El Paso, Texas 23 July 2021 –EPCC is committed to keeping students on the path to their best life and has erased debt owed to the college for students impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic. More than $3 million of debt students owed to EPCC was cleared for students using federal Higher Education Emergency Relief Funds (HEERF). EPCC’s New Beginnings Program eliminated outstanding balances for around 4,700 students who were enrolled during the pandemic in Spring, Summer and Fall of 2020 and the Spring of 2021.
Students with outstanding debt to EPCC who were enrolled during the pandemic and who qualified for this program have already had their balances erased and business holds removed from their accounts automatically. Eligible students have been emailed and will also receive a letter informing them of this program. No application is necessary and students who are eligible can log into their account and will see the balance and business hold has been removed.
From food insecurity, to a broken-down car that keeps them from getting to class, or finding money to pay for tuition, students often face multiple challenges when it comes to completing their degree which was further magnified because of the pandemic. “EPCC students have been adversely affected by the pandemic and we want them to be able to stay on their path to completing their degree,” Keri Moe, associate vice president of External Relations, Communication & Development said. “We want to help students find the resources to emerge from the pandemic, regain financial stability and to be able to continue to pursue their dreams.”
Throughout the pandemic, the college has been committed to assisting students. By transitioning courses online, providing laptops and hotspots, along with increased support services, EPCC has been focused helping students succeed despite difficult times. In partnership with the Foundation for EPCC, the StayStrong Emergency Fund was created, the college has distributed federal and other grant funding to aid students with basic expenses like childcare, utilities, transportation and other basic needs.
EPCC will play a key role in helping our region emerge and recover from the pandemic. With 145 programs, individuals in our community will be able re-skill and up-skill to prepare for the jobs of the future and improve their lives. “EPCC is committed to helping students stay focused on their goals and success,” Fernie Flores, Associate Vice President of Budget & Financial Services said. “By utilizing this federal funding to forgive student debt to the college incurred during the COVID-19 pandemic, students are able to get a fresh start, resume their studies and improve their lives.”
For questions about the college’s New Beginnings Program, contact the Accounts Receivable Virtual Office by visiting https://www.epcc.edu/Contact/live and choose “Accounts Receivable” from the drop-down menu. Students enrolled in the fall semester may also be eligible to receive an ARPA Grant and visit go.epcc.edu/ARPA to apply.
Show Features Art by the Therapeutic Arts Program Participants
EL PASO, Texas – The El Paso International Airport’s Elevate Love Project is unveiling a new art exhibit showcasing designs created by patients and families participating in the El Paso Children’s Hospital Therapeutic Art Program.
The Elevate Love Project is a program designed to inspire goodwill by promoting messages of love, gratitude and hope throughout the airport’s terminal.
A ribbon-cutting ceremony to unveil the new art exhibit is set for 12:30 p.m. Friday, July 23, 2021, at the airport’s terminal at the end of the ticket counter.
“At El Paso International Airport, providing exceptional award-winning customer experience is a priority, and part of that experience is the visual impact this and other exhibits help cultivate,” said El Paso Aviation Director Sam Rodriguez. “We strongly believe this new partnership with El Paso Children’s Hospital supports healing through art and will complement our initiatives to create positive experiences for all those traveling through or visiting our airport.”
The new exhibit will be housed near the terminal’s main entrance across from the ticket counters. It will be on display throughout the remainder of 2021 and will feature dozens of unique art pieces created by patients and families of El Paso Children’s Hospital Therapeutic Art Program, which is funded and administered by the El Paso Children’s Foundation.
“El Paso Children’s Hospital is grateful to be part of the Elevate Love Project with El Paso International Airport. We are beyond thrilled that everyone who walks into the Airport will see how young patients dealing with an illness can heal more quickly when they are able to share their feelings on a canvas and create something beautiful and in doing Elevate Love!” said El Paso Children’s Hospital CEO Cindy Stout.
