Automotive Fleet
MenuMENU
SearchSEARCH

OnStar: L.A. No. 1 in Good Samaritan Calls

DETROIT - The bad news is that residents of Los Angeles County spend an estimated four days a year stuck in traffic. The good news is drivers are helping each other when they are in need. According to OnStar, the "City of Angels" ranked No. 1 in Good Samaritan calls last year, proving that L.A. drivers are living up to the city's nickname.

by Staff
April 13, 2011
2 min to read


DETROIT - The bad news is that residents of Los Angeles County spend an estimated four days a year stuck in traffic. The good news is drivers are helping each other when they are in need. According to OnStar, the "City of Angels" ranked No. 1 in Good Samaritan calls last year, proving that L.A. drivers are living up to the city's nickname.

Using anonymous subscriber interaction data, OnStar found that of the 10 largest U.S. metropolitan statistical areas, Los Angeles had the most Good Samaritan calls in 2010.A Good Samaritan call occurs when an OnStar subscriber uses his or her 365/24/7 live advisor access to report another motorist's problem on the road, whether it's a vehicle collision, flat tire or any other situation requiring immediate assistance.

Ad Loading...

Drivers in metro Los Angeles tallied 2,449 Good Samaritan calls, nearly 900 more calls than the next major metropolitan city, Chicago. The 2010 rankings for America's top 10 cities are:

1.    Los Angeles: 2,449
2.    Chicago: 1,540
3.    Houston: 1,299
4.    Dallas: 1,113
5.    New York: 957
6.    Atlanta: 942
7.    Philadelphia: 830
8.    Boston: 638
9.    Miami: 217
10.  Washington, D.C.: 115

"Los Angeles residents deserve a huge pat on the back for their part in reporting actionable situations to our advisors, and ultimately helping to ensure many drivers' safety," said Terry Inch, director of subscriber services. "We're all familiar with the adage of helping one's neighbor, but L.A. has really taken that phrase to mean 'helping your fellow motorist.' "

OnStar subscribers are always a button push away from emergency assistance, and Good Samaritan calls allow them to use OnStar services to help others.

Since its 1996 launch, OnStar has been an in-vehicle lifeline for those in need. Using an embedded cellular system, GPS and a direct link to emergency medical and law enforcement agencies, live advisors can get the appropriate help needed to the scene, even if the vehicle involved doesn't have OnStar.

Ad Loading...

Now, motorists have another reason to push their OnStar button -- the OnStar Push On Sweepstakes. Anyone with a digital OnStar-equipped vehicle -- regardless of whether they are a current OnStar subscriber -- can enter to win the Chevrolet, Buick, GMC or Cadillacvehicle of their choice by pressing the blue OnStar button in their vehicle now through May 31.

To learn more about OnStar's Push On sweepstakes and for entry details, visit www.onstar.com

More Safety

Ambulance and damaged car at a crash scene on a rainy roadway, illustrating workplace transportation risks and the growing focus on road safety management for fleets.
SafetyJune 16, 2026

Managing Road Risk at Scale: Why Fleet Safety Needs a Data-Driven Framework

Insights from the FIA Road and Driver Safety Indexes reveal how to manage road risk on a larger scale.

Read More →
Close-up of a Jeep Wrangler front grille and headlight with text noting Stellantis’ recall of 1.3 million Jeep vehicles worldwide over a potential fire risk tied to power steering wiring.
Safetyby StaffJune 10, 2026

Stellantis Recalls 1.3 Million Jeep Vehicles Worldwide Over Fire Risk

Stellantis is recalling more than 1.3 million Jeep Wrangler and Gladiator models worldwide over a fire risk linked to power steering pump wiring.

Read More →
Road signs pointing to “Safe” and “Risky” beside a glowing AI network graphic, illustrating the role of artificial intelligence in driver safety, coaching, training, and risk management.
SafetyJune 10, 2026

Coaching Is Not Training, Even When AI Is Doing It

AI-powered safety platforms can detect risky behaviors and deliver immediate feedback. But effective driver development still requires a foundation of training followed by coaching that reinforces those skills.

Read More →
Ad Loading...
Driver resting in a vehicle seat, illustrating the dangers of fatigue and the importance of driver wellness, rest, and alertness for safe fleet and roadway operations.
Safetyby Judie NuskeyJune 9, 2026

How Emotions Behind the Wheel Can Affect Fleet Safety

During National Safety Month, fleets are encouraged to look beyond distracted driving and recognize how stress, fatigue, and emotional well-being influence driver performance and crash risk.

Read More →
A blue and red Automotive Fleet graphic calling for nominations for the fleet safety award.
Safetyby Faith HowellJune 4, 2026

Nominations Open for 2026 Fleet Safety Award

Nominations have officially opened for the 2026 Fleet Safety Award Winner.

Read More →
wheel geotab image
SponsoredJune 1, 2026

Turning Connected Vehicle Data Into Decisions That Matter

Fleet leaders have more data than ever, but turning that data into clear, actionable decisions remains a challenge. This white paper shows how leading organizations are using connected vehicle data to improve safety, reduce costs, and optimize fleet performance. Learn how to turn insight into action across your fleet.

Read More →
Ad Loading...
A person holding a clipboard and writing on an inspection checklist beside the wheel of a large white vehicle, likely conducting a fleet or safety inspection.
SponsoredJune 1, 2026

Cameras, Safety and Insurance: From Reactive Claims to Real-time Prevention

Commercial auto remains one of the most challenging and costly lines of coverage for fleet operators and insurers alike. Learn more about how to effectively address these issues from Onur Aksan, Enterprise Business Development Executive, Geotab.

Read More →
A Fleet Forward Conference graphic representing the safety symposium.
Safetyby Chris BrownMay 29, 2026

NAFA Fleet Safety Symposium to Collocate With 2026 Fleet Forward Conference

The daylong certificate program will precede the Fleet Forward Conference at the Gaylord National Harbor in Maryland.

Read More →
A person with hands on the steering wheel driving
Safetyby Judie NuskeyMay 15, 2026

The Distractions You Can’t Turn Off: What Drivers Face Outside the Vehicle

Fleet drivers face constant visual, cognitive, and environmental interruptions the moment they hit the road. From roadside chaos to mental fatigue and digital overload, today’s biggest driving risks often come from outside the vehicle itself.

Read More →
Ad Loading...
Hail covers the windshield and hood of a black vehicle with text overlay about FLASH Weather AI’s new hail prediction model.
Safetyby News/Media ReleaseMay 13, 2026

FLASH Weather AI Launches First Deep-Learning Hail Prediction Model With High-Resolution Forecasting

FLASH Weather AI has launched a first-of-its-kind hail prediction model capable of forecasting hail size and arrival time at 1-kilometer resolution up to 55 minutes ahead, giving fleets and insurers critical time to prepare for severe storms.

Read More →