TowZone

Virginia Towers, I am not sure I could control myself if a Virginia Legislators vehicle needed to be towed.

 

What was so hard about changing the verbiage? They may as well of called us Tow Truck Drivers Garbage...

This was likely a landscaping crew as you can see what appears to be mower in the grass ahead of the truck/trailer combo. At the beginning of the clip you can see there is a similar truck in the grass to the right. What their reason was for parking in the left lane was likely a continuous unsafe practice. One Cone & No Lighting contributed to the drivers unawareness in part distraction. I'd be interested to know if the driver was under the influence of anything at the time of the incident. This seems to be a contributing factor in many of these incidents.

I am going to say the Tow Truck was not involved and simply there either by request or in the area. The news reporting varies from area to area and station to station. I have even found attempting to follow reports of incidents on FB results in far too much misinformation.

List becomes final on Friday 02.14.20. At this point I have received only a couple of objections. However, they were only with one ranking.

 

Personally as I compile this list over the entire previous year and not just a couple of months. GEICO was not a surprise as they have worked to regain the number one ranking and come back from issues they had a few years back. NSD and GERBER was a bit of a surprise as there were concerns about NSD last year which they are working to correct, they have a loyal base which they work with. GEICO was the same way when they lost that number one ranking to NSD. Now GERBER which used to be NETCOST came out of nowhere. NETCOST was next to last in 2018 and may finish 3rd in 2019. Talk about a comeback. Anyway, I'm seeking more reviews as it has been crickets for a couple of days now.

Yes, the news media is taking a beating for their lack of reporting. It seems they used the police report to put together the article and did no research. But then I have been all morning searching for confirmation, as we do not send out "Tower Down" notifications until confirmation can be linked.

 

You can see on the KY3 FB page they are taking a beating on this one and should revise the story.

 

https://www.facebook.com/ky3news/

 

" The Missouri State Highway Patrol reported a 2011 Volkswagen Jetta driven by Christopher J. Rice, 27, Buffalo, Mo., was northbound on U.S. 65 three miles north of Springfield.
The vehicle traveled off the road and struck a pedestrian identified as Timothy J. Williams, 55, Springfield, who was standing next a 2018 Ram 5500. Williams was pronounced dead at the scene and transported to the Greene County Medical Examiner's office. "

 

Timothy J. Williams was employed by Affordable Towing, Springfield, MO.

As I stated in my last reply to the Tragic Event involving a Tow Truck which took the life of a Florida Highway Patrol Trooper.

 

"Tow operators need to watch a video on dealing with situations such as this one. All First and Emergency Responders are required to complete such training annually. That raises the level of knowledge and awareness which could save at least one life. These videos range from approaching a vehicle and it's occupants to dealing with an aggressive subject (customer). Even an active shooter situation.... How many companies provide active shooter training to their employees? This could be both at the business or roadside such as in the tragic event."

I believe that all tow operators need to watch a video on dealing with situations such as this one. All First and Emergency Responders are required to complete such training annually. That raises the level of knowledge and awareness which could save at least one life. These videos range from approaching a vehicle and it's occupants to dealing with an aggressive subject (customer). Even an active shooter situation.... How many companies provide active shooter training to their employees? This could be both at the business or roadside such as in the tragic event.

 

Follow up reports are a passing officer shot and killed the civilian shooter. Then a Firefighter with his medical response bag, had stopped during the shots fired pulled the officer back to his car where his body is seen. But sadly, it was too late.

 

This is a tragic event, but even more tragic is if we fail to learn anything from each and everyone of these events. I firmly believe such knowledge can save a life, tow companies need get a handle on this fast. These are not bar fights, this are not the disagreements of 20 years ago. We are now dealing with an increased level of mental illness. It doesn't take much to set off some of these people tow operators deal with. Not much different from what other service providers are experiencing. You can blame the gun, then it's a knife and then it's a J hook a bar off the truck. A bat out of the car and for the majority of tow operators they have no training or experience to deal with such a situation. Only a small number have weapon to defend themselves. Possibly we will get some video to explain more about this confrontation and what went wrong. We as an industry need that to understand how we can avoid a similar situation.

