MileCheckBroke down on the highway? Here's how to tell them exactly where you are.
The hardest part of calling for help on the interstate is answering "where are you?" You're moving, the exits blur together, and nothing looks like an address. There's a simple, precise answer that 911 and tow dispatchers are trained to use: your highway, direction, and mile marker.
If this is a life-threatening emergency, call 911 first. This page is here to help you give them a precise location.
The one thing to say
Lead with these three details, in this order:
That single sentence — highway, direction, mile marker — maps to an exact point on the road. It's faster and more reliable than describing what you see, because mile markers mean the same thing to you, the dispatcher, and the responding unit.
How to find your mile marker fast
- Open MileCheck. It shows your highway, direction, and exact mile marker straight from GPS — and it works offline, so a weak signal in a canyon or a dead zone doesn't stop you from reading your location aloud. Here's how mile markers work.
- Look for the nearest green sign. Small green mile marker signs sit along the right shoulder. Read the closest one.
- Note the last exit you passed. "Just past Exit 34" also helps, since exit numbers usually match mile markers.
What to tell the 911 dispatcher
- The highway — the route number (I-90, US-2, SR-18).
- Your direction — northbound, southbound, eastbound, or westbound.
- The nearest mile marker — the single most useful detail.
- The nearest exit or a landmark — a backup reference.
- What happened, and whether anyone is hurt.
Your exact location, ready to read aloud — even offline
MileCheck shows your highway, direction, and mile marker in real time, and lets you share your exact spot with a tow or a friend. Free to start, works with no signal, runs on CarPlay and Android Auto.
Other numbers that help a tow or a friend
- GPS coordinates (latitude and longitude). A tow company can drop these straight into their map. MileCheck can show and share your coordinates alongside your mile marker.
- The nearest exit number. Easy for anyone to find and drive to.
- Which side and lane. "On the right shoulder" or "in the median" tells responders where to look as they approach.
While you wait
Follow the responder's guidance, keep your hazard lights on, and if it isn't safe to stand outside near fast traffic, many agencies advise staying belted inside the vehicle. Knowing your mile marker means help is already headed to the right spot.
Common questions
How do I tell 911 where I am on the highway?
Give three things: the highway (e.g. I-90), your direction (northbound/southbound/eastbound/westbound), and the nearest mile marker. Add the nearest exit or landmark if you can. More on finding your mile marker →
What information does 911 need on a highway?
The route number, your direction, the nearest mile marker, a nearby exit or landmark, whether anyone is injured, and what happened. The mile marker is the key detail — it maps to an exact point.
How do I find my location if I'm lost on the interstate?
Read the nearest green mile marker sign, or open MileCheck, which shows your highway, direction, and exact mile marker from GPS — even offline.
Can I share my exact location with a tow truck?
Yes — give them the highway, direction, and mile marker, or share your GPS coordinates. MileCheck can show and share both so a tow can find you fast.