Texas Drivers: Clip and Save This Column - Wentworth

Texans planning a summer vacation that includes instate driving may want to make a note of a couple of toll-free numbers.

The first, (800) 525-5555, is printed on the back of all Texas driver licenses and ID cards, and is for motorists to use when reporting a need for non-emergency service. This toll-free number is not a substitute for 9-1-1, nor is it a customer service line to answer questions pertaining to drivers’ licenses or other Department of Public Service (DPS)  matters.

Some examples when a motorist may call the number include being stranded with car problems, reporting hazardous road conditions or debris on the road. A motorist may also report obviously drunk or dangerous drivers or suspicious activity at a rest area.

To assist staff members who answer the call, please be prepared to provide DPS with your name, cell phone number, vehicle description when applicable, and location. Wireless customers who use ALLTEL, AT&T/Cingular, Verizon, Sprint, US Cellular and T-Mobile, may all dial *DPS (*377) anywhere in Texas to report non-emergency situations.

Stranded motorists should be aware that DPS does not provide free towing service, nor does it dispatch tow trucks. DPS operators will refer callers to a local law enforcement agency. The Texas Department of Transportation (TxDOT) and some cities have courtesy patrols that may be able to assist if a motorist has a flat tire or has run out of gas. If a private tow truck or other non-towing service, such as a locksmith, is needed, the motorist is responsible for all costs.

In addition to DPS’ toll-free number to report non-emergency situations, TxDOT’s toll-free number, (800) 452-9292, is the number to call for daily travel information, trip planning assistance and emergency road condition information.

TxDOT’s Web site: www.txdot.state.tx.us is filled with useful information, including road conditions, such as construction delays, for all Texas counties. This site is updated regularly, so it can help you avoid long delays or hazardous weather conditions, even when you are traveling.

Texas has 80 Safety Rest Areas, many of which have been renovated and reconstructed. These new areas, whose locations may be found on the TxDOT Web site, are equipped with wireless Internet. Stopping to rest may be doubly beneficial at one of the new rest stops. Drivers can stop and rest both to fight fatigue and get information about roads ahead, even if they are in another state.

A quick check of surrounding states’ department of transportation Web sites revealed that those states, like Texas, have travel information that is updated daily. In addition to the individual state’s information, Oklahoma’s site, for example, includes information about surrounding states’ highway conditions.

To avoid inclement weather, many state’s schedule their highway construction for the summer months, so checking various states’ Web sites for possible construction delays can make your trip faster, safer and more pleasurable.