Last updated: November 2025
🔎In this article: explore how Nevada Highway Patrol tackled safety risks and dispatch inefficiencies with Autura’s government towing software suite, achieving faster response times, fewer secondary crashes, and improved program oversight.
In 2018, the Nevada Highway Patrol (NHP) took a bold step to improve their government towing program and modernize operations. What inspired this move? Lengthy tow response times leading to a higher risk of secondary crashes, overwhelmed dispatch centers, and the need for a smarter, faster, and safer way to streamline operations.
Choosing to implement Autura’s government towing management software (TMS) purpose-built for state and local governments, NHP experienced swift, markedly improved results. They saw reduced roadside wait times, increased officer safety, and stronger communication between first responders, telecommunicators, dispatch centers, and tow providers.
The Challenge
Before implementing Autura’s suite of government towing solutions, NHP faced challenges related to roadside safety and operational efficiency.
For NHP, tow trucks were taking an average of 39 minutes to arrive at crash sites and incident scenes. This left troopers exposed for far too long. Extra time in high-risk (or “kill-zones”) increases the likelihood of secondary crashes and also results in injuries — or fatalities.
Additionally, dispatch centers were overwhelmed with government towing-related calls. With no direct way to request service or check in on tow truck status, troopers were forced to radio dispatch centers for updates. This pulled telecommunicators away from high-priority emergency calls. Undeniably, the highly manual process — from trooper to dispatch to tow company to driver — was slow, error-prone, and significantly more dangerous.
The Solution
In 2018, NHP partnered with Autura to take a smart, digital-first approach to realize government towing program improvements. Implementing Autura’s software suite automated tow dispatching, as well as enabling troopers to request tows instantly from their mobile data computers (MDCs). Tow truck drivers could finally receive and accept requests almost instantly, often within 60 seconds and no need for dispatch center involvement.
Autura’s government towing software also delivered:
- Real-time GPS tracking of tow operators
- Direct messaging between troopers and tow operators
- Photo documentation of crash scenes and personal property
- Automated analytics and dashboards for towing program oversight
- Partner support that handles tow company communication, finally freeing dispatchers to focus on emergencies
The Results
Since implementing Autura’s suite, the program continues to see life-saving impacts and operational and economic value. Most recently measured results include:
- 45% reduction in tow response times, from 39 minutes to just 22 minutes — even after losing 43% of their trooper force
- 45% reduction in secondary crashes statewide, contributing to prevention of an estimated 5 fatalities and 25-40 serious injuries each year
- 90% reduction in radio traffic and dispatch calls, via the ability for troopers to direct-request tow service as well as monitor real-time status and location
- $58.7 million estimated in annual economic impact, taking into account savings in personal and commercial vehicle delays, tourism, and emergency response costs
“In 2018, we revolutionized highway safety by implementing Autura’s smart automated tow dispatching system. Seven years later, despite losing 25% of the workforce, NHP has still maintained incredible results. Autura isn’t just software… it’s a life-saving system that (…) saves lives, protects officers, and returns millions to our economy.”
— John O’Rourke, Retired Colonel, Nevada Highway Patrol
Conclusion
Autura’s suite of government towing software is trusted by agencies nationwide to reduce response times, improve roadside safety, and improve towing program operations.
Autura is helping other public safety agencies and municipalities, just like Nevada Highway Patrol, improve their towing programs and keep communities moving. Want to learn how your city, county, or state can benefit from faster response times, safer roads, and more efficient operations?
📅Schedule an initial conversation with our team today.
