Georgia’s Call Box Project: Evaluation and Future Deployment Recommendations
Date Posted
11/19/2001
Identifier
2001-B00221
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Georgia's Call Box Project: Evaluation and Future Deployment Recommendations

Summary Information

This study provided a follow-up to the June 1999 evaluation of the Georgia Call Box Pilot Project. The June 1999 report evaluated the installation and monitoring of 147 cellular/solar powered call boxes in rural areas of interstate I-185. This follow-up report provided the results of motorist and emergency dispatch personnel satisfaction surveys.

Interviews were conducted with "911" dispatch center managers, 19 tow truck operators, and 299 persons in the general public around Columbus.

“911” Dispatch Centers
  • The "911" center managers believed call boxes provided a valuable service in areas on I-185 where motorists were unwilling to stop and assist, and in areas where cell phone signals were limited.
  • Managers observed a decrease in demand for emergency personnel in areas with call boxes.

General Public
  • Ninety-seven (97) percent of public respondents felt that call boxes on rural interstates in Georgia were a good idea even though 64 percent of them owned cellular phones.
  • A total of 78 percent of respondents stated they would be willing to pay a fee as part of their yearly vehicle registration to fund the installation and maintenance of additional call boxes.
  • All call box users found call boxes easy to use.

Towing Companies
  • Fifteen (15) towing companies endorsed the call box program.
  • Four (4) companies were dissatisfied with the system, primarily because call box users would leave the scene before tow truck operators could arrive.
Deployment Locations