Texas

• Type of program: 911 or general emergency.
• Program name: Motorist helpline.
• Program housed: Department of Public Safety.
• Program began: 1992.
• Reason for initiation: The program was initiated to provide law enforcement assistance to stranded motorists on Texas highways.
• How does the program operate: Stranded motorists call *DPS  on a cell phone and provides their names, location, phone numbers, and the nature of the problem. A regional operator contacts a Department of Public Safety operator in the appropriate jurisdiction and a State trooper is dispatched. If repairs are needed, the trooper will help contact the appropriate service. The cost of tow or repair is the motorist’s responsibility.
• Phone number used: *DPS, 800-525-5555.
• How is program announced or promoted:
• Is funding required:
• Has any evaluation been conducted:
• Some problems with program:
• Additional information: The hotline is also used to report impaired drivers, road hazards, aggressive drivers, or any problem observed on a highway.
• Contact information:

                        Brantly Robertson, Communications Supervisor
                        Department of Public Safety
                        512-936-2222
                        brantly.robertson@txdps.state.tx.us

                        Rita Mooney, Regional Supervisor of Communications
                        Department of Public Safety
                        512-463-3475
                        Rita.Mooney@txdps.state.tx.us

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