As the temperatures soar to dangerous extremes, so do the number of stranded drivers in need of help.
When the feels-like temperature was expected to reach 120 degrees in some parts of the metroplex on Wednesday, Tarrant County Sheriff’s Office Courtesy Patrol headed into rush hour prepared for a busy shift.
“A lot of flats today. We’ve been having a lot. I had six yesterday. Some gas calls,” said Curtis Rodgers.
Rodgers and Moise Day say just about anything that can go wrong happens more frequently in this triple-digit heat.
“We see a lot of overheating. We saw that a lot. Sometimes after that, the transmission went out, we see that lot. And all the mechanical issues, we see that a lot too,” said Day.
During an afternoon ride-along, NBC 5 witnessed at least two alternator issues. There were also multiple blown tires, including one just a few minutes into the ride.
“The tire just blew out because of the heat or maybe the road. It’s a brand-new tire,” said a driver working on his work trailer along Highway 183.
Courtesy Patrol’s goal is always to get drivers off the side of the highway as quickly as possible.
Day and Rodgers say right now, it’s even more of a race.
“In this kind of heat, gas calls we kind of make it a priority, especially women and kids. We don’t want them sitting in a hot car,” said Rodgers.
During extreme conditions, courtesy patrol will also provide transport for the truly stranded and carry water for those they come across. Still, they encourage drivers to leave home prepared, knowing the heat can take a toll.
“Just carry water with you. Depending on where you break down at, you may be there a while,” Rodgers said.
Courtesy Patrol teams regularly roam major Highways in Tarrant County searching for stranded drivers, abandoned vehicles or debris in the road.
They can be called using the non-emergency number 817-884-1213. In emergencies, drivers are urged to call 911.