 

 

The sad part is, in review of the companies website this appears to be a respectable towing company specializing in private property impounds.

 

"Cedar Towing and Auction is a family owned business that has been in the industry for over 33 years.

When you partner with Cedar Towing and Auction you can expect the personal service only a small company can give with a big company response.

Our staff is dedicated to redefining the towing experience for each of our customers and will not compromise our customer’s future goals for short term results.

As your towing provider our mission is to keep your property clear of nuisance vehicles that can affect your business and be a risk to the safety of your visitors and tenants. We specialize in creating a customized program to suit your specific needs to put you in control of your parking lot.

We know that parking issues are not what you want to deal with in your busy day, we know your time is very valuable."

 

https://www.cedartowing.com/

Does anyone have a follow up on this driver struck 1 year ago?

Welcome, to be exact the old message board system broke in 2017 and a new system was created using a new provider. Technology has changed over the years and so has the software involved in creating message boards. With the apps they now work much like FB only for specific interests without the distractions. Content on message board are seen as being more professional and while many have not missed a beat. Few have all the features this new message board has incorporated to make it resemble the look a feel we were used too.

 

It was decided that a New Venue needed a Fresh New Name. A New Force in the Towing Industry was Born "TowForce". The schedule set was a 3 year build, since neither member profile or topics were compatible with the new system past members continue to receive invitation to join. Our Goal by the end of the year is 6000 members, more important are quality topics. We are seeing these everyday and I would like to Thank those that believed it was possible when some said the message board was dead. Is this what dead looks like. I Think Not...

Randall, this topic originally created by Jeffrey Godwin is from an article which appeared in Tow Advisor.

 

@FTI Groups

This is the 2019 Motor Club Rankings. Please review the list and added you comments. In the end there were well over 100 responses and the list looks somewhat different from past years. If you have nothing to Add you can simply reply AGREE. If your reply is DISAGREE please explain and this is not yet the official list, we always open it up for discussion. All are welcome to comment, of course the comments from those who participated will always be louder. Thanks to everyone that did participate. It is never an easy task to undertake, But, I still believe it is beneficial to the industry.

 

1 - GEICO –

2 - NSD ( Nation Safe Drivers ) –

3 - Netcost/GNCS (Gerber) -

4 - AAA –

5 - Tesla –

6 - NAC ( National Auto Club ) -

7 - AHL (Auto Help Line ) -

8 - Road America –

9 - Allstate –

10 - Agero -

 

Not making the 2019 Top Ten are HONK, Quest, Swoop, Pinnacle, USAC, Allied, Urgent.ly

Yeah, often just confronting them about it works to limit future abuse.

 

The question was asked - Does he deserve some off time ?

 

I find the majority tend to like getting even more time off so nothing is resolved. No, best to make them work their way back to the point they were at before the lie. But, even more important is to ask why they felt the need to lie. There are various reasons and no one can analyze the situation without knowing the working hours as they vary in the towing industry these days. We attempt to be much more accommodating now as compared to in the past. But, either way there are always those that complain and those that abuse the system. The driver pool continues to decrease so most companies have to deal with it unless the employee isn't an asset.  

Oscar Mayer is selling shirts to support the Move Over Law

after its Wienermobile was pulled over in Waukesha County

 

 

https://www.ohiwish.com/road-hog-t-shirt/

 

Oscar Mayer is looking to make things right after its Wienermobile broke a law in Waukesha County. 

 

The Wienermobile was pulled over by a Waukesha County Sheriff's Department deputy Jan. 26 for not following the Move Over Law.

 

The law states that vehicles must move out of the lane closest to a vehicle on the side of the road with its emergency lights flashing. If safely moving out of the lane is not possible, the vehicle should slow down while passing the vehicle on the side of the road. 

