The Georgia Department of Transportation has announced that on Tuesday July 1, overnight active patrols for the Highway Emergency Response Operators will return.
The HERO program is responsible for managing, directing and assisting in/with traffic related incidents. Additionally, the program offers free roadside assistance for drivers that ranges from flat tires to dead batteries to providing fuel and coolant as needed.
"HEROs are our first and best resource to keep traffic moving safely and efficiently in metro Atlanta," Georgia DOT Commissioner Russell R. McMurry, P.E. said, "The reinstatement of full service of HERO's coverage area with 24/7 patrols is reflective of the Department's commitment to providing consistent and immediate assistance to everyone who uses our roadways."
The adjusted patrol times will bring the program back to 24-hour-availability for 7 days a week, increasing from their previous hours of 5 a.m. to 11 a.m. that were meant to account for peak traffic times with adequate coverage.
"Traffic incidents do not operate on a schedule and through the hard work and dedication of our HERO and CHAMP units, every interstate was monitored during the reduction of the HERO active patrol schedule and coverage," Tyrone McCord III, HERO Unit Manager at Georgia DOT said, "Now that we are back to a full staff, thanks to effective recruitment strategies and intensive training, we are committed to patrolling the nearly 400 miles of metro Atlanta roads at all hours to improve public safety, reduce traffic delays and be better prepared for emergencies."
To request service from a HERO, dial 511, download the 511GA app to your Apple or Google phone or visit their website.
