Drivers used to dialing “star-five-five” on their cellphones to contact the Iowa State patrol will have to change their ways. Patrol spokesman Lieutenant Robert Hansen says punching in “star-fifty-five” had become commonplace for travelers. He says it’s been available for a number of years for motorists looking to quickly contact the state patrol. Hansen says changes in cellphone systems made the old way of calling obsolete. He says the enhanced 9-1-1 system has made the “star-fifty-five” dialing obsolete. Hansen says those who dial “star-fifty-five” may get connected to voice mail in another state.He says Illinois wireless companies have been using it as a voice mail number. Hansen says you can call 9-1-1 in an emergency, and he says the patrol helpline at 1-800-525-5555 is still available for non-emergencies.