 

"To help right this wrong," the company tweeted that it is selling limited edition T-shirts for $29.99, with all profits going to the National Road Safety Foundation. 

 

The shirt features a picture from when the Wienermobile got pulled over with the caption "Road Hog." Shirts can be purchased at ohiwish.com/road-hog-t-shirt. 

 

The Waukesha County Sheriff's Office responded to the tweet, saying "Thanks @oscarmayer for helping us promote #MoveOver law and keeping law enforcement, first responders, highway workers, tow truck drivers, etc safe."

 

So what ended up happening to the Wienermobile after it was pulled over? The sheriff's department said it gave a verbal warning to the driver and then let the vehicle go. 

 

RESOURCE LINK

Understanding your commercial vehicle footprint — Optimizing your energy use

George Survant, Senior Director of Fleet Relations, NTEA

Christopher Lyon, Director of Fleet Relations, NTEA

 

As fleet professionals, we tend to think of our vehicles as transportation devices, mobile tools and — in our connected world — data sources. We do, however, need to evolve our view of vehicles, visualizing them as energy users. Energy Information Administration (EIA) states: “Only about 12%–30% of the energy from the fuel you put in a conventional vehicle is used to move it down the road, depending on the drive cycle. The rest of the energy is lost to engine and driveline inefficiencies or used to power accessories. Therefore, the potential to improve fuel efficiency with advanced technologies is enormous” (see fueleconomy.gov/feg/atv.shtml for details). If your fleet is like most, a large part of your operating budget may be focused on fuel (and energy consumption). Large vocational trucks, by nature, can consume tremendous amounts of energy — both in transit and on the worksite. As with any commodity, energy comes with a price tag, and to lower this expense, there are two available options: use less energy and/or reduce the cost of energy consumed.

 

Consuming less energy 

Decreasing energy consumption can be both direct and indirect. In the commercial vehicle world, direct energy savings come from the main powerplant, and indirect savings stem from working more efficiently (in some cases, independent from the main vehicle powerplant). Types of direct energy reduction include shifting workloads from the main powerplant (i.e., PTO-driven operations from the engine) to stored energy or more efficient sources.

 

Shifting from the main powerplant can be done with devices like auxiliary power units. These are commonly seen on refrigerated loads to ensure cargo stays preserved even when the truck engine is not running. Also, stored energy systems are devices that allow the truck to work on-site without the engine running. Examples of these systems include aerial lift trucks where the aerial platform and tools are operating on stored electricity without an engine running.

 

In other applications, launch assist devices can help reduce the need for bigger engines for the peak power demand created from overcoming a truck’s standing inertia. These are often stored energy devices from batteries and, occasionally, hydraulic reservoirs. 

 

Idle management systems are also an important solution to lowering energy demand. These systems create savings by shortening engine run time. This has become an increasingly common solution in passenger cars and light trucks as the engine stops when the vehicle is not underway. With engine start response times in the milliseconds, an idle management system is a viable way to stop burning unneeded fuel commonly encountered in congested traffic situations. In NTEA’s 2020 Fleet Purchasing Outlook, fleets shared how they view opportunities to decrease fuel intake; latest survey results show idle management technology taking top priority.

 

Driving lighter vehicles is another way to consume less energy. While payload may not be directly actionable due to mission and consumer location restrictions, vehicle weight can be directly actionable (1%–3% fuel economy improvement per 5% weight reduction; fuel cost savings are estimated assuming an average vehicle lifetime of 166,000 miles).

 

All too often, the immediate reaction is to think lighter weight vehicles are more costly and less durable. Today’s products are significantly improved in several regards: fiberglass products (a composite material) are backed by advanced support materials (rather than the plywood common in previous years). They’re designed to ensure the body remains light and, at the same time, durable and affordable to repair. The same is true for aluminum. Products used in new generation bodies are significantly stronger, while not giving up aluminum’s weight advantage over steel bodies. Repair techniques for aluminum are more sophisticated, and the number of competent repair centers has grown exponentially. 

