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.

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.