TowZone

Randall, Moose is right the awareness outweighs any ju ju that may exist. I will take it down for a few months if you think that it's bad Mo Jo, but if we happen to lose a member during that time, what would be the thought there? Many of us take that risk quite often and never speak a word of how close the call was... Our families do not want to hear it and certainly do not want to get that call.

I am seeing the same as Semi's are becoming the worse offenders of the Slow Down Move Over. There are so many running over the speed limits these days, you have to wonder what's going on as you often see the company is tracking them.

So, if the frame will bend by placing the vehicle on dollies and towing it on dollies then I generally use the analogy they should never drive over Rail Road Tracks, Speed Bumps, Rough Roads, Pot holes and come to think of it you know those guides in a car wash those are a definite No. Hog Wash is Right and I want them do do a video explaining in detail how the frame would bend. I doubt that video would ever be made, as this is just an excuse to forcest tow operators to roll back BMW's. If I were doing them the cost of the Roll Back would be twice what the cost of a regular tow truck and dollies would be. I would not except any BMW on Motor Club Call unless it were regular rates doubled and it would be justified by the risk factor. If an overwhelming number of Tow Companies would take control of mindless, senseless procedures such as these it would resonate quickly when BMW Owners were forced to wait hours or days and sign legal documents far and beyond any damage waiver. Yep, that's what it will take. You think I am joking, it only takes one or two dealers that take this seriously and inspect every tow in. When they find damage, likely and obviously prior to the tow they will attempt to charge the tow company for the repair. All it will take is one company that chooses not to fight it to send a wave throughout the BMW Dealers and the Towing Industry.

Does BMW show where these stress points are? that would be good to know. If you cannot see them then what type of equipment do they use to detect them. And if months later there is an electrical issue because there wiring rides along the frame are they going to go back on the last tow company to transport the vehicle.

Is there a Service Bulletin/Notification about this issue, Is it in the Owners Manual or is it just Verbal, if it is just Verbal then it is only a suggestion and there is no legal recourse, a company just could not tow into that dealer again. I think the Last tow I did to a BMW Dealer would be my Last, not worth the risk unless their willing to pay premium and sign off on the manner of transport.

 I just noticed a high number  of failed login attempts over the past few days. Have you attempted to login and your attempt failed? if so contact me as there could be a password issue as members are still being transferred from one house to another.

Man, 51, Killed In Early-Morning Thanksgiving Day Crash

SEFFNER, Fla. — The Hillsborough County Sheriff’s Office is investigating a fatal crash on the Interstate 4 connector ramp early Thanksgiving morning. 

According to deputies, the crash happened on I-4, just east of Mango Road. 

A 51-year-old Tampa man was driving westbound on I-4 when he entered the shoulder just before 12:30 a.m. and collided with the rear of a tow truck that was stopped on the shoulder. 

The man's vehicle burst into flames and he was pronounced dead at the scene. His identity has not been released as of yet.

The 34-year-old driver of the tow truck was not injured.

The crash remains under investigation. 

REXOURCE LINK

Motorist just cannot use common sense when driving in the rain around here. This year the number of vehicles rolling over and going off the road seem to have increased drastically. They continue to drive 10 miles of more over the posted limit. Oh, and a common issue is at least one tire with a dangerous treat level. I expect this weekend to see an increased number of accidents. Praying none involve a Tow Operator.

Going Into, Around and Throughout the Holidays it always seems that someone around us is struggling with their ability to cope with the pressures of life. Society does recognize or deal with Mental Health any better than it did decades ago. The different is today from decades ago, there were State Mental Hospitals and it seemed anyone could check themselves in regardless of ability to pay. I believe many of those who are suffering today would do just that and get the needed help. The difference is today we have fewer of these much needed institutions.

Just thinking about how much money has been thrown at programs and foreign aid that hasn't had much to move that needle. Maintaining and Supporting Mental Institutions along with our Infrastructure should have been priority. At least it seems the Veterans Hospitals seem to be getting proper funding as you don't hear as much about them in the news. Heck the news doesn't even report about the new Veterans Hospitals being Built. But, the do report about raising Taxes.

Our thoughts are with the family, who are likely searching for answers and to the police offices who were responding to the situation as they have been trained. Since I do not know what the exact situation was and cannot speculate, I do know many of these instances of a family member with a history of mental illness end in the same tragic loss of life. I am sure there will be body cam footage released at some point as it is reported nearly 85% of officers these days wear a body cam.

This story was very confusing, since we have not heard any reports of either a Tow Truck Driver being injured or a Tow Truck Damaged. At this point all we can do is speculate using the details in the story. First Car is struck and that vehicle left the scene, a Second Vehicle Struck the First Vehicle and then the Tow Truck showed up. At which point the Tow Truck was struck and the Drivers of the First & Second Vehicles were struck by the Third Vehicle. Now were I was confused is there is a Fourth Vehicle and that is the Vehicle that Left the Scene. But, Why didn't the News story mention the Tow Truck Driver and Why have we not heard anything about this accident involving a Stationary Tow Truck?

We went ahead and posted this as the initial report was that the Truck Truck Operator and the Driver of the vehicle which was struck by a Hit and Run Driver were struck. The Video in the News Story states the drivers were exchanging information. However, if the first vehicle was a Hit & Run vehicle that would be inaccurate. We will work to get details as they become available.

