The Point: FSP driver awards recognize outstanding service provided to Riverside County motorists
This year’s award season has made its way to Riverside County. Every year, Freeway Service Patrol (FSP) drivers gather for the annual FSP Driver Awards – where five outstanding drivers are recognized for their efforts and the exceptional service they provided to stranded motorists over the past year. By providing free emergency assistance such as jump-starts, fuel, flat tire assistance, and towing to CHP-approved locations, FSP drivers help reduce traffic delays and secondary accidents.
Since the program began operation in 1993, FSP drivers have assisted more than a million motorists on Riverside County’s busiest highways. FSP tow trucks patrol the entirety of Riverside County’s SR-91, I-15 from SR-60 south to SR- 79/Temecula Parkway, SR- 60 from Milliken Avenue to Theodore Street, and the entirety of Riverside County’s I-215 during peak commute times. FSP also provides support for the SR-91 and I-15 Express Lanes and during special construction activity.
This year’s award winners demonstrated exemplary service that has become a hallmark of the FSP program and its drivers. Without further ado, this year’s winners are:
Top Driver Award
Driver of Excellence Award
Driver of Excellence Award
People’s Choice Award
Rookie of the Year Award
After receiving assistance, motorists are asked to complete a satisfaction survey, and the glowing remarks speak for themselves. “My saving grace, I was panicking really bad and their helpfulness made the stressful situation better. This was a blessing thank you,” says Maria C. After receiving assistance for a flat tire, Bryan K. had this to say, “We were pleasantly surprised to have help find us within minutes of a tire blowout. He had us safely on our way faster than we could have imagined. Thank you so much. Faith in humanity restored!”
The Riverside County FSP program is funded by Caltrans and RCTC, providing the roadside assistance to motorists free of charge, and is consistently ranked as one of the highest benefit-cost FSP programs across California – providing substantial service to cost efficiency. The program operates Monday through Friday (except on some holidays) from 6:00 a.m. to 8:30 a.m. for the morning commute and from 1:30 p.m. to 6:00 p.m. for the afternoon commute. Friday afternoon service operates from 11:30 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. FSP also operates mid-day service and weekend service on select beats.
To learn more about the FSP program, please visit: www.rctc.org/fsp