TowZone

MarcRowan, I will send that over to technical. We have had that occur before and are working on it. Thanks

Thanks to all who have participated in this challenge. I know there are recoveries out there and professional tow operators holding on to them. So, what are you waiting for? This isn't just another prize, who gives away an $1100 Light Bar. While this may take sometime to get enough qualified recoveries, I have know that as the weather changes the participation increases. Can't wait to see what you have to add here.

At this time, I have been unable to add details of this tragic accident to the Tower Down Topic. It seems from some research Scott Pimental was 49 years of age and possibly lived in Howell, NJ and other cities/towns in Tennessee. However none of this is confirmed and requests for information have not been returned.

A Driver from Starlight Wrecker Service, Cookesville, TN has lost their life. There are few details at this time. Tower Down notification pending confirmation. UPDATE: A Statement released on the companies FB page says: Please everyone keep Scott s family in your prayers. You will be missed dearly even though I only knew you short time. I'll carry your chains for now on ol friend. Scott was our last new hire and I'd have to say one quick learner. Please excuse our absence next few days as we all try wrap our head around this accident. Thank you! Tex No News Report has been found and no details of the accident have been provided at this time. UPDATED 08.26.19: A post by the company on the companies FB page says: "Not sure yet all we know is he got to the drop off and his rollback ran him over." A Post states Services for Scott are Wednesday, August 28, 2019 at 1 AM CDT "I do not know if that is a typo and it should read 1 PM CDT" "No Call Backs" Scott Pimental

This story happened to a wrongfully accused Police Officer. However, it could just as easily happen to a Tow Truck Operator. Is you company are you prepared for the possibility of such an accusation? Do you have a camera in the cab of the truck that can face the passenger or better yet capture nearly the entire interior of the trucks cab? https://www.law.com/dailyreportonline/2019/08/21/judge-awards-131k-to-cop-libeled-by-claims-of-sexual-assault-during-traffic-stop/?slreturn=20190722172048

May 7, 2019: A Florida Gators starting running back Lamical Perine was accused of battery after grabbing a tow truck driver by the arm in an argument. No charges were filed. The tow truck driver asked for an apology. A video has surfaced from the incident involving Florida running back Lamical Perine and a tow truck driver that resulted in a call to the Gainesville Police Department. The Gainesville Sun this week released grainy footage received from the cell phone of a witness who watched Perine get mildly physical with a man who was towing his mother's car at an apartment complex. As you can see from the video, Perine is not happy and words are exchanged in a heated manner. Florida Towing Statute: Anyone towing a vehicle in Florida without the consent of the owner must comply with the requirements of Florida Statutes Section 715.07. ... If you returned to your vehicle and it was in the process of being towed, the tow truck driver must agree to lower the vehicle and charge you only half of the locally-allowable rate. Mar 21, 2019 Florida Statutes Section 715.07: 3. A person in the process of towing or removing a vehicle or vessel from the premises or parking lot in which the vehicle or vessel is not lawfully parked must stop when a person seeks the return of the vehicle or vessel. The vehicle or vessel must be returned upon the payment of a reasonable service fee of not more than one-half of the posted rate for the towing or removal service as provided in subparagraph 6. The vehicle or vessel may be towed or removed if, after a reasonable opportunity, the owner or legally authorized person in control of the vehicle or vessel is unable to pay the service fee. If the vehicle or vessel is redeemed, a detailed signed receipt must be given to the person redeeming the vehicle or vessel. https://www.flsenate.gov/Laws/Statutes/2011/715.07

Thank you, as an update to the reply I added nearly a year ago. While companies such as Fleetnet and TTN seem to be doing much better in regards to industry relations. The INA Network took the lead a complete of years ago and didn't look back. It will take some work for other companies to catch INA. Thanks for the Testimonial.

