Program assists drivers for free

Getting your car jump-started or a flat tire changed in an emergency can be costly. \nBut if you are legally parked at IU, help can be a lot cheaper through the Motorist Assistance Services.\nThe Motorist Assistance Services is an effort of Parking Enforcement and the IU Motor Pool. For all car owners who have a valid parking permit or are parked in pay lots, help is close at hand -- and free. \nOn weekdays, parking enforcement takes initial calls in most cases. After the request is verified as qualifying for the service, Motor Pool technicians assist the motorist. Services include jump starting cars, changing flat tires, unlocking car doors (except for those with airbags in the doors) and providing as much as two gallons of gas. It also helps motorists contact other services for more serious repairs or towing. \nIt does not include towing or mechanical repair to those involved in traffic accidents.\n"The service is to provide free assistance for minor day-to-day problems to anyone who complies with the parking regulations on the IUB campus. It is not meant to subsidize illegal or improper parking," said Stanley Easton, director of Parking Operations.\nGeorge Smerk, director of transportation, first came up with the idea. It was implemented in July 1997 with advice and assistance from Mike Hardesty, manager of the Motor Pool, and James Brinegar, also of the Motor Pool, Easton added. \nThe assistance is free for as many as three times during an academic year, and costs $30 for each additional time. Clients are required to provide identification.\n"We have a team of about six to seven people who are on call, 24 hours Monday through Friday, until 11 a.m. on Saturday. Also, there is a team of technicians on call during weekend hours," said Jeffery Sears, a Motor Pool technician. \nThe service is advertised mostly by mailing cards to all students and faculty, as well as those living on campus.\nTo minimize delays, technicians are informed of any vehicle needing assistance in their vicinity.\n"We try to provide the service as quickly as possible and also give the client a reasonable estimated time of arrival," Easton said. "However, if a delay is expected, they are so informed so that they can choose to get in contact again later or use another service. The client must stay with the vehicle."\nIn case of an extended waiting period, an enforcement dispatcher will call the client back, advising the client that the service technician is on the way.\n"We also tell the client to keep the hood of their car raised so that it is easier for us to spot them," Sears said.\nSince its inception, the service has attended to more than 6,100 requests, Easton said. The service has received compliments and letters of appreciation.\n"There have been complaints, of course, in most cases when service is turned down because of non-compliance with the requirements," Easton said.\nAmy Reynolds, an assistant professor of journalism, used the service earlier in the year.\n"I had come to know about the service from a card I got in the mail. My car battery ran out on me and since I was parked on an IU parking lot, I called Parking Enforcement," Reynolds said. "The Motor Pool technicians came, and they helped me out." \nTo contact Parking Enforcement, call 855-9849.