Virtually all OEMs today are using combinations of composite (fiberglass, for example) and aluminum to reduce final vehicle weight with the result of improved vehicle fuel efficiency. To the greatest extent possible, buyers in the fleet community using state-of-the-art upfitters and vehicle modifiers should incorporate these leading techniques to diminish the energy used in fulfilling their respective missions, while providing superior value.

 

Basic, well-executed fleet operation fundamentals represent another element that must be considered. Examples include

• Properly inflated tires

• Reduce rolling resistance on components such as tires (4%–7% improvement in miles per gallon; see fueleconomy.gov/feg/atv.shtml for details)

• Thorough and timely vehicle maintenance

 

In addition, mapping powertrain curves to transmission shift points (reflecting use of an optimized match of engine power to mission requirements) is an excellent way to reduce energy used. Getting the correct match can net impressive energy reductions with reasonable additional cost. This technique is so effective that some suppliers in the space guarantee savings from this option (examples of 8%–9% fuel economy improvement is not unusual).

 

You can’t afford to overlook driver behavior (which can change through coaching) for reduced energy use (10%–40% improvement in miles per gallon; seefueleconomy.gov/feg/atv.shtml for details). Aggressive acceleration and harsh braking not only harm fuel economy and increase unnecessary wear but also elevate risk for a crash event. Providing drivers with real-time performance feedback and positive reinforcement can significantly influence driver behavior.

 

Paying less for energy

Petroleum fuel costs are notoriously volatile and, sometimes, moved by reported news events — not weighted carefully against the potential effect on world supply. Beyond representing a significant portion of the fleet operations budget, the volatility alone can create problems in corporations that would see internal cash and profitability effects from unanticipated fuel price increases.

 

One advantage of shifting to nontraditional fuel sources is the significant boost in cost stability. According to EIA, in addition to cost stability, the cost per GGE of propane, CNG and electricity is significantly lower than gasoline or diesel. Issues with these cheaper alternatives are twofold. First, the vehicles are more expensive to acquire and can bring less in the resale market (depending on regional refueling infrastructure and mandatory compliance issues). A more challenging issue is refueling infrastructure. Currently, selecting one of these alternatives is highly dependent on your mission and availability of refueling options.

 

When there’s a selection of alternative fuels, fixed predictable-route fleets dispatched from a central location are an excellent choice. As with any vehicle decision, a thorough life cycle cost analysis (considering all costs with an accurate forecasted resale value) can validate alternative fuel sources as an excellent investment for your fleet.

 

Where does the energy go?

Looking at actual energy put into vehicles as compared to what’s coming out can be an important factor. Conventional gasoline combustion energy only utilizes 12%–30% of the energy from the fuel to power wheels on the road. Where does the energy go? Much of this energy is transformed into heat, mechanical loss and sound — essentially not used to propel the vehicle.

 

Hybrid vehicles (as compared to internal gasoline vehicles) capture 21%–40% of the energy from fuel consumed.

 

Finally, electric cars can run at about a 72%–94% efficiency level. Currently, only electric, electric hybrids and certain hydraulic systems reclaim kinetic energy during braking, returning a portion of the energy used in the process.

 

Finding the right technology

Start with a deliberate discussion of work mission with the fleet user. Beginning with the main powerplant, evaluate all options to determine any savings opportunities with an alternative fuel choice. You may want to perform a formal drive and duty cycle analysis to map potential cost reduction opportunities. 

 

Drive cycle defines how vehicles operate based on

• Average speed

• Amount of incidental idling time

• Power export time (PTO operation, etc.)

• Number of starts and stops per cycle

• Longest average continuous running time per cycle

 

Duty cycle defines how much a vehicle is used and looks at

• Length of average operating cycle

• Number of operating cycles per period

• Total miles driven per measurement period

• Percentage of loaded versus empty operation

• Percentage of on-road versus off-road operation

 

Next, evaluate if there’s a technique you can use to lessen dependence on your main powerplant that can be effectively deployed in your fleet.