Dave Lambert preached this with his "Tow First to Save Lives" program. However, since Dave has passed the progress he was making has all but diminished. I see more road service vehicles and tow trucks changing tires in Hazardous Locations then ever before. What's it going to take for companies to change their service policies. What's it going to take for Motor Clubs to incentivize them to do the right thing. Insurance Companies may get involved at some point, but the more I research this the more disgusted I become.

When seconds count every minute the service provider is on scene increases the risk. Not only is Risk Management and Traffic Safety lacking in the Towing Industry you may find that it is lacking in some law enforcement agencies as well. Generally you'll find that the State Department of Transportation Agencies do a much better job in these areas. That can be related to this recent news story.

American Towman shared these videos on FB LIVE.

This one was one of the few posted without description. We did not transfer the replies as they were not very descriptive either. Possibly the member that posted them or someone who recalls the recovery may respond.

Add your images here:

Best Months For a Tow Show OK, we're into the Tow Show Season. Several shows have past already and several are upcoming. I am curious what the best months are for you to get to a Tow Show. For me it's like June, July. September, October and November are best. March and April are a Challenge. December, January, February and May are OUT as is August which we are into now. Next: Best State for a Tow Show I am struggling to rationalize a Best State. So I suppose I would have to narrow it down and then look at the attendance. Of course a show you are closer to could lack attendees and exhibitors and still be your Best Show and Best Show State. I suppose it comes down to ease of travel along with cost. Baltimore has been a success due to those two factors. Can you name other states and include states that do not currently host a Tow Show? This will be an ongoing topic, so take your time it wil be here when you're really to comment. Your input is much appreciated... January February March 1 Vote - April 1 Vote - May June July August 1 Vote - September October November December Each member that replies will be entered into our Tuesday T-Shirt Drawing. Thanks

No one else has anymore more images from the Southern Tow Expo and the Flora Bama Party. No one did a facebook live this year, I feel left out cause I just cannot make a August Show. Even if it were close I could not get away. Months like March, June, July. September and November are best for me. Guess I need to work on that harder next year.

August 13, 2019 (Newswire.com) - CHATTANOOGA, Tenn., The International Towing and Recovery Hall of Fame and Museum will hold its second annual 5K Run for the Fund benefiting its Survivor Fund on Sunday, Oct. 13, at 8 a.m. Chattanooga-based Lee-Smith Inc., a commercial truck dealership that has been a part of the Chattanooga community since 1939, returns as the 5K's gold sponsor. "Lee-Smith is pleased to be the title sponsor of the Run for the Fund 5K," says Dayton Shepard, executive vice president of Lee-Smith. "Once a year people from around the globe gather in Chattanooga, the birthplace of the towing industry. During that week in October, the industry honors those who have lost their lives while serving others, recognizes industry leaders for their accomplishments, and promotes efforts to create awareness of the 'Move Over' laws." Shepard added: "This fun event supports and promotes these missions. As a local, Chattanooga family-owned company, we are excited we can again support the industry through this event." A recent national study indicated the fatality rate in the towing industry is 15 times greater than for other industries. The Towing Museum estimates the industry loses 60 operators annually, with hundreds injured, while handling towing and/or recovery calls. The organization responded to the crisis by establishing the Survivor Fund in 2005 to provide immediate financial support to families of towing operators who lose their lives in the line of service. "The second year of the Run for the Fund is an exciting time for us at the museum," said Jeffrey Godwin, head of the Survivor Fund. "We know we will have more participants and we are already seeing some terrific support from both the Chattanooga community and from within the towing and roadside industries." In addition, this year's donations will be matched by Bobby's Law, named for Bobby Unruh of Tucumcari, New Mexico, who was killed by a distracted driver while attempting to tow a commercial vehicle off the interstate. Linda Unruh, former tow company owner and Bobby's mother, later successfully lobbied to change New Mexico's Slow Down-Move Over law to include tow truck drivers. She continues to advocate for drivers to slow down and/or move over nationwide. "I want change for the betterment of our industry. My passion is to make a difference for tow operators and first responders," Linda Unruh told Tow Times magazine. The 5K Run for the Fund welcomes walkers and runners to support the Survivor Fund. The race is chip-timed and the course starts and ends at the Towing Museum, 3315 Broad Street, following the nearby Tennessee Riverwalk. Each finisher will earn a Finisher's Medal. Last year's 5K winner was Paul Rutherford, a tow truck driver for Cedar Bluff Towing Inc., Knoxville, Tenn., who is a marathon runner – he has run in over 200 races – and is a cancer survivor. "I'm a run-a-holic," he said. Rutherford's advice to tow truck drivers and operators, who often lead sedentary lives, is to "get out and do something fun in your life." For details on the Run for the Fund 5K, contact Brenda Faulman, 407-936-2494

