March 2, 2006 - The thumpity-thump sound on the roadway, as I was returning from the Texoma Farm and Ranch Show, indicated I had a problem ... but little did I know how much of a problem I had.

As a country girl, I’m no stranger to changing a flat tire, but I sure do need a jack for the task. Initially, as I stepped from my vehicle, I was thinking “I wonder if I can break the lug nuts loose?” Then, like a flash, I remembered my husband had recently used my jack on his truck. So, more importantly, my thoughts turned to “I wonder if he put it back?”

Much to my dismay, he did not.

So, here I was on the roadside, far from home and friends, without a jack, and with not a clue of who to call.

Car after truck after car passed, but not a soul stopped. But heck, did I really want someone I didn’t know to stop? Yep, at that point I did because the wind was now coming out of the north and dark was only about an hour away.

Of course, I could have called 9-1-1 on my cell phone, but I wasn’t sure if this situation was a true emergency. So I turned to praying that the highway patrol officer I had passed a few miles back would soon be by. Much to my relief, and my husband’s who I had called to discuss the situation with, the officer soon drove up.

Unfortunately, the officer’s jack only fit his car, but before he could call the local wrecker service, another driver stopped to help. It didn’t take long for the two gentlemen to get the tire changed.

The important thing for me to share from this experience is the information the highway patrol officer told me about. There is an 800 number for emergency roadside assistance on the back of your drivers license; and the same toll-free number is on the inside-windshield side of your inspection sticker. This number is 800-525-5555, and when dialed, the call is routed to the Department of Public Safety (DPS) communication office in Austin.

According to a DPS spokesman, the communications personnel will get help to you – whether it’s in the form of a tow truck, local police officer, or a highway patrol officer. They may also give you local phone numbers so that you can call for assistance. 

“They will do whatever they can to get you help,” the DPS spokesman said. 

He also stated the 800-number may be used for emergency situations, but strongly suggested to “call 9-1-1” for emergencies.

So I’m back on the road with new tires, an appreciation to nice officers and passersby, and the knowledge of a roadside assistance number should I have car trouble again. Which reminds me, I need to ask my husband about my jack.