May 13, 2008

ATLANTA (AP) -- The high cost of fuel is increasing the demand for a public service provided by the Georgia Department of Transportation.

Robert Sims is a supervisor for Highway Emergency Response Operators or HEROs. He says the 15 drivers on his crew answer an average of 20 calls
per shift from people who say they are out of gas.

HEROs can give a stranded motorist up to a gallon of gas to help get them to the nearest gas station. Currently, 86 HERO units operate on the interstates and major highways in metro Atlanta.

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