More information about the Elevate Love Project is available at www.elpasointernationalairport.com/about-us/elevate-love-project. To learn more about the hospital’s Therapeutic Art Program visit elpasochildrens.org/therapeutic-arts/.
El Paso County, Texas—Commissioner Iliana Holguin of Precinct 3 wants to ensure that
every resident of El Paso County knows that financial assistance is available to individuals
and families in need through the Rental and Utility Assistance Programs administered by the
County of El Paso. Through the collaboration of community partners such as the County of El
Paso, the City of El Paso, El Paso Electric, Lower Valley Water District, Paseo Del Este
Municipal Utility District, Medical Center of the Americas, and Texas Gas Service, El Paso
County residents struggling financially due to COVID that meet certain income requirements
can receive assistance from the County of El Paso to help pay their rent and/or utility bills.
Such assistance and collaboration from the various community partners in the County is what
makes El Paso Strong and keeps our economic recovery moving in the right direction.
The Paso Del Norte Health Foundation and the United Way of El Paso County will be
providing outreach to the community by way of traditional print and television media, social
media, and through the EPRENTHELP.ORG website in order to ensure that the word is
getting out to struggling families that may need this assistance. Funding in the amount of $4.7
million was granted to the County through the Economic Recovery Act and has been
designated to assist El Paso County residents in need of help recovering from this pandemic
that continues to affect our community.
“If you live anywhere in El Paso County, from far East El Paso communities such as Sparks
and Montana Vista down to Fabens and Tornillo, you can apply for rental assistance through
the EP Rent Help Program if you have been financially impacted by COVID-19,” said County
Commissioner Iliana Holguin. “This is a grant program which means that the funds received
for rental or utility assistance do not have to be repaid. I encourage all El Paso County
residents who may need some additional help to make it through these very difficult times to
apply for these funds.”
Please join Commissioner Holguin, the Paso del Norte Health Foundation, the United Way of
El Paso County and El Paso County residents who have benefitted from the program at a
press conference to be held at Estrella Park, located at 14590 Greg Drive in Montana Vista on
Thursday, July 22, 2021 at 11 am.
El Paso, Texas July 13, 2021– El Paso Community College (EPCC) announced it can provide additional financial relief for students whose education has been impacted by COVID-19. EPCC will be distributing funds to students as part of the American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA). This is the third allocation of funding which is part of the Higher Education Emergency Relief Funding (HEERF) made available by congress to help institutions and students cope from the financial fallout from the COVID-19 pandemic. As directed by the U.S. Department of Education, funding will be available directly to students affected by the COVID-19 pandemic. EPCC students will be able to apply for these funds starting July 19th at go.epcc.edu/ARPA.
Students experiencing financial difficulties as a result of the pandemic who are registered for the fall semester may apply for $750 if enrolled part-time and $1,000 if they are enrolled full-time. This monetary assistance does not have to be paid back. Students who receive this emergency aid may apply their grant to any COVID-19 related expense including housing, food, mental healthcare, childcare, rent or even tuition. “The American Rescue Plan is an important investment to ensure that students in our region have the resources they need to stay on track and complete their degrees,” Fernie Flores, Associate Vice President of Budget and Finance said.
At EPCC, more than 85 percent of students receive some type of financial aid. Even prior to the pandemic a significant number of students were already experiencing insecurity in meeting basic needs such as food, housing and tuition. “The COVID-19 pandemic has created even more challenging circumstances for our students and ARPA funding will help ease their burden,” Keri Moe, Associate Vice President of External Relations, Communication & Development said. “Even though times may feel uncertain, now is the best time to pursue or finish a college degree. Not only do college graduates earn more, the jobs of the future will require some sort of degree or certificate and this funding helps ensure that students can meet their emergency needs and achieve their goals.”
EPCC’s Office of Financial Aid will be distributing funds to students based on the guidelines established by the U.S. Department of Education. The funds will be available to students on a first-come, first-served basis. Students simply need to apply and the college will send funds directly to those who qualify or they can elect to apply funding to tuition. Application is available online: go.epcc.edu/ARPA.
