By Katie Beasley, Good Day Atlanta transportation reporter - bio
ATLANTA -
They are men and women who put their lives on the line each day but you won't see a badge, instead you see a big yellow truck. They are officers of Atlanta's HERO units.
They make sure traffic is moving and help you get on your way when you're in a jam.
For these men and women their day starts off with the words "be safe, be safe," then a thorough check of the key tool of their day -- the HERO truck itself must get the green light. Once the inspection is complete, it's time to ride out.
"We create a safe environment for all responders to be able to work in, and keep traffic moving at the same time," said shift supervisor Jason Josey.
It doesn't take long before trouble is spotted -- a motorist with a flat tire.
"I hit something going down the road and about as quick as I could get pulled over, it was flat," said Wallace Bertschin of McDonough.
The flat was fixed and then off to another emergency – an accident in the travel lanes of interstate 85 southbound at Interstate 285.
While at the scene of the accident, they're constantly keeping an eye on the moving cars.
"We love our citizens, but we don't trust them. You can't, not out here on the highway. This job is inherently dangerous and it is extremely unforgiving," said Josey.
HERO Mark Weathers says the job can be scary at times and reminded motorists to move over to give them room to work.
Two years ago on January 31, 2011, hero officer Spencer Pass Sr. was killed on the side of a highway.
The danger may always be in the back of their minds, but occasionally, they get a good laugh out of their job too.
"The oddest thing is not one, but two zebras on the interstate" Josey said.
Another odd thing was finding a refrigerator fully stocked with fresh meat.
Crews say accidents at one time took about 45 minutes to clean up are now being cleared in less than seven minutes. If you find yourself on the highway in need of a hero unit, you can call 511 and they can get a unit to your scene -- if nothing major is going on.
Wednesday, June 12 2013 9:40 AM EDT2013-06-12 13:40:01 GMT
AAA reports the ease of hands-free tech might make it easier for motorists to text, talk and post while they drive -- but that might be doing more harm than good.
AAA reports the ease of hands-free tech might make it easier for motorists to text, talk and post while they drive -- but that might be doing more harm than good.
Wednesday, June 5 2013 6:41 AM EDT2013-06-05 10:41:30 GMT
One organization is working to make Metro Atlanta streets safer for pedestrians and even encourage people to walk more.
One organization is working to make metro Atlanta streets safer and even encourage people to walk, as opposed to driving. Pedestrians Educating Drivers on Safety, or PEDS, is working to make Atlanta more walkable one street, intersection and crosswalk at a time.
Tuesday, May 14 2013 5:55 AM EDT2013-05-14 09:55:03 GMT
Sandy Springs police say the number of reported hit and runs are up right now -- everything from fender benders to fatal pedestrian wrecks. So how do they catch a hit and run driver?
Sandy Springs police say the number of reported hit and runs are up right now -- everything from fender benders to fatal pedestrian wrecks. So how do they catch a hit and run driver?
Thursday, May 2 2013 6:22 AM EDT2013-05-02 10:22:00 GMT
You may be starting to see them more and more around Georgia -- roundabout intersections. The Georgia Department of Transportation says in most cases they improve safety, and help with congestion.
You may be starting to see them more and more around Georgia -- roundabout intersections. The Georgia Department of Transportation says in most cases they improve safety, help with congestion, and are more cost efficient.
Thursday, April 25 2013 6:44 AM EDT2013-04-25 10:44:36 GMT
Some civil engineering students at Georgia Tech are working on a few projects to make getting around the city easier. They're a part of the Georgia Transportation Institute and soon, you could be using their research.
Some civil engineering students at Georgia Tech are working on a few projects to make getting around the city easier. They're a part of the Georgia Transportation Institute and soon, you could be using their research.
Wednesday, April 17 2013 6:13 AM EDT2013-04-17 10:13:56 GMT
An intersection more than 30 years in the making is kick starting growth in one Cherokee County city.
An intersection more than 30 years in the making is kick starting growth in one Cherokee County city. This past winter, Woodstock added the Ridgewalk Parkway exit to Interstate 575, and now a 370,000 square foot outlet mall plans to call the intersection home.
Friday, April 12 2013 6:23 AM EDT2013-04-12 10:23:43 GMT
If you've got a teenager, chances are you already have some sleepless nights worrying about them. But, it hits a whole new level when they start to drive!
If you've got a teenager, chances are you already have some sleepless nights worrying about them. But, it hits a whole new level when they start to drive!
