Support Us Button Widget

Decode the code: removing debris from the road

No hazard lights here.

satx: TxDOT HERO San Antonio

Do you need a HERO? Just dial 210-732-4376.

Photo by TxDOT

We’ve all been there. You’re driving along 281 or 1604 when all of sudden your eyes go wide, heart starts thumping, and you have to check both sides of your vehicle to get over a lane in order to avoid hitting a piece of road junk. Just us?

Anecdote aside, these large pieces of road debris — a couch that fell off a truck, glass from a collision, or a steel box tripping from a semi — can cause serious harm to you and your vehicle, but did you know we have a team to help with that?

Say hello to TxDOT’s complimentary Highway Emergency Response Operator (HERO) program.

txDOT screenshot HERO San Antonio

The lanes in green are roads that the HERO program services.

Graphic by TxDOT

Meet a HERO

The San Antonio operators patrol the majority of local highways with a couple of exceptions (seen above). The team of blue and white trucks are also available 24/7, seven days a week.

I need a HERO

In addition to removing road debris, the free program offers a range of services like:

  • Transport disabled cars
  • Assist in removing minor crashes
  • Change flat tires
  • Perform minor vehicle repairs (ex: add air to tires)
  • Giving car batteries a jump start

So you successfully evaded a runaway couch, now what?

Dial a HERO

Here are the steps needed to report hazardous highway items:

  • Take a mental note of where the debris is located (ex: 1604 and Blanco)
  • Dial 210-732-4376 and report the hazard
  • Or for a more detailed approach, fill out this form

Pro tip: HEROs can also be found in Austin and El Paso.

Congratulations, you just helped out your fellow San Antonio drivers by notifying the proper people to remove hazardous road debris.

Safe travels, y’all.

More from SATXtoday
It’s time to get spooky, kids.
From a festive bar crawl to a masquerade wine event, this is how to celebrate Halloween in the Alamo City.
Help keep public lands beautiful at these local events.
Bookmark this guide for a curated list of events taking place each month that we’re most looking forward to.
What’s on your bucket list for autumn in San Antonio? Here are just a few of our to-dos.
We’re rounding up a few spots in and around the 210 where you can find some Instagram-worthy autumn views.
Directly north, east, south, and west of SATX, cities across the world await.
We’re channeling our inner Earth, Wind, and Fire to reflect on what San Antonians were up to this week in September throughout the years.
Paul McCartney? Check. The Jonas Brothers? Check. It’s not a bad idea to triple-check this list and get your concert tickets before they sell out.
Geekdom’s quarterly Startup Days can help you start — and scale — new businesses across industries.