EPCC serves more than 28,500 students and offers 145 degree and certificate programs. Throughout its more than 50-year history, the college has remained focused on engaging students, growing community partnerships and fostering excellence. By creating a college-going culture and implementing innovative student success initiatives, EPCC is transforming the pathway to higher education and developing a better-prepared workforce for our region.
TxDOT’s “Be Safe. Drive Smart.” campaign urges drivers to slow down and stay alert in oil and gas production and exploration regions
AUSTIN – TxDOT is urging motorists to make safety a priority when they’re behind the wheel, especially in areas where oil and gas activity often brings increased traffic and large trucks to rural areas and adjacent communities.
In 2020, nearly 70,000 crashes occurred in the state’s five major energy production areas—the Permian Basin, Eagle Ford Shale, Barnett Shale, Anadarko Basin and Haynesville/Bossier Shale—resulting in 932 fatalities. Failure to control speed and driver inattention were the top reasons for crashes in these areas.
TxDOT offers these tips when driving in energy-production areas:
•Drive a safe speed, accounting for traffic, road conditions and weather.
•Focus 100% on driving and put your phone away: no talking or texting when behind the wheel.
•Give large trucks plenty of space, be patient and pass only when it’s safe and legal to do so.
•Obey stop signs and traffic signals.
•Never drive under the influence of alcohol or other drugs.
•Always buckle up—drivers and passengers, day and night.
Drivers should also remember the “Move Over or Slow Down” law, requiring motorists to move over a lane or slow to 20 mph below the posted speed limit when approaching an emergency vehicle, law enforcement, TxDOT vehicle, tow truck or utility vehicle stopped with flashing lights activated on the roadside.
“Be Safe. Drive Smart.” is a key component of #EndTheStreakTX, a broader social media and word-of-mouth effort that encourages drivers to make safer choices while behind the wheel such as wearing a seat belt, driving the speed limit, never texting and driving and never driving under the influence of alcohol or other drugs. Nov. 7, 2000 was the last deathless day on Texas roadways. #EndTheStreakTX asks all Texans to commit to driving safely to help end the streak of daily deaths.
EL PASO, Texas — As part of Parks and Recreation Month, the City’s Parks and Recreation Department is hosting an inaugural disc throwing ceremony and grand opening tournament to unveil the Disc Golf Course at Nations Tobin Park at 8:45 a.m. Saturday, July 17.
The disc golf course features 18-holes that are on average 300-feet long. Each hole has the possibility of three basket settings, and all include special signage that allows players to see upcoming holes. The course also has a tournament option set up. The Parks and Recreation staff worked with local disc golf organizations to add the new recreational amenity to the park. In addition, JOBE Materials donated the concrete needed for the course.
“The Parks and Recreation Department is always looking for ways to provide residents with new opportunities to engage in outdoor activities,” said Managing Director of Cultural Affairs and Recreation Ben Fyffe. “Disc golf is becoming a popular sport in our community, and we are more than excited to provide this unique course here in El Paso.”
City Representative Alexandra Annello and members of local disc golf organizations will throw the first disc to debut the new course. A grand opening tournament will be played shortly after the ceremony.
“This new course is an amazing addition to the City of El Paso. We are so proud to host it in the heart of District 2,” said District 2 City Representative Alexandra Annello. “This course is a true community collaboration, and would not have happened without the strong advocates of the Disc Golf community. It was an honor to work with them and Parks and Recreation to create such an amazing attraction for El Paso. ”
Disc golf is similar to golf, but instead of using a ball and clubs, players throw a frisbee disc from a tee box into a standing basket. The goal is to get the disc into the basket in the least number of throws or strokes. The budding sport can be played individually or with a group.
The course is free and open daily to everyone of all ages from 8 a.m. to 9 p.m. Visitors can check-out discs free of charge inside the recreation center office with an identification.
