rreschran

Derrick is difinately worthy of an American Towman Hero's Award. I salute his bravery. Congratulations Derrick. R.

Congratulations Ron in your vision of reaching your goal. I appreciate what you do for the industry and providing towers with this venue of learning, support and building relationships. I'm happy to be a participant and I'm certain I share the sentiments of all others on Tow Force. Best Regards. R.

I just finished reading this Ron. How aweful. Christine and I send our sincerest condolences to the driver's family and Eddy's Towing. This is a really scary reality of experiencing a medical emergency and one I think of every time I go out. What a horrible set of events ... we pray for the fast recovery of those who were injured. R.

I believe this incident could have been corrected at the Club's level by having CAA call-takers thoroughly and completely advise the member they wouldn't be allowed to ride with the tow operator; maybe text to them an attachment for them to read during the dispatch process? The entire motoring public doesn't know or understand Covid restrictions. While the question of being transported from the scene was this member's reasonable request, her attitude and demeanor was more that of entitlement and, "Who's gonna' pay for the taxi?" I watched this video closely and came away with mixed emotions. First and foremost ... this cannot and should NOT be reviewed as an, "issue of color" that's initiated by the member AND the media. What does color have to do with this situation? This interraction is a typical heated example of how easily people are offended and how over-sensitive they are. I found her to be the aggressor who referred to the tower as, "There's something wrong with you," "You're like sick", and, "You're mentally ill", where she's raised the level of confrontation by verbally attacking him. She continued with other verbal threats of him losing his job and the video, "Going all over." No person deserves to be treated with disrespect, harsh words and intentional prodding. It's easy to see though her phoney presentation; noting she doesn't act the same way when the camera's rolling does she? I believe the tower responded in whatever manner he could based on his own lack of training and elevated emotions when name calling got the best of him. His was a natural response for untrained persons. His was a natural response for anyone simply trying to do their job. Accordingly, with all the interpersonal interraction training tow operator's receive (not) in the industry and from auto clubs, his response was understandable although unexceptable. I'm confident that the tow company was doing what they could to satisfy the member, contacting a supervisor, sending another truck, etc., but, we all know that you CAN'T please every customer all the time. I'm hoping to see that CAA continues to handle this appropriately in-support of the current Covid climate and Covid restrictions or there might be a huge backlash from service providers. I believe there's minimal fault of the tow operator and there's no video footage of the initial contact prior to escalation. If CAA needs help investigating this, give me a call, but, know this up-front ... I agree with Mr. Tsai's comments and I'd assign minimal fault with the tower. Sure, he could have handled the situation in a more professional manner, but so could have the member. This is the reality of the business misconception that, "the customer's alway's right." Kudo's to Mr. Tsai for his careful representation and response to the media in an attempt to appease all parties involved. I thought he did a good job representing CAA. R.

Now yer' talkin. Is this police part of an employee manual or a single page added to the employee file. R.

Hi Brian ... Thanks for the forensic answer, but I'm looking for examples of a "written" policy? I guess I could have asked that more clearer.

This message reports a confirmed tower down of a 22-year-old tow operator killed yesterday in a solo-vehicle traffic accident in Texas having lost control of the tow truck. AusTex Towing & Recovery, in Austin, made slight mention of losing one of their drivers on their Facebook page. I don’t have further details. The article below is from the Daily Times Newspaper, located in Kerrville, Texas, about an hour north of San Antonio and two hours west of Austin. https://dailytimes.com/news/article_e9d14d40-e8d2-11ea-9ebd-c7e9f520688e.html Christine and I send our prayers and condolences to AusTex Towing and the young man’s family. R. Ron posted this in another format.

I’ve been researching recent incidents where tow trucks were said to have made illegal U-turn’s including this month's deaths of a tow truck driver in Washington State and other accounts involving motorcyclists and vehicles in-traffic. As part of a company’s in-house training, this is one of those topics that seems to fall between the cracks. Especially true to rural areas, I personally don’t feel that U-turn’s are safe for nearly all reasons for that one-in-a-million risk that a Camaro full of teenagers isn’t headed your way at 120-miles-per-hour. If tow trucks are involved in a U-turn accidents, a followup investigation no doubt will open the potential of additional charges being levied against the tow operator and the company’s ownership. Although a U-turn may be necessary to work a recovery, even under the best circumstances, the turn could result in deadly actions. It's important to be aware of your driving responsibilities especially as it regards towers and their mindset as "first responder". R.

