As Holiday Travel Surges, Harris County Sheriff’s Office Stresses Roadside Safety and Free Help for Stranded Drivers
With Thanksgiving around the corner and travel plans ramping up across Greater Houston and the U.S., Harris County officials are urging drivers to stay alert and take full advantage of local resources — especially with more families expected to hit the road this year.
Following the recent partial federal government shutdown, thousands of travelers have faced delays, longer airport lines, and reduced staffing at TSA checkpoints. These disruptions have led many would-be flyers to choose the road instead of the runway for their holiday plans.
That decision means highways around Houston — already among the busiest in the state — are likely to be even more congested in the coming weeks. And with heavier traffic comes greater risk for breakdowns and accidents.
That’s where the Harris County Motorist Assistance Program (MAP) comes in.
A trusted resource since 1986, MAP has helped over 1.1 million stranded motorists across Harris County, including more than 26,000 drivers this year alone. The free program offers roadside assistance — from jump-starts to tire changes and traffic lane tows — with no cost to drivers.
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“We’re there to help keep people safe and keep traffic moving,” said Lt. Terry Garza of the Harris County Sheriff’s Office. “But we also need drivers to help keep us safe while we work.”
According to HCSO, MAP trucks have been struck at least six times in the past three years — sobering evidence of the dangers faced by deputies and tow truck partners who respond to emergencies on the side of high-speed roadways.
Texas law requires drivers to either move over one lane or slow down 20 mph below the posted speed limit when passing emergency vehicles or tow trucks with flashing lights. Yet too many motorists still ignore the rule.
“People are distracted on their cellphones or texting and driving,” said Deputy Wilbert Mendez. “They’re not paying attention to the roadway, and even a small swerve can cause a devastating crash.”
The Motorist Assistance Program is powered by a multi-agency partnership between the Houston-Galveston Area Council, Tow and Go, Houston TranStar, TxDOT, HCSO, and the Houston Automobile Dealers Association. In addition to boots on the ground, trained personnel at Houston TranStar watch traffic cameras and rapidly dispatch help when breakdowns occur — often before drivers even call.
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Earlier this week, AAA Texas joined the Sheriff’s Office in a public safety briefing to urge drivers to respect the “Slow Down, Move Over” law and plan ahead for the holiday rush. With more Americans expected to drive due to airport congestion and flight delays, ensuring roadside safety is more important than ever.
Local authorities also emphasize that help is readily available:
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Call 713-CALL-MAP (713-225-5627)
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Or dial *627 if you’re a Verizon Wireless user.
MAP services are available at no charge, and deputies say it can be a lifeline — especially during peak travel periods when tensions are high and help is hard to come by.
For many Houston-area families, this holiday season may bring added stress, longer road trips, and unpredictable travel conditions. But one thing drivers can count on? MAP is ready to roll.
So as you pack the car, buckle up, and set your GPS, remember: slow down, move over, and stay safe — for you, your family, and the dedicated responders working to keep Texas roads clear.
Tiffany Krenek has been on the My Neighborhood News team since August 2021. She is passionate about curating and sharing content that enriches the lives of our readers in a personal, meaningful way. A loving mother and wife, Tiffany and her family live in the West Houston/Cypress region.
