Dead car batteries, flat tires and other inconveniences turn into even larger challenges as temperatures continue to drop across the Midwest. Students on campus do have options when they find themselves in these predicaments, however — they can call upon the assistance of the Help Van.

The Department of Public Safety’s Help Van tallies up 100-150 miles a day in mileage, helping students when they’re battling car trouble.

The Daily rode along with the Help Van Tuesday evening from 5 to 9 p.m., consistently one of their busiest times, to witness a typical night in the life of Help Van employees.

Ali Larson, junior in communication studies, was driving the Help Van Tuesday night. She said as the weather gets colder, the Help Van receives more and more calls.

The Help Van provides a variety of free services to students and faculty. Larson said the Help Van does everything from jump starting cars with dead batteries, helping drivers whose cars have run out of gas or have a flat tire, and escorting those going home after dark.

“The only restriction is we can’t [transport] more than three people [at a time],” Larson said. She also said the Help Van can only go from on-campus locations to other on-campus locations, though this does include the Veterinary Medicine building, greek system and Frederiksen Court.

During the time the Daily rode along, the Help Van received five calls from students and faculty needing assistance. Three of the individuals needed a jump-start for their car battery.

Each location Larson arrived at, she had each person sign a required waiver to begin her work. Students said they appreciated the service, and only one jump-start attempt was unsuccessful.

Larson said she prides herself on the Help Van’s reputation for quick responses.

“I try to get there as soon as possible if I can,” she said. “I absolutely hate making people wait, although sometimes it just can’t be helped.”

The Help Van also received two safety escort calls Tuesday evening. The safety escort service is provided by the Help Van and student DPS officers from 6 p.m. to 6 a.m. every day.

“It’s generally for people who are just scared to walk at night,” Larson said.

Sarah Walter, freshman in mechanical engineering, called for a ride Tuesday night from Friley Hall to the Forker Building.

“It’s not that I don’t trust Ames, but I would rather be safe than sorry,” she said.

Desmond Chester, freshman in community and regional planning, also called the Help Van for a safety escort. He called because he said it was too cold outside to walk from Parks Library to the Towers Residence Association.

When Larson and other employees are not responding to calls, they patrol the parking lots in an effort to deter vandalism and to look for motorists who need help. Larson said she is occasionally flagged down by people who need help.

“Those are the people I like to help the most because you are providing a service they aren’t even aware of,” Larson said.

Bertha Lukawski, second shift supervisor with the DPS parking division, said she believes the Help Van is a good program.

Lukawski said the Help Van is “not really a taxi” and some people abuse the service but she said she believes that isn’t the case most of the time.

The Help Van operates between the hours of 7:30 a.m. and 3 a.m. Monday through Friday, and from 5 p.m. to midnight Sundays.

If students or faculty have car trouble on campus or need a safety escort, call 294-4444.