CHARLOTTE, N.C. – Police are urging motorists who see apparently stranded drivers along busy highways to call emergency services rather than stopping to try to help.

The Charlotte-Mecklenburg Police Department said in a news release Friday that they do not want to discourage good Samaritans but that stopping on the shoulder of a motorway can be dangerous.

Police say they have received multiple calls in the past week about one or more men who appear to be stranded and try to stop drivers by gesturing or waving their arms along Interstates 85, 585 and 77.

Drivers who see a motorist who they think needs help are urged to call 911 to report the vehicle and location to enable officers to respond.