Car trouble anyone?

I had such an interesting afternoon of showing houses!  Took my clients to a few homes one of which they really liked.  As we left the last house, I got in my car, checked my phone, organized my paperwork and got ready to take off to my house to get dinner started.  Insert car key, turn......nothing.  Must have been a fluke so I try again, and again, and again...same result.

 picture courtesy of: http://www.bbc.co.uk/worldservice/learningenglish/youmeus/learnit/learnitv44.shtml

It is confirmed my car battery is D-E-A-D.  By this time, my clients are long gone and I am all alone with a dead battery in a car that is quickly becoming oven-like.  That is when I remembered that there is a number on the back of our Texas Driver's License...it is a Roadside Assistance number (800-525-5555)!  I wasn't sure exactly what kind assistance would be offered but I thought it was worth a shot.  I called.

The very nice lady informed me that had I been on a Texas Highway I would have been in luck!  Unfortunately, my car battery decided to die in a residential neighborhood.  She did give me the number of the SAPD helpline.  I called that number, again...I was not technically in San Antonio, I was in Schertz.  The SAPD helpline gave me the number of the Schertz PD helpline.  On this call, I was told that they would be happy to send a wrecker to help me.  Ten minutes later, a very nice gentleman from Roadrunner Towing was there and my car (along with the A/C) was back in action!  I did have to pay for his services but the fee was well worth the convenience and fast relief! 

I know I probably could have used my blackberry to find a towing service but this way I at least knew that the police were referring the company so the chances of me getting good service were increased.  Although the Texas Roadside Assistance number did not help me this time, I did find out that they do indeed help stranded motorists (dead battery, flat tire, no gas, etc).  You just have to be on a Texas Highway!  So if you are in Texas and get stranded on a highway, turn your license over and give the number a shot.  I am not sure if other states have this or not...but it is nice to know there is someone out there if we ever need them!