program costs are limited to the amount of revenue collected from vehicle registration fees and any interest earned.