More information on disc golf is posted at quickscores.com/elpaso, on the Parks and Recreation Facebook page and website elpasotexas.gov/parks-and-recreation.
Businesses looking to become part of the international industrial supply chain and compete for up to $10,000 in seed funding should apply now
EL PASO, Texas — The Bridge Accelerator – Binational Supplier Development Program is looking for large and small companies with at least two years of commercial operation in the Paso del Norte binational region that wish to generate or increase their business history with large manufacturing companies.
Now in its third year, The Bridge Accelerator offers two cohorts per year. Applications for the Fall 2021 cohort are currently open through August 21, 2021. The program begins August 31, 2021. At the end of the Fall 2021 cohort, participating companies will compete for up to $10,000 in seed funding during Demo Day.
Applications are open to all companies with operations in the Paso del Norte Region, including El Paso, Juárez, Chihuahua City and Southern New Mexico, which have been incorporated in Mexico and/or the U.S. for at least two years, have a track record of doing business with large manufacturing companies or maquiladoras and can commit to involve up to three members of its executive staff in this exciting opportunity.
Apply online tb-xl.com
Selected companies will participate in the Bridge Accelerator for 12 weeks, beginning August 31, 2021. Most sessions are held weekly on Tuesdays, Wednesdays and Fridays. The program will be delivered virtually, with Fall Demo Day expected to be held in-person. Each module includes the participation of innovative global and local leaders and experts who will share their perspectives and insights over the course of the accelerator program.
The Bridge Accelerator program was created in 2019 by Technology Hub (Juarez) and Pioneers 21 (El Paso) with major support from Microsoft TechSpark, Transtelco, Tecma and the Secretary of Innovation and Economic Development of the State of Chihuahua (SIDE) through Fundación Axcel. Thanks to the generous support of the program’s sponsors, the cost of The Bridge Accelerator has been subsidized by more than 80 percent and participating companies must only pay a $2,500 fee for the entire program, which includes workshops, lectures, networking events, working groups and panels.
If your company is looking for new and innovative ways to become part of the international industrial supply chain, The Bridge Accelerator is a highly specialized program that can help generate business connections and prepare your company to expand its participation as suppliers to large industrial corporations, all while competing for up to $10,000 in investment capital.
The Paso del Norte Borderplex region is growing, and The Bridge Accelerator can help your business expand along with it. According to data from SIDE and COPARMEX, only two percent of suppliers from the region are part of this $39 billion manufacturing supply chain.
Participants will gain an understanding of the unique requirements of the manufacturing industry and bi-national business culture; be able to identify different types of innovation and how it applies to the supply chain; gain an understanding of models of intellectual property protection; be able to articulate a value proposition and define competitive advantages and new go-to market strategies; and develop financial models and identify types and sources of funding.
Themes and topics include:
· Innovation Fundamentals and Tech Trends
· Customer Discovery and Value Proposition Design
· Marketing Strategy (Pitch Deck and Media Kit Preparation)
· Project Management Agile-Scrum
· Quality Systems and Compliance
· Sales and Financial Strategy
· Intellectual Protection and Alliances
· Capital Investment Fundamentals
· Business Model Innovation
For more information, contact Mariana Ramirez at mariana.ramirez@t-hub.mx; or Laura P. Butler at lpbut1ler@pioneers21.org or 915-321-3121.
About The Bridge Accelerator – Binational Supplier Development Program
The Bridge Accelerator was created with support from Microsoft, Transtelco, Tecma Group, Chihuahua’s
Economic Development Agency through its Regional Innovation and Economic Development Center, City of
El Paso and Desarrollo Económico de Ciudad Juárez A.C., Seisa Medical, Hunt Family Foundation, NMSU’s
Foster Innovation Exchange (FIX), WestStar Bank, High Desert Capital, CIDER, FIDEAPECH, Juárez
Independente, The Borderplex Alliance, Detroit Axle, Fundación Axcel, Novamex, Workforce Solutions and
Desarollo Económica Heroica Ciudad Juárez.
