When a parent calls from out of state because their child is stranded on the side of a busy interstate, the situation is stressful and uncertain. For one family traveling through south Alabama, that moment quickly turned into relief thanks to the Alabama Department of Transportation’s Alabama Service Assistance Patrol, or ASAP.
The incident happened along the I-10 Mobile Bayway, where a driver experienced a flat tire while passing through the area. A parent, calling from another state, reached out for help. Within minutes, an ALDOT Automated Transportation Systems (ATS) Operator stepped in to assist. The operator not only dispatched an ASAP driver but also guided the concerned parent to the ALGO Traffic app and connected them to a nearby traffic camera. From miles away, the parents were able to see their daughter and know help was on the way.
An ASAP driver arrived in about 10 minutes and safely changed the tire, getting the motorist back on the road.
It’s the kind of response that draws praise from the public, but for ALDOT teams, it’s part of the job.
How ALDOT’s ASAP and ATS teams keep Alabama motorists safe
Across Alabama, ASAP drivers patrol heavily traveled roadways, watching for stranded motorists, crashes and other issues that can disrupt traffic or create dangerous conditions. They provide free roadside assistance, including changing flat tires, jump-starting vehicles and helping coordinate emergency response when needed.
Behind the scenes, ATS operators monitor traffic conditions in real time using cameras, sensors and communication tools. They play a key role in connecting motorists with help quickly and efficiently, while also providing the public with up-to-date travel information through the ALGO Traffic system.
Together, these teams form a coordinated network focused on safety, mobility and customer service.
Stories like this one are not unusual. ALDOT regularly receives calls, emails and messages from motorists expressing appreciation for ASAP drivers who step in during stressful situations. Whether it’s assisting a family on a long trip, helping a commuter get moving again or clearing a roadway hazard, these interactions happen every day across the state.
In this case, the response came from ALDOT’s Southwest Region, but similar efforts are underway in all regions where ASAP operates. The goal is consistent: reduce congestion, improve safety and provide timely assistance to those in need.
For many motorists, the program delivers more than roadside help. It provides peace of mind.
And while most drivers may never need assistance, those who do often walk away with a lasting impression — that help is never far away on Alabama’s roadways.
For those interested in a career like this, you can find job opportunities with ALDOT at ALDOTjobs.org.
