The Governor of Puerto Rico, Pedro R. Pierluisi, the Secretary of the Department of Transportation and Public Works (DTOP), Eileen Vélez Vega, and the Executive Director of the Highway and Transportation Authority (ACT), announced the expansion of the SAFE Program in the PR-52 to Ponce. The program provides free assistance service on the roads and, until today, it was active on the highway covering from San Juan, to the Guavate exit, in Cayey, so the extension of the service expands the offer for drivers who transit the express.
The incorporation of this new section is possible thanks to the acquisition of five new vehicles, which will increase the total fleet to 25 units, with an annual investment of $6.45 million, coming from a combination of state and federal funds.
“Guaranteeing road safety, expanding services for our drivers, and investing in improving road infrastructure around the entire Island is a priority for my administration. The expansion of the SAFE Program allows more drivers to benefit from a free service that has the purpose of reducing the time drivers are exposed to dangerous situations due to a mishap or incident on the road. We continue to focus on identifying more tools that are beneficial to our drivers and result in more and better services,” said the governor.
The SAFE Program aims to reduce the time drivers are exposed to dangerous situations while they are involved in incidents on the roads. Currently, it offers service on the highways; PR-1 and PR-2 (in the express segments of the San Juan Metropolitan Area); as well as PR-18, PR-20, PR-26, PR-30, PR-66 and PR-52.
This free service is available Monday through Friday from 5:00 a.m. to 9:00 p.m., and weekends from 8:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m.
“We have a commitment to the road safety of all citizens, which is why we continue the investment plan in the necessary equipment to streamline and modernize services with the most advanced technology. The SAFE Program is a very important project, because it offers the first security alternative to the user in the face of any mishap they may have on public roads,” said Edwin González Montalvo, executive director of the ACT.
During the past year, the SAFE Program attended a total of 28,051 incidents, including crashes, vehicles with mechanical damage, and debris on the road.
The vehicle fleet is equipped with the most modern and up-to-date immediate response equipment. To increase the safety and capabilities of the vehicles, more reliable communications equipment was added, as well as technology integration, among other devices. For example, they have an innovative module that allows the removal of debris from inside the vehicle to improve operator safety. In addition, these units use propane gas as fuel, which results in a more eco-friendly and economical operation.
For information and help from the SEGURO units, you can call 787-625-3253.
