Call Boxes

OCTA provides emergency call boxes through the Service Authority for Freeway Emergencies (SAFE). The call boxes allow a motorist to report mechanical breakdowns, road hazards, traffic accidents and other incidents directly to the California Highway Patrol (CHP).

Orange County broke new ground in 1987 when it pioneered a solar-powered cellular technology call box system. During 2003, the entire network was equipped with Text Telephone assistance devices for the hearing impaired. The program is funded by a $1 per year fee on vehicles registered in Orange County.

SAFE now operates and maintains 544 call boxes throughout Orange County after a reduction of 582 call boxes because of the proliferation of cellular phone usage. In fiscal year 2006, 15,600 calls (an average of 1,310 calls per month) were received through the SAFE call box network.