How to Get Free 24/7 Roadside Help in Harris County with HCSO's Motorist Assistance Program
When your car suddenly breaks down on a busy freeway, the situation can quickly become more than just inconvenient—it can be dangerous. Fortunately, the Harris County Sheriff’s Office (HCSO) has a solution: the Motorist Assistance Program (M.A.P.), a free roadside assistance service available across all Harris County freeways, Monday through Friday, 24 hours a day (excluding holidays).
The program, running strong since 1989, is designed to make Harris County’s roads safer by helping stranded motorists quickly and safely. Sponsored jointly by the Metropolitan Transit Authority of Harris County (METRO), the Texas Department of Transportation (TxDOT), and the Houston Automobile Dealers Association, M.A.P. is a crucial public service that often flies under the radar—until you need it most.
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Why Disabled Vehicles Pose Serious Dangers
Stranded vehicles are more than just a traffic headache. According to TxDOT, disabled vehicles on freeways can increase the risk of secondary crashes by up to 20%. Vehicles stalled on shoulders or in traffic lanes not only cause major slowdowns but also create dangerous obstacles for other drivers, especially at high speeds. More critically, the owners of those stalled vehicles are at significant personal risk; statistics show that pedestrians involved in freeway incidents are far more likely to suffer fatal injuries compared to other types of road accidents.
By providing swift assistance, the Harris County M.A.P. helps reduce these risks, protecting not just the stranded driver but everyone else on the road as well.
Services That Make a Difference
The Motorist Assistance Program offers a wide range of practical services at no cost to the motorist. Trained HCSO staff can:
- Change a flat tire (if the motorist has the necessary equipment)
- Supply emergency fuel, water, or air
- Jump-start dead batteries
- Remove stranded vehicles from active roadways
- Provide courtesy transport to a safe location if necessary
Whether you're dealing with a dead battery during rush hour or a sudden flat tire late at night, the Motorist Assistance Program is ready to get you safely back on your way—or at least out of harm's way.
How to Get Help When You Need It
If you ever find yourself stranded on a Harris County freeway, getting help is just a phone call away. Simply dial 713-CALL-MAP (713-225-5627) or, if you're a Verizon Wireless customer, you can call *627.
Keep in mind that while M.A.P. operates 24 hours a day, it is available only Monday through Friday (excluding Harris County holidays).
A Safety Net You Shouldn’t Overlook
In a perfect world, none of us would ever need roadside assistance. But if you drive in Houston—especially with unpredictable weather and heavy freeway traffic—it’s smart to be prepared. Having the Motorist Assistance Program’s phone number saved in your phone could make a critical difference for you or someone you love.
Save this number now: 713-225-5627
For more information about free roadside assistance in Harris County, visit the Harris County Sheriff’s Office website.
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.