Driver who abandoned car on Interstate 94 and shot at Good Samaritans charged MILWAUKEE — Austin Fountaine, 22, of West Allis was charged Tuesday with one count endangering safety and one count of possession of a firearm contrary to injunction after abandoning his car on Interstate 94 and Hawley Road and firing shots at a vehicle that had stopped to ask if he needed help. About 3 a.m. on Tuesday, Aug. 6, Fountaine misjudged the turn of the ramp, and his silver Chevrolet was off the road when a tow truck with three passengers stopped to ask if he needed assistance. The three then witnessed Fountaine exit the vehicle and run across the ramp and into the bushes. Police took Fountaine into custody after the car was found registered in his name. The suspect had gone home and asked a friend to help him dispose the gun into Lake Michigan, according to the criminal complaint. He admitted to shooting at the Pontiac and stated he had observed multiple cars with "handguns coming out" of the vehicles following him on the freeway, according to the criminal complaint. "They were lucky they walked away with their lives because [he] was trying to kill them," he was quoted saying in a jail call to his mother, according to the complaint. If convicted of the two counts, Fountaine could face up to 20 years in prison and up to $50,000 in fines. He is scheduled for a preliminary hearing Aug. 16. -------------- Now for my questions: Why would a Tow Truck Driver with passengers stop to check on a stranded motorist. I understand being a concerned citizen. However it is not worth the chance, call law enforcement. If the vehicle is in the roadway call law enforcement and wait for them to arrive prior to approaching the vehicle. 1) Mental Illness is at the forefront of concerns these days. You do not know who has a weapon (note: a weapon can be a firearm, a knife, a tire iron, etc.) 2) Passengers in the tow truck were exposed to even more dangers. I Encourage Every Tow Company to review this with their staff. I once knew a tow truck driver that was struck from behind by a tire iron as he was changing a tire. We have all have at some point allowed the customer to stand beside or behind us as we changed their tire. For numerous reasons I cannot allow anyone to invade my space, I make sure they are at a safe distance away from myself and traffic. I have more thoughts, but I want to hear yours and they may be "Why Worry?" RESOURCE LINK

The News is blowing this up as Tesla Autopilot fails. The driver of the vehicle stated it was not in autopilot mode. But it was in Driver assist mode, which many automakers have some sort of these days. The driver stated he had his hands on the wheel and failed to see the tow truck, exactly where the tow truck was located in vague as it seems to vary in the numerous reports. I tend to lean to it being in a narrow break down lane of sorts. Also, the Tesla did not burst into flames upon impact the Driver (father) and his two children were able to exit the vehicle to a safe location. The story should read catch fire following the accident. Many vehicle will do that, this just happens to be a Tesla. Wow, as I am writing this Fox & Friends is doing a story on it. I'll add comments if they report anything different then I have seen. We do have at least a couple of members in Russia and a few lurkers. Those members may have more info to share.

