The motorists of the San Antonio area can rest assured knowing that the roads are a bit safer than before, thanks to the Texas Department of Transportation HERO Program, funded through a collaboration of the department and Bexar County, the City of San Antonio, and the Alamo Area Metropolitan Planning Organization. The HERO Program stands for “Highway Emergency Response Operator” meaning that TxDOT is now providing free roadside assistance and patrol service for motorists in need. HERO launched late last year in October 2020, and aims to help clear roadways so that normal traffic flow can continue after a motor vehicle accident has occurred on a San Antonio area road.
Why is this important, you may ask? Well, unfortunately, roadway accidents are actually the cause of some accidents themselves. Researchers estimate that “rubbernecking,” or eavesdropping on a current accident while driving on the same road, causes 10-15% of all accidents every year. Shockingly, another 5% can be credited to secondary incidents like loose debris in the road causing a motorist to swerve if caught off guard. In total, that’s 1/5th of accidents caused by something that can be easily taken care of with a little help from our city leaders.
Luckily, the TxDOT HERO Program is here for us for just that reason. HERO can remove stranded motorists from the roadway and provide “official” warning of stopped vehicles ahead, meaning no one gets the very dangerous surprise of their life of happening upon an accident. HERO can also remove disabled vehicles, provide traffic control at a scene, and assist first responders at the scene of an accident. Even if you’re not technically in an accident, but are still stranded, HERO can offer other services, like changing a flat tire, adding air to low tires, providing gasoline or water, and perform minor vehicle repairs that could be causing the stranded motorist a major headache. HERO will even go so far as providing drinking water and cell phone service, kind of like a best friend provided by our own city itself.
HERO operates 24 hours a day, seven days a week, with full service being Monday through Friday, 5 a.m. to 9 p.m., and limited-service Monday through Friday 9 p.m. to 5 a.m. and Saturday and Sunday for 24 hours. Requesting HERO assistance is as easy as dialing 210.732.HERO to request assistance or even report an accident that someone might need help with.
Basically, the only thing the HERO Program can’t do is show up and help you work out all the details of your auto insurance situation after the accident, but we know just the folks for that part. SOGO Insurance employs the best of the best insurance agents in San Antonio, who are knowledgeable AND caring of each and every situation they come across. The only other folks you can count on like that are family. We’re your extended family, and we’re ready to help you secure the best auto insurance plan that will cover your needs.
In case you missed it: Check out “Why You Should Purchase Travel Insurance” to make sure your newly booked travel for 2021 is covered in the event of a catastrophic situation. As we all know, it’s better to be safe than sorry. Call us today to discuss what works best for your wallet and your beloved wanderlust. Safe travels!
