Free Roadside Emergency Service Units to be Deployed During Peak Travel Times
Governor Kathy Hochul and New York City Mayor Eric Adams today announced the Highway Emergency Local Patrol program, which offers roadside assistance to motorists in distress, is expanding to serve Staten Island. Starting immediately, HELP trucks staffed by trained and certified civilian employees of the New York Police Department, will be operating along the Staten Island Expressway during peak weekday travel hours. Trucks will patrol both directions of the expressway between Lily Pond Avenue and the Goethals Bridge from 6 a.m.to 12 p.m. and from 2 p.m. through 8 p.m., on Mondays through Fridays to assist motorists who have mechanical difficulties or have been involved in minor crashes. With today's launch on Staten Island, the $3.2 million-a-year citywide HELP program is expanding by 14 miles of patrolled roadway and two additional trucks.
"The expansion of this crucial service to Staten Island means further assistance for motorists on the Staten Island Expressway, offering them free roadside assistance during peak travel times," Governor Hochul said. "I thank Mayor Adams and the NYPD for their partnership in this endeavor, which means that even more help is on the way for Staten Island motorists."
New York City Mayor Eric Adams said, "Bringing the HELP program to Staten Island will help keep New Yorkers safe on our roads with reliable emergency services whenever necessary. The HELP program provides free roadside assistance to drivers on key roads who may need help, and this expansion will allow us to respond quickly to traffic incidents and keep our roads clear, our economy moving, and our drivers safe."
New York Police Department Commissioner Keechant L. Sewell said, "Traffic safety is public safety. The expansion of the Highway Emergency Local Patrol program is a critical component of the NYPD's efforts to keep our roadways safe, and I want to thank Mayor Adams, Governor Hochul, the New York State Department of Transportation, our dedicated NYPD traffic enforcement agents, and everyone who worked to make this increased coverage possible."
New York City Police Department Chief of Transportation Kim Royster said, "Today is a great day because the NYPD and the State Department of Transportation is moving forward with the expansion of The Highway Emergency Local Patrol Program. Yes, 'HELP' trucks are coming to the borough of Staten Island. Keeping all road users safe is the primary mission of the NYPD's Transportation Bureau and our Traffic Enforcement Agents are an integral part of this mission. They serve as the eyes and ears of the NYPD."
The HELP program provides free roadside assistance to disabled vehicles on selected, high-volume roadways across the state. Trucks are equipped to handle a basic list of minor maintenance activities to either get a disabled vehicle out of the traveling lane and/or up and running again. HELP truck operators have the ability to assist motorists in a number of ways, including removing vehicles from travel lanes that are disabled due to minor crashes and mechanical failures. They can change tires, jump start a battery, temporarily repair a radiator hose, as well as perform other minor repairs. Operators may provide motorists with coolant for a radiator, a maximum of two gallons of gasoline, and even directions and alternative routes, or use of a cell phone for the public to make a local call.
Services are provided at no cost to the motorist. HELP drivers will not accept gratuities, recommend towing businesses other than NYPD authorized tow trucks for that highway, or recommend repair/body shop businesses. By having HELP trucks working in the field during peak traveling times, and patrolling specific coverage areas, incidents can be addressed quickly and efficiently. In addition, HELP patrols are available to support the management and clearance of major incidents, such as a roadway closure due to a traffic crash.
Since its launch in 1994 with the mission of facilitating the safe and efficient movement of people and goods by minimizing traffic congestion and improving the operation of the highway system, the NYS HELP program has aided more than 65,000 motorists statewide annually. In New York City, the red, blue, and white HELP service trucks are operated by specially trained and certified New York Police Department civilian members. HELP is an integral component of NYSDOT's Incident Management Program, fostering partnerships with local and statewide law enforcement and emergency response agencies. NYSDOT's HELP program has grown into one of the nation's largest and most successful roadway service patrol programs. Statewide, the program costs $12 million annually.
New York State Department of Transportation Commissioner Marie Therese Dominguez said, "Few things are more stressful or nerve-wracking for motorists than suffering a mechanical breakdown on the highway and our HELP trucks can help them get back on the road safely and with as minimal a delay as possible. We are extremely excited to bring this vitally important service to the Staten Island Expressway and offer a helping hand to travelers in need along one of region's busiest roads."
Staten Island Borough President Vito Fosella said, “Today marks a day where Staten Island joins the other boroughs in receiving adequate relief while experiencing vehicular distress traveling on the Staten Island Expressway. As Staten Islanders, we know the frustration when there is an incident of a vehicle breakdown or even a minor accident on the expressway. The entire flow of traffic on the island is affected and its impact can disseminate throughout local neighborhood streets. The new HELP truck will not only provide aid to the motorist in need but also will also help those who are sitting in traffic as a result of the incident. We thank Governor Hochul, Mayor Adams, and the NYPD for expanding the HELP truck program to Staten Island.”
Assemblymember Sam T. Pirozzolo said, "I am pleased to see the HELP program expanding to include the Staten Island Expressway. The SIE is a vital route for thousands of Staten Islanders especially during rush hour. Having the HELP programs supplemental support available to drivers has potential to clear up incidents faster and prevent additional congestion. I look forward to seeing the results the HELP program produces."
Assemblymember Michael Reilly said, "I want to thank Governor Hochul and our partners at NYSDOT for expanding the HELP program to the Staten Island Expressway. This will prove to be a practical and responsible way for government to address congestion and I hope to see it expanded to our networks in the near future."
Councilmember Kamillah Hanks said, "Today's announcement marks a significant step towards enhancing the safety and well-being of motorists in Staten Island. With the expansion of the Highway Emergency Local Patrol program, we are prioritizing timely roadside assistance and support for those facing mechanical difficulties or minor accidents. I applaud the efforts of Governor Kathy Hochul, Mayor Eric Adams, and all those involved in making this expansion possible, as we continue to prioritize the welfare of our residents and visitors on Staten Island."
Councilmember Joseph Borelli said, "Nothing snarls traffic and ruins a commute more than a stalled car or a fender bender. These HELP trucks will, well, help by getting traffic moving again while also making the roads safer for everyone."
Richmond County District Attorney Michael McMahon said, "The Staten Island Expressway is our vital artery connecting us to the rest of New York City, New Jersey, and points beyond. So, when a collision snarls traffic for miles and clearing it takes longer than it should, it leaves our neighbors with steam coming out of their ears and can lead to criminal road rage behavior that puts the safety of those on the road at risk. I am pleased to learn that HELP trucks are going to become a near-permanent fixture on the Expressway and appreciate the inclusion of Staten Island in this program thanks to Governor Hochul and Mayor Adams."