Frequently Asked Questions

CASE’s call boxes enhance local response to all types of emergencies, from overturned tankers to violent crime. 

Are CASE’s digital cellular call boxes reliable enough for critical-duty use?

Yes. CASE is the leading supplier of digital cellular call boxes. CASE’s digital cellular call boxes offer the reliability of conventional trenched boxes-together with the convenience of easy installation and maintenance.

Where can I use CASE’s digital cellular call boxes?

  • along highways
  • on bridges
  • in tunnels and along toll roads
  • on school campuses
  • in parks
  • on hike and bike trails
  • at stadiums
  • in marinas
  • on golf courses
  • at beaches
  • in large parking areas
  • in shopping centers
  • in ports

Or virtually anywhere where you want to enhance security by providing a readily available phone system.

What are the advantages of CASE’s digital cellular call boxes?

CASE’s digital cellular call boxes eliminate the costly and time-consuming trenching required by conventional landline call boxes. Solar powered, with battery backup, they are designed to be easily installed on a simple pole, which reduces the need to supply them with AC power.

CASE’s digital cellular call boxes are ideal for remote or hard-to-reach sites, or for sites where the call box locations may change.

CASE’s digital cellular call boxes can be programmed remotely.

CASE’s call boxes have proven their reliability over time, as some units have been deployed for almost 20 years.

What features are available to help the disabled use CASE's digital cellular call boxes?

CASE's digital cellular call boxes are vandalism-resistant and theft-deterrent. Their tough Lexan® case provides structural strength and durability. Motion sensors alert the call box operations center of tilt or knockdown conditions, outer door open, unauthorized inner door entry, and other similar conditions.

Call box alarm conditions include:

  • outer door open
  • transceiver abnormalities
  • open solar panel circuit
  • low battery
  • tilt or knockdown including vandalism
  • light burnout
  • handset circuit open
  • processor (BIT) test
  • cellular system malfunctions
  • authorized and unauthorized inner door entry

What if a component fails on CASE’s call box?

CASE's cellular call boxes will alert the operations center if there are transceiver abnormalities, an open solar panel circuit, low battery conditions, burned out lights, an open handset circuit, or processor or cellular system problems.

Besides safety, what else are CASE’s call boxes good for?

Because CASE’s call boxes are not in use 100% of the time when installed along a highway, they can be used for dual purposes. Some of these additional uses include the following:

  • Incident Detection and Reporting

In California, more than 14,000 CASE’s motorist aid call boxes are currently placed along highway right-of-ways at convenient 1/4 to 1-mile intervals. The call boxes allow expedient on-scene reporting of traffic incidents including breakdowns, accidents, hazardous spills, and debris. Two-way voice communication allows precise handling of the response according to the scale and scope of the situation.

  • Reduction of Congestion and Pollution

The net result of expedient accident reporting and precise response is far less back-up congestion and shorter traffic delays. This, in turn, reduces pollutants caused by gridlocked traffic.


  • Expanded ITS Applications for Highway and Transportation:
  • Real-Time Traffic and Weather Monitoring

Standard loop detectors, counters, and remote weather sensing monitors can be interfaced to the call box terminal for data collection and downloading of traffic management operations centers.

  • Changeable Advisory Message Sign Control

Automatic message initiation to advise motorists of traffic and weather conditions ahead based on criteria provided to the call boxes.

  • Mini Cam Monitoring and Control

Camera surveillance and scanning controls for critical road segments can be instrumented via the call box network for observation by traffic operations center personnel.

How does California fund its extensive call box program?

California state legislators identified the need for a motorist aid system along busy California interstate highways many years ago. Today, a single dollar from each registered vehicle goes to a fund that provides the money necessary to operate more than 14,000 call boxes.

Can CASE’s call boxes be used to call more than one telephone number?

Yes, two or more public calling numbers can be dialed by means of two options:

  • Example 1

A two-button call box can be ordered, with one button in red labeled as Emergency, and a second button in green labeled as Non-Emergency.

  • Example 2

The TTY call box, by using the display screen option, a customized menu of questions can lead a caller to answer "Yes" or "No" questions (in English or Spanish). Based upon their responses, a call can be routed to one of 13 different phone numbers automatically dialed.

Can CASE’s call boxes be manufactured in colors other than "call box yellow"? Yes, custom colors may be ordered. Please allow three extra weeks manufacturing time.