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  800 Number For Motorist Safety Not Tow Truck Help

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800 Number For Motorist Safety Not Tow Truck Help

Reporting
Chris Salcedo

Did you know there is an 800 number on the back of Texas driver's licenses? It's for Texas roadside assistance.

Now there's an e-mail floating around saying this number provides taxpayer funded assistance to stranded motorists.  But does it really?

The subject line in the e-mail is: Driver's License Information - Important! The e-mail then reads - 'It has had very little publicity. Texas driver's licenses have this number in small print on the back just above the bar code 1-800-525-5555. It's for emergency assistance on the highway. A service truck will be sent to you. This is run by the state and paid for with your taxes. A state trooper will be sent to make sure all is well.  This is a good thing for single girls to know.'

The e-mail wraps up with, 'Pass this around to all your friends. This would also be good for the elderly people to know. Have a good day.'

The problem is some information in the e-mail correct and some is very wrong.

TXA 21 News checked with the state officials and was told that the number is there for motorists that become stranded outside city limits.

"The 800 number is there for you to call to get a hold of law enforcement authorities to get you some help," explained Lonny Haschel, with the Texas Highway Patrol.

A state trooper will be dispatched to make sure the stranded person is safe and will call a tow truck or help get the assistance needed, but any costs will be paid by you.

The State of Texas will not pay for a service truck to come out or give you gasoline if you've run out. The only reason the program exists is to ensure motorists safety.

The folks at the Texas Department of Safety say the e-mail has been popping up now and again since 2001. They say it's good because it will raise awareness about the number ahead of the busy Memorial Day weekend. But they don't want people to expect a free service they won't get.

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