Remember to stay away from tree canopies, be careful driving through flooded streets and know your wet uniform and boots make it difficult to swim if you fall into a sinkhole or get swept into flowing water. Consider all risks, but your priority has to be your personal safety so you can be value to others. Christine and I send our prayers to family, towers and friends in areas affected by this incredible storm. R

With great interest, I read a news report where a repo agent was involved as driver of a Dodge tow truck traffic accident versus vehicle crash that killed an elderly motorist. The news alleged that the repo agent was looking at his cellphone when the tow truck crossed over the center line and collided with the approaching motorist. The foward and rearward camera's inside the wrecker were evidence used in the court case that accused automobile third-degree felony homicide, driving too fast for conditions, not wearing a seat belt and crossing the center line. The investigation noted that rain was an associated factor. Using cellphones as a dispatching/call receiving tool is somewhat a norm in the industry for towing, towing dispatch, even repo activities, what's your company's cellphone policy? R.

When responding to train incidents or vehicle recoveries on or near train tracks, what assurances do you get before commencing work to ensure that a train or trolley wouldn't be coming through? Do you contact your local police? Do you call the 1-800 number on the rail control box? I've been working on a program regarding RR train response and was wondering your response protocol. Your comments are appreciated. Thanks. R.

Nice presentation to give towers an idea as to conducting a proper check DAILY for their equipment. Thanks Mark for the presentation. Hi John. R.

Yeah ... but nowadays ... there's huge liability for agencies in selling cars still equipped as police cars. For years, you could pick up a California police crusier for chump change. But, when a couple of police-like rape series were regular happenings in southern California where the suspects were using old police vehicles, there were requirements to remove cages, lighting, and agency specific labels. Up until a few years back before Prius became the favorite of taxi companies, a giant number of Ford Crown Vic Interceptors were the favorite vehicle for longevity, long lasting engines, brakes, radiators, and alternators capable of standing up to high-mileages. PLUS ... room for six and a huge trunk for luggage. Even last year, one tow company entered a Crown Vic in the tow show beauty pageant as a service vehicle taking auto-club type calls.This story isn't new if your looking for a used police vehicle or motorcycle. Just go on-ine and Google, "used police vehicles for sale", or, "police vehicles for auction." Accordingly, this is another reason why the motoring public is fearful of unmarked police cars trying to stop them. R.

To say the least ... these are dangerous recoveries where it's important to kow where all parties before hard-pull commences. If the tower doesn't have a windshield board at their disposal, at least raise the hood, or better yet, pull from the rear if it's accessible. If the attachment rope or rigging were to break, at least the helper-driver wouldn't become a victim. Here's an example of a like-type recovery of the same type ... wait for it. Link:

Spot-on David. I too believe the way to control a vehicle is to first GET THE KEYS ... I'll go with those odds. But, what about that customer who is too stupid or too confrontation to give you the keys what next? R.

Hi All ... in a discussion with a tow owner last week, I was asked if I know if any towers that had arrow boards and strobe (emergency) lighting combinations together mounted to their wreckers and carriers; NOT support vans or trucks. Other than FSP, DOT or highway service or HELP providers, I don't know of any. If you have an arrow board on one of your carriers or wreckers, would you please post a pic or two? Hey Mr. Ed … is this you? Thanks. R.

When preparing bids for law enforcement RFP's, having dollies on your carriers, with all the other, "specialty items", is a great plus against companies that don't include mentioning them in your Statement of Work. Narrative should include the ability to tow two vehicles from the same accident or impound scene. All of my carriers had dollies on them and local cops were aware of that to increase the transport-ability during special enforcement scenarios. R.

You all know that California has stupid laws that effect tow truck companies and their business operations. As it relates to bullet holes, try this one: California Vehicle Code, Section 10653, says, “Whenever any vehicle of a type subject to registration under this code which shows evidence of having been struck by a bullet is stored in a garage or repair shop, the keeper thereof shall within 24-hours after receiving the vehicle report such fact to the sheriff's office of the county or police department of the city wherein the garage or repair shop is located, giving the motor or other number of the vehicle, the license number if ascertainable, and the name and address of the person storing the same or the name and address of the owner shown by the registration card, if the same is attached to the vehicle in a clearly discernible place.” It’s kind’a funny and something that’s not known. The section isn't specific to tow trucks, but garages and repair shops. Yet, when insurance is referred to as, "Garage Keeper's", do tow companies fall into that category? I can't answer that one as no-one can define it for me. I’m sure some of you have seen plenty of bullet holes, but how many of you have reported to LE and do they even care anymore? R.

