Midland, TX — The Permian Strategic Partnership (PSP) is collaborating 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.
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.
These trucks debuted last week at a ceremony on March 20, 2025.
A fleet of 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.
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.
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