In APCO, Association of Public-Safety Communications Officials 10-codes, 10-81 means "Disabled Vehicle" or "Roadside Assistance". It is used by officers, dispatchers, or units to report a vehicle that is stalled, broken down, or otherwise obstructing traffic, ensuring that appropriate assistance is dispatched to clear the roadway and maintain safety.
Here’s how it might be used in a real-world scenario:
- Officer: "Dispatch, 10-81 at 400 Elm Street, vehicle stalled in the northbound lane."
- Dispatch: "10-4, tow service notified and unit 7 en route to assist."
In this exchange, the officer reports a disabled vehicle to dispatch. Using 10-81 ensures timely coordination with towing services, traffic control, and other responding units, reducing the risk of secondary accidents and maintaining safe traffic flow.
Operational Purpose
10-81 is critical for traffic safety and roadway management. Prompt reporting allows dispatch to deploy units to the scene, notify towing or repair services, and implement temporary traffic control measures if necessary.
This code is commonly used for situations including:
- Stalled or broken-down vehicles obstructing traffic
- Vehicles involved in minor collisions that are no longer drivable
- Roadway hazards caused by disabled vehicles
- Assistance for drivers needing roadside support, such as jump-starts or tire changes
Officer Safety And Coordination
Reporting a 10-81 ensures officers, dispatch, and other units maintain awareness of the situation. Units may provide location updates using 10-20, acknowledge assignments with 10-4, request additional support via 10-74, or indicate arrival with 10-23. Coordinated response minimizes traffic disruption, prevents accidents, and ensures timely resolution.
Variations And Agency Practices
Some agencies distinguish between simple roadside assistance and hazardous vehicle situations requiring immediate traffic control. Local protocols may define response priorities, required equipment, and communication procedures for 10-81 reports.
Plain-Language Alternatives
Agencies emphasizing plain-language communication may replace 10-81 with phrases such as:
- "Disabled vehicle at location, assistance required."
- "Vehicle stalled on roadway, units responding."
- "Roadside support needed for stranded vehicle."
Related 10-Codes
Codes commonly associated with 10-81 include 10-4 (acknowledgment), 10-20 (location), 10-23 (arrived on scene/standby), 10-75 (traffic/road hazard), and 10-76 (en route/responding). Together, these codes support coordinated, safe, and efficient roadside assistance operations.