Why Louisiana Drivers Are Grateful for the Motorist Assistance Patrol

What started as a really nasty situation, with a touch of humor, taught me the value of one of Louisiana's greatest programs.

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If you have ever had to utilize the services of the Louisiana Motor Assistance Patrol service then you also can attest to how wonderful this program is for Louisiana drivers.

While it wasn't actually me who utilized the service, my family was a direct beneficiary.  It was many years back when my sons were all very young. Late one afternoon I received a call from a MAP driver who told me that he had met my family earlier that morning. In retrospect, the event was hilarious, but, at the time, my wife found absolutely zero humor.

This MAP Driver Was Walking Into A Disaster

The driver approached her vehicle, which was pulled on the shoulder of I-220 near the Cross Lake Bridge.

Inquiring about her troubles, he found that the youngest boy had thrown up ON my middle son. Which in turn, caused him to throw up, and the smell and sound of that caused the oldest boy to throw up. It was a comedy of epic proportions and there was my little wife. Trying her best, to get all that cleaned up.

Obviously, she didn't have a flat tire, didn't need gas, and the only "mechanical" issue was the smell of fresh projectile vomit which had gone into the defroster vent on the dash.

The MAP driver could only offer some fresh rags for the clean-up job, but his smile and flashing lights on the truck kept my family safe in the midst of this catastrophe.

READ MORE: Louisiana's 10 Leading Causes For Accidents

I am eternally in their debt, and any other driver, who has ever been aided by one of the many DOTD MAP vehicles, would probably tell you the same thing.

However, there are many who don't fully understand the entire MAP program and what they offer to the drivers on Louisiana roads.

What Services Does The DOTD MAP Provide To Drivers?

Canva/LADOTD

These MAP services are available in Shreveport/Bossier, Baton Rouge, New Orleans, Lake Charles, Shreveport-Bossier City, Alexandria and the Northshore.

Though, this is not a call out service, the Motorist Assistance Patrol runs specific routes and can provide all drivers they discover in need of the these free services:

• Provide one gallon of fuel
• Change a flat tire
• Jump start car
• Fill radiator with water
• Provide the use of a cellular phone so you can make a local call for additional assistance if needed

When And Where Is The DOTD MAP On Patrol In Shreveport/Bossier?

In the Shreveport/Bossier area, the MAP program is on duty 7 days a week from 5:30 am to 7:30 pm in the following areas:

• I-20: from La. 526 to I-220 in Bossier City
• I-49: from I-220 (Exit 210) to LA 1 (Exit 215)
• I-49 from Southern Loop (Exit 196) to I-20
• I-220: entire Interstate stretch
• La. 3132: from I-20 to La. 526

If you become stranded and need assistance from the Motorist Assistance Patrol, contact your local law enforcement. In an emergency situation, dial 911.