Ran Out of Gas In Atlanta? No Prob. The Taxpayers Have Got Ya Covered.

The Program: Highway Emergency Response Operator aka HERO

This is a freeway patrol service used in the metro Atlanta area to help ease congestion by clearing the road of disabled vehicles, and the service is used to direct traffic and aid stranded motorists.

 Who is Eligible?


This program is ultimately available to anyone who is driving the patrolled routes.


Cost of Service to Recipients


There is no charge to recipients of this service.


Cost to Someone Purchasing Similar Product

During my research I found that prices for similar services ranged from about $70-$100 a year. This is not a whole lot of money, but it is still more expensive than free. Not to mention that those who would purchase this service are most likely paying taxes that fund the HERO program.

Tax Dollars Going to Program Each Year

 As of a year ago, Governor Sonny Perdue reported that the program cost $7.5 million each year. And of course this cost goes up each year. The federal government (national tax payers) provides 80% of this funding while the local Joe Sixpacks pick up the remaining 20%. This money doesn't include the funds provided by State Farm Insurance who sponsors this program. This sponsorship currently provides $1.7 million annually.

Proponents Say

Roadside assistance service is expensive and I'm out of minutes on my tax payer funded cell phone. If I wait long enough, a HERO truck is bound to come by. I don't have a job or anywhere else to be anyhow.


Opponents Say

How about instead of jump starting some freeloading motorist's car, you allow me to keep some money in my wallet so my car doesn't break down.


I remember a day when fellow motorists assisted stranded motorists. If someone needed a jump, you risked your life to get their vehicle rolling again. If there was a car in the middle of the road you used your car's steel bumper (a lot of them are plastic now) to push them off the road or you used brute strength that you dug up from somewhere inside of you. We didn't need the government to assist us, especially not to get our flat tire fixed. The government would probably screw that up too, by having the compressor sucking instead of blowing.





http://www.georgia.gov/00/press/detail/0,2668,78006749_139486062_141412536,00.html

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Highway_Emergency_Response_Operators

http://www.georgia-navigator.com/