 

These initial steps refer to both additions to your fleet and replacement of existing equipment. There are some applications where a retrofit may be a practical choice, but it can be challenging to justify such costs given remaining life of the vehicle in question.

 

Properly managing idling

Evaluating high-idle vehicles is an important consideration. Begin by defining why and where the vehicle is idling. In vocational settings, idling can be defined in two categories: during the work event and not directly supporting the work event. Examples of supporting work cycle events include PTO activities (where mechanical energy is drawn from the main powerplant). Unnecessary idling occurs when no work is being performed, which can be considered wasted energy. Driver behavior or advanced idle shutdown technology can be utilized to limit unnecessary idling. Mitigating unnecessary idling and managing essential idling can be an avenue for cost savings. Usage data can make the case for no engine-on activity (work from stored energy) or partial engine support (using a combination of stored and mechanical energy). 

 

One new challenge for fleet operators is created by the need to clean the exhaust system, eliminating unwanted and harmful emissions. Reducing emissions via diesel particulate filter (DPF) and selective catalytic reduction systems requires a maintenance cycle commonly referred to as the regen cycle that flushes the exhaust stream of accumulated ash and soot. Fleets in the high-idle category need to consider this. As the regen cycle is automatically initiated by the engine control system at a specific temperature and runtime, an engine at idle often does not produce high enough exhaust gas temperature to trigger the automated regen cycle. Vehicles driven on the highway often achieve proper conditions to trigger an automatic passive regeneration of the DPF. In circumstances where urban and high-idle vehicle activities do not achieve suitable trigger conditions, these engines require manual regeneration. Failure to properly maintain the DPF can result in reduced performance and automatic engine power derating. Manual regeneration can be time consuming, resulting in lost productivity. Lessening fuel burned will decrease the frequency of required regenerations. Understanding idling implications is an important factor in the process of making an alternative fuel decision.

 

Beyond the battery 

Many arguments can be made for and against vehicle electrification. One of the most visible is vehicle battery end of life. In June 2018, Bloomberg News reported that the first cycle of electric batteries was reaching retirement. Some think that, much like an end-of-life vehicle, they are scrapped, with parts being recycled and going to a landfill. However, there can be a secondary market for lithium ion vehicle batteries. While no longer optimal for the vehicle segment, they continue to have a viable use in the marketplace. The secondary life can extend another 7–10 years, providing grid management or even electric vehicle charging.

 

Telematics improvement opportunities

There are three significant impacts of telematics in fleet management. It can help optimize route management and dispatching; track and provide fleet operators with information used to improve maintenance programs; and offer valuable insight into safe driving behavior. When integrated with a fleet management system, captured data can improve decision-making regarding vehicle life cycles, reliability and serviceability. Optimizing these last elements will improve operator productivity and, ultimately, the entire fleet’s value proposition.

 

Telematics data is valuable but can be somewhat overwhelming — despite having the support and resources of suppliers. Integrating data with your intelligence gathered from experience and user input can be challenging for those without an analytics background. The data logger drive and duty cycle analysis program available through Green Truck Association (GTA) collects operating metrics and provides fleet and industry information on how vehicles operate in varying environments. The analysis program allows for benchmarking against other options and technologies available in today’s market. It can help you integrate data into your reference experience and operating conditions and develop optimal operating solutions to fit your needs. This opportunity is available at no cost to all GTA fleet members (except for return shipping of the data loggers).

 

Putting it all together

Effective fleet operation in this generation of sophisticated operating elements (i.e., engaged drivers; technologically advanced fleet products; and ability to make near real-time, data-driven decisions) has become significantly more complex. Reducing your impact and adjusting your energy choices require multiple levels of investment (based on which fuel source is right for your fleet); the ability to perform an in-depth examination of what’s available in the market and how relevant those choices are to your fleet; careful analysis and weighting of relevant data sources to reveal critical decision junctures; and strong fundamental fleet operations.