SANTA FE- The New Mexico Department of Health and Public Education Department today announced a partnership with local pharmacies to provide back-to-school COVID-19 vaccinations for students 12 years and older.
Participating pharmacies have committed to giving free COVID vaccines without appointments from July 15 to Aug. 15.
“New Mexico schools are eager to welcome students back for a safe, healthy new school year. To that end, it’s critical that children get all their required and recommended immunizations well ahead of time, and that includes the COVID-19 vaccine for children ages 12 and up,” Public Education Secretary Ryan Stewart said. “We are so grateful to New Mexico pharmacies for making this as easy as possible for parents and families with convenient walk-in hours for COVID shots.”
“New Mexico has led the nation in adult vaccinations, and now we encourage parents to get their children vaccinated as quickly as possible,” said DOH Cabinet Secretary Dr. Tracie Collins. “Every New Mexican who gets vaccinated is taking a step to protect themselves and their loved ones — and helping prevent the virus from doing further damage.”
Depending on the pharmacy, the walk-in hours will be either 2-7 p.m. Monday through Friday and 10 a.m.-3 p.m. Saturday and Sunday, or 2-5:30 p.m. Monday through Friday and Saturday 9 a.m-noon.
Here is a list of participating pharmacies around the state that will be providing the Pfizer vaccine. The list includes walk-in hours for each venue.
Please note: CVS and Walgreens will service walk-in patients anytime their pharmacies are open. We would also like to encourage parents to have their child’s confirmation code from the DOH portal – vaccineNM.org – ready when they arrive at a pharmacy.
EL PASO, Texas— Registration is now open for the 2021 El Paso Municipal Court Summer Program for youth ages 10 to 17 years of age and their parents.
The 3-day program runs from 5:30 p.m. to 7 p.m., July 13, through July 15, at Municipal Court, 810 E. Overland.
During the 3-day program, participants will have the opportunity to attend presentations and take part in interactive activities to learn more about staying safe in the community.
“The summer program is a great opportunity for our youth to learn how they can make their community a better and safer community,” said Municipal Court Director Lilia Worrell. “Municipal Court wants to make sure our children stay safe and engaged in the community during the summer season.”
Space for the Summer Program is limited. To register, call Municipal Court at (915) 212-0229 or send an email to JCM@elpasotexas.gov.
About Municipal Court
The El Paso Municipal Court is a court of record, which handles Class C misdemeanors, and civil parking citations issued within the city limits. The El Paso Municipal Court of Appeals hears appeals filed from the El Paso Municipal Courts.
For more information about El Paso Municipal Court, visit elpasotexas.gov/ municipal-courts.
El Pasoans Fighting Hunger Receives Shipments of Pet Food Donations from PetSmart Charities®
To Help Pets and Pet Owners across the Borderland
Pet Food Available at various distributions sites to families needing food assistance
EL PASO, TEXAS – July 5, 2021 – El Pasoans Fighting Hunger Food Bank received several shipments of dry dog and cat food as a donation from PetSmart Charities, the leading funder in animal welfare, to help families with pets facing financial hardship and food insecurity. These pet food donations will allow the food bank to distribute pet food at the following locations in July.
Pet food will be distributed on the following dates:
Wednesday, July 7 St. Luke’s Catholic Church 930 E. Redd Rd. starting at 8:30 am
Thursday, July 8 EPFH 9541 Plaza Circle starting at 8:00 am
Tuesday, July 20 Kelly Center for Hunger Relief 915 Florence St. starting at 9:00 am
Feeding America projects that 42 million people (1 in 8) may experience food insecurity in 2021. Across the Borderland the numbers are 1 in 7. Although this is a slight improvement from the 2020 many Americans are still struggling with basic needs, including putting food on the table or in their pets’ bowl. While reports of food insecurity have made national headlines, pet food insecurity still looms beneath the surface, despite the fact that60% of households are pet owners. Pets provide a sense of comfort and well-being for families, especially during challenging times. Having access to pet food helps ensure that people don’t have to choose between feeding themselves or feeding their pets. It also ensures that pets are able to remain happy and healthy with their families, during the times that they need them most.
