Keeping 911 Lines Clear: Improving Roadside Handling for Non-Critical Roadside Calls

Let's face it, nobody wants to deal with a roadside emergency. Whether it's a flat tire, a dead battery, or something worse, it's a stressful experience. You're left feeling flustered and, if you're like many people, totally unsure of what to do. According to our research, 14% of drivers admit they were unsure what to do during a roadside incident.

In their confusion, hundreds of thousands of drivers contact 911 for routine roadside support each year. These non-critical requests distract 911 dispatchers from real emergencies while leaving the driver susceptible to long wait times, lack of transparency, and unregulated rates. As a result, customers may still be left stranded and scrambling to find support on their own.

But what if there was a better way to both ensure that drivers are supported during their roadside events and help alleviate 911 dispatchers to support emergencies? 

Introducing Rapid Response:

A first-of-its-kind partnership between Drivers Premier and RapidSOS, a trusted 911 software provider, enables drivers to easily access professional roadside at affordable, low wholesale rates - all with just a couple clicks from police dispatchers.

• When citizens call 911 for roadside support, that dispatcher can seamlessly connect the caller to Drivers Premier via a text message.
• From there, the Drivers Premier dispatch platform does the rest, tapping into it’s national network of vetted, background checked roadside providers to find the best available support.
• The citizen is also kept informed every step of the way via a mobile tracking link, which helps avoid additional calls to police for status updates.

Peace of mind for citizens and dispatchers alike

By enabling a near-instant transfer from police to a trusted roadside partner, the driver benefits from fast and seamless support, without distracting critical emergency resources. With limited staffing and training resources at emergency call centers (ECCs) around the country, reducing dispatcher effort on non-critical calls is a valuable time saver in an industry where every second is crucial.

For the citizen requesting support, there is added peace of mind knowing that the support you receive is from a trusted professional who’s passed the stringent requirements to join the Drivers Premier roadside network. From regular background checks to robust insurance requirements, callers can feel confident that their well-being and the safety of their vehicle are being cared for. Drivers should also feel assured that they are paying transparent, competitive rates – no exorbitant or surprise fees!

There’s no substitute for experience

This partnership combines leadership and experience in both roadside assistance and emergency dispatching:

• Drivers Premier brings its extensive network and experience supporting nearly 10 million roadside events each year;
• RapidSOS brings its expertise in public safety, having supported over 171 million emergencies annually.

Together, they're creating an efficient connection between emergency contact centers and a national network of service providers, ensuring that drivers get the help they need, when they need it.