We need Flora Bama Party Pics... Can anyone post those later. Thanks

I recently posted this question to a FB Group dedicated to "Rotators Only" Here are some of the responses I received and I will use initials though some may be identified by the images they included. HB said: 50 ton all day everyday BB said: Every day GCS said: Yup MS said: Only if we are extremely busy or it’s something heavy ie overweight dump truck or garbage truck PS said: 50 ton with a knee boom all day everyday JD said: 50 and 60 ... everyday RP said: Won’t pay bills just sitting waiting for a wreck MM said: A 1075 all day everyday don't think I was ever legal once with the weight MG said: 50 ton all day long TP said: Both of ours are towing all the time MW said: Isn't normally not first but yes sir all the time Jay Trgo said: 60 ton Jerrdan, 1135 , 2 -1150's and a NRC 6080 when needed AV said: 4 out of 5 of ours roll all day. The 75 ton twin steer sits for the "big one"....... BW said: JD 60 all day everyday!! FH added: BA said: Everyday CH said: 1150 every day JB said: Everyday JP said: 1075 Twin-steer, all-day every day but it stays local and focused on the larger stuff when possible. JD said: When needed. Out at least Twice a week rowing CG said: Our 1075 usually once or twice a week ByA said: 50 ton every day, 70 ton never Warren Driscoll said: Our 1075 will go out only for cranes, pumpers, diesal pushers etc unless the others are busy. We see the rotator as a specialty unit and if its needed its going to be more$ SouthernStar1 said: All the time with my 1060 DD said: Theres an under lift for a reason WL said: If needed CS said: All day, everyday Mat Bartlett said: Every day ZB said: Every day here NB added: IE said: Yessir SR said: Yes we do RM added: CJSE said: All 3 every day! CC said: All the time LC added: LN said: AF added: SC said: KL said: Nah. That's what the DTU's are for. Big Bitches stay inside unless there's work to do JK said: Yep TCR added: JM said & added: Only big stuff or unless we are really busy. RH added: DD added: FG said: Every day TR said & added: Only when it’s something super heavy or needs a lot of wheelift reach other than that we use it for recovery only BMP said: It was in my travels so figured why not lmao Brian Bell said & added: Most tows are done with the B&B or the 5130 but if it’s bigger or if n I feel like it I’ll take the rotator and tow with it. CW added: WH said: Two here sometimes three ML said: DID ALL THE TIME BT said: Everyday JWF said: Use mine everyday for all kinds of things WD said: As long as its close enough to still cover if a rotator call comes in, nothing long distance Ron Pratt added: JS said: Every day. MC added: MC added: JTP added: MS said: Every day! JTS said & added: Ten years now but been letting it rest while I use our DTU KWK said: Every tow I do is in my rotator VA added: BW added: TW added: KM said & added: 1075 towing a bobtail JD added: VC said: Everyday everyway sweiljr said: We do with two of the the other one is primarily for recovery just a back on towing JL said & added: Nope, we take the UL off them as soon as we get them TowZone said: Wow, more than 100 replies. That's amazing, it's also odd considering I have been trying for more than two months to give away a 36" TowMate Light Bar valued at over $1100.00

Keep em coming, our goal is to giveaway this TowMate Light Bar on or around October 1st. However, we need to get close to the 100 qualifying recovery topics. Sounds like a steep hill to climb, but we never know till we try. Thanks to @Orcas Tow @dperone @ESC @mooresbp for your participation. A decade there would have been numerous members creating posts for a giveaway and the prizes were smaller back then. We're going to get this back on track.

I couldn't make it down to the show. So, someone get us some images and even a FB Live would be fantastic. I'll transfer that over into this topic> Thanks and have a Great Time!

Some live it, but many don't... Either way this interview is moving and I am glad to have had it brought to may attention through this series of events. So, if you have time to sit and watch an hour long show, I recommend this interview. I believe a the Lord placed this man in that intersection at that precise time for a reason. Those of faith can relate to what I am saying. Just as I believe the Lord has guided us to this new network message board. The Towing & Recovery Industry lost it's center and it will take a Force to bring it back.

I tried everything to get there, too many taking vacations this month. Have a Great Show!

Old Post, has anyone dealt with Roadside Protect?