“Across the Borderland pet owners are very grateful to know that the food bank and other mobile pantry sites are distributing pet food along with food for their families. Having pet food for their pets is an added bonus to our clients who come to get food assistance. It helps keep people and pets together and so many are benefitting from this program, especially during these hard times, that for so many have gotten difficult to manage.” said Kathy Cox, Chief Development Officer at El Pasoans Fighting Hunger Food Bank.
Earlier this year, PetSmart Charities made a $10 million to Feeding America to support pets and their families through 2021. This donation will enable Feeding America partners like El Pasoans Fighting Hunger to offer pet food to families affected by job loss and financial hardship, in addition to traditional pantry staples.
“Food insecurity is at an all-time high for families due to the COVID-19 pandemic, and historically we’ve seen many stories about pet parents in need who sacrifice to feed their pets before they feed themselves,” said Aimee Gilbreath, President at PetSmart Charities. “We are proud to make this commitment to provide much-needed pet food to families across the U.S., ultimately helping keep pets and people together during this challenging time.”
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About El Pasoans Fighting Hunger Food Bank:
El Pasoans Fighting Hunger Food Bank (EPFH) is El Paso’s only food bank and a member of Feeding America, the nation’s largest hunger relief network. With a current 22.3% of the population living below the poverty, EPFH commits to making sure no one goes hungry. In 2019, EPFH worked diligently with more than 130+ partner agencies and 235 mobile pantries to distribute more than 32.5 million pounds of food in 3 county areas: El Paso, Hudspeth and Culberson. The mission statement of EPFH is “to combat the hunger crisis in our region by strategically procuring and distributing nutritious food through community partners . . . because no one should go hungry.” Visit us at www.elpasoansfightinghunger.org to learn more.
El Pasoans Fighting Hunger is a 501 (c) (3) organization.
About PetSmart Charities®
PetSmart Charities, Inc. is committed to finding lifelong, loving homes for all pets by supporting programs and thought leadership that bring people and pets together. Through its in-store adoption program in all PetSmart® stores across the U.S. and Puerto Rico, PetSmart Charities helps to find forever homes and families for more than 600,000 shelter pets each year. Each year, millions of generous PetSmart shoppers help pets in need by donating to PetSmart Charities using the PIN pads at checkout registers inside PetSmart stores. In turn, PetSmart Charities efficiently uses more than 90 cents of every dollar donated to fulfill its role as the leading funder of animal welfare in North America, granting more than $450 million since its inception in 1994. Independent from PetSmart Inc., PetSmart Charities is a 501(c)(3) organization that has received the Four-Star Rating from Charity Navigator, a third-party organization that reports on the effectiveness, accountability and transparency of nonprofits, for the past 17 years in a row – placing it among the top one percent of charities rated by this organization. To learn more visit www.petsmartcharities.org.
As of July 1st, there have been 37 reports of child water fatalities (1 in the El Paso area) in the state since January. Currently 74% of the reported victims being five years of age or younger and 68% of the case locations being various types of pools.
“Drowning is quick and quiet, so preventing it requires constant visual supervision,” said Sonia Avila, DFPS Faith-Based and Community Engagement Specialist.
A responsible adult should actively supervise children anytime they are playing in or around swimming pools. It’s easy to get distracted, but the designated “water watcher” should always stay focused on the child. So, no reading a book or looking at your phone when kids are in water if you are the water watcher. Also, any adult who is watching children around water should also be able to swim and/or rescue them if anything were to go wrong.
“Even if they know how to swim, kiddos can hit their heads, or get tired and get into trouble. Know what level of supervision your child needs and make sure you know who will be monitoring them,” Avila said.
To ensure safety parents can also secure at-home pool areas with fences and gates. Pool alarms can also detect surface waves that alert parents when their child is in the water. Children should never be left unsupervised in water, even with floating devices or shallow water.