This incident strikes the heart of the industry where there are no formal standards of training, no professional standards, or topic specific training to address these kinds of calls. In all honesty, have you or any tow companies EVER provided in-house training specific to this situation? My guess is , "No." Are there any written training standards specific to handling these kinds of events? My guess also is, "No." What about an illegally parked car with an unoccupied car seat inside it? Should towers immediately call the police to have the vehicle unlocked and searched before it gets towed? Is this a solid reason to turn the call-down? Minimally, seeing a child with fresh injuries might be reason enough to call the police; let them tell you if there's merit to them responding. Perhaps this comes down to the basic premise of what's right and wrong? Here's where law comes to play, for example: California's 22008 (a) , in-part says, "The driver of a vehicle, other than a common carrier vehicle, involved in any accident resulting in injuries to or death of any person shall within 24 hours after the accident make or cause to be made a written report of the accident to the Department of the California Highway Patrol or, if the accident occurred within a city, to either the Department of the California Highway Patrol or the police department of the city in which the accident occurred. If the agency which receives the report is not responsible for investigating the accident, it shall immediately forward the report to the law enforcement agency which is responsible for investigating the accident." Could this be part of the care giver's defense? Note: In many cities, traffic accident reports are a courtesy at the time of occurrance where a police agency doesn't have to be present; each being a case by case evaluation. Like Ron said, it's tragic for all involved, especially the child's parents. I feel their anger and drive to find answers and accountibility. It's a horrible feeling to know the tower could be held minutely responsible for doing his job and (possibly) making a wrong error in judgement, but the culpability of the child care provider is what initially caused this child's death. And, we don't know what was told by the vehicle's driver to the tow company dispatcher OR the tow operator? She may have told the tower that she already contacted the owner of the tree or damaged property. I believe that regardless as to what's what on-the-scene, my drivers know to call the police as a CYA move, epecially when there's property damage and injuries. I agree with Grumps not to pass judgement, but, I'm feeling a need to write an article to cover this and similar situations. I think it smart to understand the wording of your state's, "accident reporting requirements", and see what specific wording and actions might be required in your state. R.

Sorry, but I have to ask ... that truck's equipped with an arrowboard right? There's a stack of cones resting in the rear of the truck right? Tire changes are one roadside service act that continues to get towers and roadside worker's killed, right? The police chief's statement says nothing to towers and roadside workers about taking all the steps necessary to ensure an additional measure of safety regardless as to the time it takes or the inconvenience to the motoring public. The definition of insanity, "Doing the same thing over and over again and expecting a different result." I think a better definition should be, "If you want different results, you have to try different approaches." And, that's what's so amazing about the industry ... we know what get's towers and roadside worker's killed, but we keep doing the same old practices. What are the value of lessons learned if the lessons AREN'T learned? R.

There's a sad reality that ... what should have been a simple load and go scenario ended in the tragic loss of life and another injured. I can only inagine that the semi-trucker's hit n' run defense (if he wasn't DUI) can be built on the premise he didn't see the carrier on the pitch-black Texas highway. For shere size alone, the box truck's high and wide profile would possibly have blocked most of the over-head lights to the approach. This fatal was a similar situation that occurred to an experienced tower (four-years ago) in Louisville loading a F-350 dually onto a carrier at a darkened shoulder location. And, GoodMichael is spot-on to say, "You have to do everything you can to ensure your safety." Even simple breakdowns on highway shoulders require special handling by towers ... nothing is routine or safe. Christine and I share our prayers and condolences to this young tower, his family and the company he worked for. R.

Somewhere I remember reading ... "Innocent UNTIL proven guilty." Obviously, the media is always quick to throw proverbial rocks at the tow company and failed to find the REAL story. That's piss poor journalism as far as I'm concerned. R.

Here's the dialog: "Chill-out, chill-out, relax, relax, relax, relax, relax, relax, chill-out, relax, relax, relax, relax, relax, relax, relax, relax, relax, relax, relax, relax, relax, relax, relax, relax, relax, relax, relax, relax, chill-out, relax, relax, chill-out, Okay?" The psychologist at the end of the video offers a solid explaination and perhaps some reasoning likened to the Texas tower shot and killed in Houston last year? It's my opinion that open carry or showing one's sidearm only leads to an escalation of deadly force when two "Type-A" personalitles go toe-to-toe? To that point, a tow related shooting happened a few months back, in Harris County, Texas, where a tower allegedly shot someone in the face and the result of tow activity from private property. Even the most well-trained personalities can have weapons training, but when things go sideways, not all personalities maintain the calm it takes to NOT shoot someone in the face. So, was this impound on or off-property? Perhaps this is one reason (why) many cities have changed towing laws to reflect the immediate release of a vehicle when the vehicle isn't off property? Training should focus on what towers should do to de-escalate a potentially violent scenario. I agree with Ben this is a great training video asking drivers ... "What would you do if?" R.

Can anyone in the Ontario region give insight as to whether or not this meeting came to conclusions, changes, expectations? Mr. Graves? R.

On one Fourth of July in San Diego's Pacific Beach area, the city, in preparation to the throng of crowds coming to watch fireworks, posted literally hundreds of no parking tow-away signs on a prominent bridge. Additionally, local newscasts mentioned the tow-away process days prior to the event. Within a couple hours before the fireworks started, it only took one person to pull-in, toss the sign and park, when many, many others saw that action and followed behind doing the same thing. Nearly 70-cars were towed for violation of signs by a several companies working double loads on carriers. By the time midnight rolled around, we made back to back runs and towed twenty-six cars. It amazes me that motorists follow the actions of one and can't or don't use common sense during speciall events. R.