Ball State police officers and public safety personnel assist stranded motorists with a number of free services provided to faculty, staff, students and visitors on or near campus.

Many students do not know about this free service offered to them, but 715 motorist assist calls have been made so far this academic year, explains Gene Burton, director of public safety.

"The motorist assist program is especially helpful to someone who is away from home," Burton said. "There are few things that are as frustrating as car trouble, and we try to alleviate the stress and pressure of trying to find and pay for the services."

For people on or in the vicinity of campus, the motorist assist program provides necessary services such as jump-starting dead batteries, unlocking vehicle doors, inflating tires (auto or bicycle), providing transportation to buy gas, de-icer for frozen door locks, and a shovel and abrasives for vehicles stuck on snow or ice, he said.

"Throughout the year we have had a steady amount of calls coming in for all of our services," Burton said. "This time of year though, with the bad weather we do more jump starts, especially at the stadium parking lot where cars may only be driven once a week."

First-come, first-served assistance is available by calling (765) 285-1111.

By Chantel Arsenault