A Stranded Motorist in Texas

If you were a stranded motorist, AAA used to be the best thing to have. If you could afford it, that is. Now, most insurance companies offer roadside assistance and towing for a nominal fee. Be sure to check with your own insurance company to make sure you are paying for what suits you the most for roadside assistance.

In Texas, there is an 800 number on the back of your driver license or ID card for roadside assistance and emergencies by the Texas Department of Public Safety. If your car stops on a state or federal roadway in Texas, you can call the number to report a need for non-emergency roadside assistance. The number is so tiny that you might need a magnifying glass to read it. So, if you are the stranded motorist, the number is also printed on the registration sticker in your windshield and much easier to read.

Texas Roadside Assistance

The Texas roadside assistance service will only change a tire or only put a little gas in your car as troopers do not come equipped with an extensive amount of fuel. Unless you currently have coverage from your insurance company, expect to pay out of pocket towards whatever towing service is available in your vicinity. They will not tow your vehicle at the state’s expense. Additionally, your vehicle has to be on the freeway to receive help. Roadside assistance from Texas Dept. of Public Safety will not assist you if you are on an exit or entrance ramp, on the access road or anywhere else, other than the freeway or roadway.

For drivers who have their keys locked in their vehicle, Texas’ roadside assistance does not cover such cases. Unless your insurance covers you, you will have to rely on local services for assistance. It is also not for emergencies and not a substitute for 9-1-1 and not for questions regarding the department of public safety.

The tollway (toll authority) patrols the toll roads, while TXDOT patrols other roadways.
So your I.D. or driver license is good for more than picking a lock or opening a door. It also has information you will need when you’re out on the road.

Until next week…

Daun Thompson

Writer / Comedienne / Artist

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Daun Thompson: Daun Thompson has spent years acting in both film and theatre which has been paramount in launching her onto the comedy stage (incidentally, without a helmet, resulting in a nasty concussion). Being a funny girl is a full time job. A job that she hopes that one day will come with dental benefits and a 401K. Unlike her work, she is biodegradable, yet flame retardant. And gentle to the touch. Her goal in life??? For strangers to approach her and ask "Didn't you used to be somebody?" In the late 1980's she cut her teeth at the Velveeta Room on 6th Street in Austin, Texas ... the original room with the stripper pole. From there, she moved to northern California and worked with many comedy icons, like Mitch Hedberg, Marc Maron, Colin Quinn, Vic Dunlop, Huck Flyn, Michael Mancini, Doug Ferrari, Shang and Brian Posehn. Daun has been a licensed driver safety instructor and trainer with Comedy Defensive Driving for over 9 years. Her knowledge of driving safety laws keeps her readers informed and engaged with her blog adventures. She still continues to do stand-up comedy, sometimes in a reclining position...just to be different.