Motorist Assist Program

Traffic incidents create dangerous situation for motorists and cause problems along the highways, including congestion and traffic delays, especially in metropolitan areas. To address problems caused by traffic incidents in Kansas, the Kansas Highway Patrol and the Kansas Department of Transportation established a Motorist Assistance Program.

The program includes service vehicles stationed in Kansas City, Wichita, and Topeka. Each vehicle is staffed by a civilian member of the KHP and is equipped with four-way wrenches and jacks for changing tires, jumper cables, gasoline cans, and numerous other tools.

Motorist Assistance Technicians assist traffic flow by removing disabled and abandoned vehicles from the roadway, in addition to the following responsibilities:

• Protect and assist stranded motorists.
• Assist KDOT and local law enforcement agencies in preventing incidents that endanger motorists and disrupt normal traffic flow.
• Free road troopers to perform duties requiring law enforcement powers.

It is important that you maintain your vehicle in top operating condition at all times to help prevent unexpected breakdowns and other incidents on the highway. Other helpful tips include:

• Park your vehicle as far off the traveled portion of the roadway as possible.
• Turn on the four-way emergency flashers (hazard lights).
• Stay in your vehicle until help arrives, especially at night or in inclement weather.
• If some stops, partially open your window and ask them to call police for assistance.
• Notify the KHP or local law enforcement agency of the location and circumstances if you must leave your vehicle along the highway.

If you experience mechanical or other difficulties while traveling, and you have a cellular phone, call *47 to reach the Kansas Highway Patrol Central Communications Center or call *KTA to reach the Kansas Turnpike Authority dispatchers.