Call 800-525-5555 for Roadside Assistance
By Domingo Ramirez Jr., Fort Worth Star-Telegram, Texas
Jan. 21–Old Man Winter could still strand motorists in the next few weeks, but a toll-free telephone number could be the help drivers need.
Since 1989, the Texas Department of Public Safety has operated a toll-free telephone number for motorists for nonemergency roadside assistance.
The Roadside Assistance Hotline, 800-525-5555, lets motorists call for help or to report non-life-threatening situations on Texas roads and highways.
“It is not a number to replace 911,” said Tom Vinger, a spokesman with the Texas Department of Public Safety in Austin.
“But it could be a good backup.”
Texas drivers don’t even have to remember the telephone number.
It’s printed on the back of most Texas driver licenses just above the bar code.
Once a DPS office receives a call, the information is passed along to local police departments or an area DPS office. Some Texas cities and counties may dispatch local courtesy patrols.
Last year, motorists called the hot line 538,517 times — the vast majority of them seeking help, according to DPS statistics.
DPS officials say motorists should call to report, for example, being stranded with car problems, hazardous road conditions or suspicious activity at a rest area.
“It’s wonderful,” said Bedford Police Chief David Flory, referring to the assistance hot line.
“Any type of assistance for motorists with problems on highways is a good thing.”
A DPS trooper could be dispatched to the scene, or a call would be referred to local law enforcement or courtesy patrols. DPS officials noted that the agency does not pay for cars to be towed.
Customers of wireless companies — Alltel, Nextel, Cingular Wireless and Verizon Wireless — can dial *DPS for the roadside assistance.
Calls to *DPS are answered 24 hours a day and are free of airtime charges, officials said.
IN THE KNOW
How it works
When calling the Roadside Assistance Hotline, provide the following:
Your name, cellphone number and vehicle description
Highway or road location
County location or city location if inside city limits
SOURCE: Texas Department of Public Safety
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Domingo Ramirez Jr., 817-685-3822 ramirez@star-telegram.com
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Copyright (c) 2007, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, Texas
Distributed by McClatchy-Tribune Business News.
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