I know we have a few members in a area of Texas, please update us on the status of the Tow Truck Operator in this tragic accident created by not only another Hit & Run by now a DUI Driver. Are Thoughts are with everyone involved in this tragic incident today.

As found on Towing in Canada shared on Tow411 Network:

Another tow truck hit this morning, this time highway 11 in northern Ontario. Clear visibility, super straight with no hills for kilometers. 2 tractor trailers don't even attempt to stop or slow down, move over. First TT clips the rear of the tow truck and has a near head on with an oncoming WHO had slowed down and is alive today because he did. Second TT was so close behind the first we didn't see it coming, hits the car on the shoulder then squarely into the rear of the tow truck.

No injuries, no loss of life.

Rob, that's a good find. Thanks for posting this video, it gives a better look at the scene during and after the Tow Truck Operator Fell into the hole.

I am sure everyone who has seen this can relate to the Panic & Shock this driver experienced at that moment.

Yes, this is conformation the young lady who ran in front of the tow truck was a jogger.

St. Petersburg Jogger Dies After Being Struck By Tow Truck

A St. Petersburg woman has died after being struck by a tow truck Wednesday while jogging across Ulmerton Road at 34th Street North.

FEATHER SOUND, FL — A St. Petersburg woman has died after being struck by a tow truck Wednesday while jogging across Ulmerton Road at the intersection of 34th Street North.

Wendy Lizetee Rosa, 23, of St. Petersburg died of her injuries at Bayfront Health St. Petersburg.

According to the Florida Highway Patrol, Rosa violated the crosswalk control signal to stop and ran into the path of a tow truck owned by Tampa Towing and Recovery and driven by Ahmed Saleh, 21, of Brandon.

RESOURCE LINK

The tow truck driver was on Ulmerton Road when the woman ran into his path, according to the Florida Highway Patrol.

ST. PETERSBURG ― A 23-year-old woman running across Ulmerton Road was fatally struck by a tow truck on Wednesday night, according to the Florida Highway Patrol.

Wendy Lizetee Rosa, of St. Petersburg, was taken to Bayfront Health St. Petersburg hospital, where she was later pronounced dead.

The incident took place at about 9:16 p.m. Ahmed Saleh, 21, of Brandon, was driving a Tampa Towing and Recovery tow truck in the outside westbound lane of Ulmerton Road.

Rosa ran north across the westbound lanes of Ulmerton road at the intersection with 34th Street N, the Highway Patrol said. She was in the crosswalk, but did not have the light. She ran into the path of the tow truck and was struck, troopers said.

The tow truck driver does not face charges in this case, according to the Highway Patrol.

RESOURCE LINK

Vehicle towing prompts fight, shooting at Durham apartment complex

DURHAM, N.C. (WTVD) -- A confrontation between a vehicle owner and a tow truck driver turned ugly at a Durham apartment complex on Friday morning.

Durham police officers said a tow truck driver was trying to tow a vehicle around 4:15 at Duke Manor Apartments on Lasalle Street.

The vehicle owner, a man, approached the tow truck operator and a fight ensued. The tow truck operator shot the vehicle owner once, according to police.

The tow truck operator then called 911 from the parking lot.

ABC11 crews saw the vehicle owner conscious and alert before being taken to the hospital. Police don't know his condition.

It's not known if the vehicle was being repossessed or if it was illegally parked.

RESOURCE LINK with video

MY WORST FEAR REALIZED.... How many times have I preached about entering water?

We have them on most of the trucks. They are beneficial on older equipment, have not seen the need for this on the newer equipment.

My biggest issue is, if the driver is not following proper procedures and taking the proper precautions. What makes anyone think they are going to use the brake lock. Looking back most companies added these on equipment that was poorly maintained or just worn out. Did the MICO LEVER LOCK do more than Proper Procedures, Proper Procedures, Proper Maintenance?

Ok, I am confused as I notice the painted lines on the pavement.

Is this a merge lane? If so then why do the broken lines continue.

We do not generally find this in the US, Is this common in Canada?

I would sure rather it be 3" more than listed rather then the other way around.

I don't my then and than are right, no time to check right now.

Randall that is the way the initial report made it sound. Since I have not seen any other reports of the incident nothing has been confirmed.

I did consider that when I first saw the wrap, then I thought well that would likely get my attention. Not, sure it gets my attention is a good way or a bad way.

Yeah, I hear... However once I begin to use a new system I quickly forget what the old system did that cuased me to want to hold out. It's sorta like the old guys in towing industry that held on to the mechanical wreckers when the popularity on hydraulics was growing. I recall companies putting those guys in a hydraulic when their truck was down. A couple of runs without pulling the bumpers and they didn't look back. Oh yeah, they complained it just didn't pull like the mechanical wrecker. In the end it was just different and as they aged they were able to keep working longer. Sadly at the end more than half had already beaten their bodies up to the point they couldn't work past 65 or 70 years of age. LOL and newbies want to retire at 55 knowing all along it ain't gonna happen. If you need assistance with those images just send them to me.

sweetk30 have you uploaded the images to Tow.Photos already?

Currently only Supporters can upload images directly the the topics.

We're working on funding more storage to increase the number of images

members can upload.