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HOUSTON, TX- On Houston’s crowded freeways, Harris County Sheriff’s Office deputies with the Motorist Assistance Program (MAP) are often the only thing standing between stranded drivers and potential tragedy. Since its inception in 1986, the MAP program has assisted more than 1.1 million stranded motorists across Harris County — providing critical help to those in need while keeping traffic flowing safely. This year alone, the unit has served over 26,000 stranded motorists.
From changing tires to towing vehicles out of traffic lanes, deputies and tow partners provide these services free of charge. But while they’re protecting others, their own lives are constantly at risk.
“In the past three years, at least six of our MAP trucks have been struck,” said Lt. Terry Garza of the Harris County Sheriff’s Office. “It’s a reminder that our deputies and tow partners are working in extremely dangerous conditions every single day.”
Texas law requires drivers to slow down 20 miles below the posted speed limit or move over for emergency vehicles and tow trucks stopped on the roadside. Yet, deputies say, too many motorists fail to follow the law.
“People are distracted on their cellphones or texting and driving,” said Deputy Wilbert Mendez. “They’re not paying attention to the roadway, and even a small swerve can cause a devastating crash.”
The Motorist Assistance Program operates through a powerful public-private partnership between the Houston-Galveston Area Council, Tow and Go, Houston TranStar, TxDOT, HCSO, and the Houston Automobile Dealers Association. In addition to deputies and tow truck drivers patrolling the roadways, law enforcement personnel housed inside Houston TranStar monitor freeway cameras to detect breakdowns and dispatch resources quickly.
Earlier today, AAA Texas hosted a press conference alongside the Harris County Sheriff’s Office to raise awareness about the dangers faced by roadside workers and to emphasize the importance of Texas’ “Slow Down, Move Over” law — particularly as traffic increases during the holiday season.
Failing to move over or slow down for emergency or tow vehicles can result in hefty fines and, more importantly, loss of life.
For stranded drivers, help is only a call away. In Harris County, motorists can reach the MAP free service by calling 713-CALL-MAP (713-225-5627) or dialing *627 for Verizon Wireless users.
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