“It only takes one second,” Avila said. “You turn your back for one second and a child is at the bottom of the pool. It’s a scary situation, but it can be prevented.”
For more information on water safety parents can visit our webpage www.watchkidsaroundwater.org.
Child Water Safety Tips
Always Supervise!
•A responsible adult should always supervise children in or around water. Keep new swimmers and non-swimmers within arm’s reach.
•Make sure the adult knows CPR and has a phone to dial 9-1-1.
•Have floatation devices available to use in a rescue (ones that can reach and float).
•Drowning is quick and quiet. The adult should be undistracted at all times.
•Share rules with anyone who may watch your child.
Teach Water Survival Skills
Sign up your child for swim lessons. Make sure they are taught to:
•Return to the surface if they fall in over their head.
•Float or tread water.
•Turn in a circle in the water and look for an exit.
•Swim 25 yards (75 feet).
•Get out of the pool without using the ladder.
Inside the House
•Never leave small children alone near any container of water, including tubs, buckets, toilets or aquariums. Drain buckets and baths when done. A child can drown in as little as 2 inches of water.
•Keep bathroom doors closed and secure toilet lids with locks.
•Never leave young children alone in or around the bath. Drownings can happen in even tiny amounts of water.
•Get what you need before filling the tub. If you need to leave the room, take the child with you.
•Make sure children cannot leave the house to get to pools or hot tubs.
Outside the House
•Never leave children alone in or around water (pools, kiddie pools, lakes, creeks, buckets, beaches, ponds or drainage ditches).
•Constantly watch children when swimming or playing near water. They need a certified lifeguard or responsible adult within reach.
•When pool is in use, completely remove pool covers and cleaning machines.
•Secure the area around the pool with a fence, self-closing gate and alarms.
•Find out if your child’s friends or neighbors have pools at their homes.
•Do not allow children to swim in any water after heavy rains or flooding.
AUSTIN – Drivers traveling should remember that state law requires them to slow down or move over when tow trucks and other emergency vehicles – police, fire, EMS and highway response trucks – are stopped on the side of the road with their lights activated.
Texas traffic laws require drivers to leave the lane closest to the emergency vehicles stopped on the road (if the road has more than one lane traveling in the same direction) OR to slow down at least 20 miles per hour below the speed limit.
“Each year in Texas, tow truck operators, police officers and other emergency works are injured or killed while they’re working on the side of the road, helping someone. We all need to make sure we help these highway heroes by obeying traffic laws,” said Brian E. Francis, executive director of the Texas Department of Licensing and Regulation (TDLR). “At the end of the day, we all want to get back home safely.”
TDLR regulates the towing industry as well as the Driver Education and Safety program.
Safety tips for driving:
•Slow down and pay attention to what you’re doing. If you get tired, pull over in a safe spot and walk around to re-energize.
•Don’t drink and drive, even a little bit.
•Designate a (sober) driver.
•Stay off the mobile phone – this includes texting. Designate a “co-pilot” to oversee the phone while you’re driving so you can concentrate on the task at hand.
•Stay weather-aware. We’re not expecting bad weather, but this is Texas and you never know.
•Leave plenty of time to get to your destination. Roadways are likely to be crowded. Drive friendly – the Texas way!
About TDLR
TDLR provides regulatory oversight for a broad range of occupations, businesses, facilities, and equipment in Texas. The agency protects the health and safety of Texans by ensuring they are served by qualified, licensed professionals. Inspections of individuals, businesses, and equipment are done on a regular basis to safeguard the public. Currently, the agency regulates 40 business and occupational licensing programs with more than 1,000,000 licensees across the state.
Visit TDLR’s website for more information and resources. You can search the TDLR licensee database, and also find past violations in which a final order was issued against companies or individuals. TDLR’s Customer Service line is available anytime between 7 a.m. until 6 p.m., Monday through Friday, at 1-800-803-9202. TDLR representatives are fluent in English, Spanish and Vietnamese.
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