 

The good news is that many of these options can be applied concurrently: improving driver behavior will enhance any design choices you’ve made in constructing your fleet vehicles, for example. Some choices are evolutionary — great candidates for an existing fleet (optimizing engine power to shift points and idle revolutions per minute), while some are only available in the replacement/growth cycle. Built-in safety features like lane departure and anti-collision devices are becoming readily available to vocational fleets. Driver comfort and ease of operation are now the standard. It’s exciting to see where we’ve come in recent decades, and there’s no doubt the fleet community will continue to make strides toward being good stewards of available resources.

 

Learn more

NTEA offers access to publications and reference materials on current regulations, safety standards, and other technical issues at ntea.com. To learn more about the tools, resources and solutions available to members, visit ntea.com/memberbenefits.

 

GTA, an NTEA affiliate division, offers a variety of resources to educate its members on techniques and technology that can improve fleet efficiency, reduce emissions across time, and lower the risk of fuel price volatility driving up operating expenses. GTA fleet members can get involved in the data logger drive and duty cycle program that provides information on how vehicles operate in varying environments; find details at greentruckassociation.com.

 

Green Truck Summit, held in conjunction with The Work Truck Show^®, is an annual event featuring intensive programs led by industry experts and fleet managers — covering clean energy trends for commercial vehicles and operational insights for vocational truck fleets. It offers perspective on work truck evolution and advanced technology development. Learn more at worktruckshow.com/greentrucksummit.

#

 

Established in 1964, NTEA – The Association for the Work Truck Industry represents more than 2,100 companies that manufacture, distribute, install, sell and repair commercial trucks, truck bodies, truck equipment, trailers and accessories. Buyers of work trucks and the major commercial truck chassis manufacturers also belong to the Association. NTEA provides in-depth technical information, education, and member programs and services, and produces The Work Truck Show^®. The Association maintains its administrative headquarters in suburban Detroit and government relations offices in Washington, DC, and Ottawa, Ontario. NTEA staff are knowledgeable and experienced in a variety of areas related to the work truck industry. Visit ntea.com/meetourexperts to learn more or request an interview.

 

Media contact: 
Summer Marrs

NTEA Director of Communications & Public Relations

248-479-8913

summer@ntea.com

Woman walks away uninjured after tire crashes into her windshield on I-45 S

 

https://abc13.com/traffic/woman-uninjured-after-tire-crashes-into-her-windshield/5878757/?fbclid=IwAR1herstysl55r2wTa5IExfugi6uAI7McOIOsEYG99nCUsdPu_uciH0PIdU

 

I would post the Youtube Video but it seems someone with the news channel who uploaded it to Youtube chose to cut out the Christian References to her faith. The News Story References a Christian Sticker on the rear window and and remarks about the rear view mirror that came off the windshield.

Mark64 & Towwife64 thank you for responding. We get misinformation far more than anyone knows, other than contacting the tow operator involved directly. The best we can do is go on what the media reports and we do our best to confirm the information. These reports of Tow Operators Struck or Only the Equipment being struck are only posted upon confirmation such as a news report. Looking back some of the images came from various sources. One was said to be the drivers Facebook page, however there is no reference as to who the driver was and it seems to have been shared numerous times and possibly by others involved leading to the confusion.

 

We are certainly glad that you are here to comment in this topic. However, we are saddened to here you did sustain injuries which have sidelined you for now. Hopefully, you have a speedy recovery and please keep us advised. Too often these stories come out and they do not relate that this was a Tow Operator involved. The story is read and fades away, but one of our brothers in towing is still in recovery. His life was impacted by a careless driver. Thankfully yours is not another name we will be placing on the Wall of the Fallen.

 

May the TowForce be with you in your recovery. God Bless!

