New initiative offers solution for preventing additional collisions
Midland, TX (Dec. 10, 2024) — The Permian Strategic Partnership (PSP) recently announced its collaboration with the Texas Department of Transportation (TxDOT) and Midland County to bring the Highway Emergency Response Operator (HERO) program to the Permian Basin. This initiative, aimed at reducing secondary crashes and improving road safety, marks the first deployment of the program outside Texas’ major metropolitan areas.
Nationally, approximately 20% of all traffic incidents are a secondary incident. Removing stranded motorists from the roadway and providing motorists warning of stopped vehicles ahead greatly reduces the number of these crashes. The HERO Program provides free roadside assistance to motorists, including vehicle repairs, traffic management, and swift accident response.
“This program will save lives and bring peace of mind to our community and make our roadways more safe for our workforce and our families,” said Tracee Bentley, PSP President and CEO. “The PSP is committed to providing long-term safety solutions for the Permian. As necessary construction increases, it is imperative our region has needed traffic incident management resources to quickly clear crashes off main lanes, reduce the risk of secondary crashes, and assist motorists in need. We are thrilled to be able to help bring this program to the Permian Basin.”
“Not only does the HERO program improve safety and ease congestion, but it helps people in need on the side of road,” TxDOT Executive Director Marc Williams said. “Too many times people don’t move over or slow down when they see an incident and HERO helps protect law enforcement, drivers and our workers. We’re looking forward to seeing this program expand throughout the state.”
Designed to improve safety for motorists and first responders, the HERO Program consists of specially trained staff and a fleet of patrol vehicles that will assist on major roadways. HERO vehicles are equipped with digital message signs and cameras that can send live images back to dispatch to help with incident management.
“TxDOT is excited to bring this new program to the Permian along with Midland County and the PSP,” said Eric Lykins, Texas Department of Transportation Odessa District Engineer. “Collaborating with local government and private industry allows us to produce creative solutions to improve the lives of people who live and drive through the Permian Basin. This first of its kind partnership allows the Odessa District to have first HERO program for an area outside one of the state’s major metro areas.”
A fleet of at least four HERO trucks operating seven days a week will be deployed along stretches of I-20 and SH 191 in Midland and Ector Counties. These routes have been identified by TxDOT as having the highest crash rates in the Odessa District.
“Midland County is proud to support the HERO initiative that adds a layer of safety to our traveling public,” said Midland County Judge Terry Johnson. “We are also proud of the work that PSP does to ensure the safety, health and education of the Permian Basin. Together and in partnership, we can accomplish so much more for the citizens of this area and those who visit.”
The PSP will contribute $3 million of the $5 million startup costs for two years of the HERO program, with Midland County and the TxDOT Odessa District sharing the remaining funding. A launch event will be scheduled once the HERO vehicles arrive in the Permian Basin in early 2025.
(Photo: TXDOT)
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