Sad example of why to carry

[Mithras61]

Yeah, but I think they could have come up with a better program name...

Tx Roadside Assistance Program - TRAP for short...

I think I'll stick with my AAA Premium for now...

Why? Something wrong with a state funded roadside assistance program?

Nope, but I can only use it when I'm in TX, and AAA helps me wherever I am. They'll also give me maps, towing, gasoline if I run out, and various & sundry other services that the state program doesn't.

'Sides, I have a hard time getting past the name of the program...

[propellerhead]

If I were already paying for a roadside assistance plan, I wouldn't call the free one either. Still, a free state provided service is 100x better than being alone on the side of the freeway.

[Seburiel]

I've always seen the number for the program on the back of my license - what sort of services do they provide?

[Liberty]

If I were already paying for a roadside assistance plan, I wouldn't call the free one either. Still, a free state provided service is 100x better than being alone on the side of the freeway.

... and a choice is always better than no choice at all.
My insurance company has road side assistance and it mworks real well but I bet there are circumstances that The Texas Roadside assistance might be a better more responcive choice.

[KBCraig]

Did somebody say "free"?

http://www.txdps.state.tx.us/director_s ... deinfo.htm

Roadside Assistance

DPS has a toll free number for motorists to contact for non-emergency roadside assistance -
1-800-525-5555, which is printed on the back of most driver licenses.

The toll-free line has been operated by DPS for several years for motorists to use when reporting non-life-threatening situations on Texas roads and highways. DPS then passes the information along to the appropriate local police agency or DPS office. However, in the event it is an emergency, we suggest you call 911.

Please be aware that the DPS does not send out a tow truck at the State's expense. We will either come to assist you or refer you to the appropriate local law enforcement agency. If a tow truck is ultimately dispatched, the motorist is responsible for any costs incurred. Some cities and agencies do have courtesy patrols and roadside trucks to provide non-towing services and they may be dispatched by the local agencies when appropriate.

Customers of participating wireless companies -- ALLTEL, Nextel, Cingular Wireless and Verizon Wireless -- can dial *DPS (*377) free of airtime charges anywhere in Texas, and receive roadside assistance for non-emergency situations.

[propellerhead]

Good point. Towing is not free. Assistance with changing a tire, pushing your disabled vehicle off the road, and most importantly having a truck there to avoid getting rear ended or mugged is free.

[srothstein]

Always... always call the Texas Roadside Assistance number on the back of your drivers license when you have to stop like this. Not only will they help you change the tire if you need help, their truck being there will lessen the chances that someone robs you or crashes into you. It's a free service just for being in Texas. :)

WARNING

There is no free service you can get by calling the number on your driver's license. It will connect toa dispatcher who can send you a tow truck. YOU WILL BE REQUIRED TO PAY THE NORMAL FEES FOR THE TRUCK. In some cities, TxDOT has a courtesy patrol vehicle that can help you with minor road services. They can give you one gallon of gas or help change a tire. Their service IS free. There is no guarantee that the courtesy patrol will be the unit responding to the DL phone number. Not every city or area in Texas has a TxDOT courtesy patrol unit.