While I have no information regarding the driver going back to work. The News Report Stated "The tow truck operator was not injured in the incident. " The Police Department reported that only the Dump Truck Driver sustained minor injuries.  On the Drivers Facebook he stated he was not injured and helped load the wrecker up for tow back to the lot. I assumed he took the images as they are at the scene and back at the lot. SInce the first 24 hours there have been numerous conflicting stories posted on Facebook. I would never say our news taken from the headlines is accurate, however we do our best to confirm the information from various sources. Rarely are there any follow up stories. Thanks for the information, possibly there were some assumptions made. All I can say is 3 sources reported the driver was not injured and that included what was thought to be the driver. I didn't save those links, so I will need to go in search of those details.

@ESC I agree totally and I am sure I would refer to the procedure of relocating the vehicle in different terms were I not among Tow Operators. I'll change it up from now on as I would prefer to remain professional though the outcome is the same.

We are seeking details as to just who was struck before calling this a tower down incident. If anyone has first hand knowledge of the condition of the tow operator please advise. This incident will be all over social media shortly saying a Tow Operator was struck without having confirmation. We verify every Tower Down prior to sending out a notification. We would rather delay the retract. We wish the Tow Operator Well and are Thought's will be with those in critical condition from this tragic incident. We have seen this happen far too many times, please do not delay stress to every tow operator you know to secure the scene and wait for back up before attempting to load a vehicle in the roadway.

Randall, I did not explain properly my interest in the vehicles situation. Basically was the vehicle occupied or abandoned. Either way I would have likely pulled it away from the tracks. Even dragging it if there were no keys. And someone is going to freak out and say drag it... Are you crazy! There would be no difference dragging a vehicle a few feet to access the front and not be past the track warning arms then to drag it onto a carrier which is done quite often daily.

 

Still there is a small percentage of me that has to wonder if the driver didn't attempt to go around the arms.

I cannot form a comment with knowing the basics of why the vehicle was located there. I am sure there is more to this one then meets the eye. I have at least a few scenarios in mind along with as many ways I would have avoided the tracks.

 

Working On Tracks Scares Me even though I have a routine I follow from the minute I receive the call. Never rely on one source to tell you the Tracks are Dead or Not Hot... Even then have an escape, get your yourself and if possible the truck out of harms way don't attempt to save the vehicle which was on the tracks first. It's Not Worth It, Your Life is Far More Important...

That roll over stick and not having the vehicle straight is where it all started going down hill from the beginning. I have a roll over stick cause I thought in principle it was a good idea. Yes, it does work well in a few situations otherwise it's just a hassle. I don't leave it on the truck because if another driver sees it. I know they will use it as a chock or a ramp thus damaging it. I'd like to say I have never had one that snow balled on me. Meaning the more I tried the larger the issue got. We've likely all had those when we least expect it. Thankfully they are few these days compared to the rookie years.

GO Train collides with tow truck Friday in Oakville leaving passengers stranded

 

 

No one was injured but hundreds of passengers were left stranded after a GO Train struck a tow truck on the tracks in Oakville Friday night.

 

The crash occurred on the westbound tracks near Burloak Drive and Wyecroft Road at about 7:30 p.m. The truck was partially on the tracks when it was struck.

 

Halton police said the train came to a safe stop and "thankfully there were no injuries reported by any of the GO Train employees, the passengers on the train, or the involved tow truck driver."

 

The tow truck was parked partially on the tracks hooking up a disabled vehicle when the railway crossing arms came down, police said.

 

It was too late for the driver to move the tow truck out of the way.

 

The incident caused "major delays and disruption" to GO Train services, Halton police said in a statement. As for the stranded passengers, GO Transit officials arranged for buses to transport them to their destinations.

 

RESOURCE LINK

An Iconic Bison leaves it's yard. That's right Jerry Riggs recently sent her to a good home.

 

 

@Kevin Goodyear @Jerry Riggs

Also:

@MetroSarah @Al Wehbe @Eric Fouquette