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The California Service Authority for Freeway Emergencies (CalSAFE) program began in 1986. A total of 17 SAFEs have been formed, covering 31 of California's 58 counties. Together these SAFEs have installed more than 15,000 call boxes in California, covering more than 6,300 highway miles.

When a SAFE is formed, a county has the authority to levy and collect a $1 fee on all vehicles registered within that county. The funds may only be used to provide a motorist aid system within the county in which they are collected. The roadside call box program is the main component of this motorist aid system. Some SAFEs also have added roving tow trucks (Freeway Service Patrol) to their system and some are working on other projects to better assist and inform motorists.

Project managers from each of California's SAFEs, California Highway Patrol (CHP) representatives from the State's CHP headquarters and regional dispatch centers, and Caltrans representatives meet regularly to coordinate efforts. CalSAFE serves as a forum where service authorities can discuss issues they face and suggest possible solutions. CalSAFE also serves as a resource for all participants and any agency or individuals interested in call boxes or other SAFE programs. Call boxes are generally solar-powered cellular phones with a direct link to a call center. Call boxes are available on urban and rural highways, and expressways, in most of the more densely populated regions of California. Motorists may use call boxes to report a road hazard, flat tire, mechanical breakdown, traffic accident, or other incident. Call box calls are not considered an emergency and are  a lower priority than 911 calls and calls from other emergency service agencies.

To use a call box, motorists open the front of the unit and, depending on the model, simply pick up the phone or press a button to be connected to the call center. Since the call is coded, the operator automatically knows the location of the call box in use, so the caller does not need to know their location to receive assistance. Upon receiving the call, the operator will dispatch appropriate assistance or connect the caller to a desired phone number for roadside assistance. Use of the call box is free, but call box users are responsible for paying towing and other roadside assistance charges.

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The Freeway Service Patrol (FSP) was established by the California legislature through the Freeway Service Patrol Act. The program is funded by a combination of state, local, and federal funds. State funds are authorized yearly through the State of California budget process and are distributed to agencies that run Freeway Service Patrol programs using a formula that takes population and traffic congestion into consideration. State funds comprise about 70% of the total funding for FSP programs throughout California.

The FSP is designed to increase roadway safety, reduce motorist delays and traffic congestion, decrease air pollution, and improve overall efficiency of highway operations. During peak commute hours, this fleet of roving tow trucks is on the lookout for stalled vehicles and accidents. Statewide, more than 350 CHP-certified and supervised tow truck drivers provide free assistance to motorists on California highways.

FSP drivers will assist any stranded motorist that they come upon as they rove the highways. They also can be dispatched by CHP to assist a motorist that has used a call box to request assistance, and can be reached by motorists who call 511 and say “roadside assistance.” FSP drivers can change a flat tire, jump start a car, provide a gallon of fuel or radiator water, or offer other minor assistance. If the Freeway Service Patrol cannot get your vehicle running in a few minutes, it will be towed, at no charge, to a safe location off the highway designated by the California Highway Patrol (CHP). The San Diego FSP assists approximately 50,000 motorists per year.