Highway Emergency Response Operators (HERO)​

HERO  

Highway Emergency Response Operators (HEROs) are dispatched to traffic-related incidents in metro Atlanta with the primary duty to clear roads so that n​ormal traffic flow is restored. HEROs also assist stranded motorists with flat tires, dead batteries or in need of fuel or coolant.​​​​​

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Virtual Informational Session

Interested in becoming a HERO with the Georgia Department of Transportation (GDOT)?

Join us for a virtual informational session to learn more about the Highway Emergency Response Operator (HERO) Trainee position. During this session, we'll discuss the job duties, training expectations, work environment, and opportunities within GDOT. This session is a great opportunity to ask questions and learn more about this exciting career.

Please sign up for an informational session by clicking on the registration button below.

NOTE: Individuals who are ready to join our team will have the opportunity to interview for the position after the session.


Thursday, March 12, 2026

12 PM - 1 PM

REGISTER NOW

Thursday, March 19, 2026

6 PM - 7 PM

REGISTER NOW​​​​​

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Program Stats

FY 2025​

HERO Roadway
32

Monitored routes in metro Atlanta ​

HERO vest
82​

Active operators

HERO Route
382

Miles patrolled​

HERO Route
47,​610

Total assists performed

 

NOTE: HERO assists include the number of motorist assists performed and do not include lane clearance and other maintenance activities performed ​​​​​​​​
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Patrol Routes

View Printable Map​

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A HERO Unit is dispatched to traffic-related incidents with a primary duty to clear roads so that normal traffic flow is restored. Secondarily, HERO assists stranded motorists by:

  • Changing flat tires
  • Jump-starting batteries
  • Providing fuel or coolant
  • Pushing vehicles to the shoulder
  • Transporting motorists to safe areas away from traffic
  • Administering first aid
  • Performing minor mechanical repairs

NOTE: There is no charge for the HERO service.

  • Relieve congestion and maintain consistent traffic flow at incident locations
  • Reduce response time to traffic-related incidents
  • Patrol 382 miles of metro Atlanta freeways
  • Respond to incidents on metro Atlanta freeways
  • Provide support to law enforcement, first-response and other emergency agencies
  • Assist in clearing stalled vehicles from travel lanes
  • Help stranded motorists with minor mechanical problems

Funding for the HERO program has been provided by Congestion Mitigation/Air Quality (CMAQ) Fund under the guidance of the Atlanta Regional Commission's (ARC) Incident Management Taskforce. The Taskforce members include the Federal Highway Administration (FHWA), GDOT, traffic reporters, emergency and first-response agencies and the private sector.

 

 

Feedback

If you have comments about the HERO Program, or if you've been helped by a HERO and would like to say "THANKS", we'd love to hear from you!

Contact Us.


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