rreschran

This happens more often than you think archiving 144x incidents of bodies in towed vehicles dating back to 1956. Typical to PPIs and police impounds where some states require a warrant to enter a vehicle's trunk.

Perhaps US tow associations could follow Alberta's lead and lobby to get blue lights for tow trucks. Although adding blue lights to tow truck and carriers isn't a fix-all solution, at leasdt it send a psychological reminder that LE may be on-scene. In the best interest to tower's serving motorists on the highways, I salute Alberta's extension of blue lights.

D ... Not all evidence cars are suspect vehicles and goodmichael asks a reasonable question. Now six-month later, what was the outcome in getting your car out of impound.

Prayers to all involved. So sad.

The Ranger truck's EDR will likely reveal the split actions before impact. As this investigation has just started, it will be some time before details are known.

Spitting is quite frankly one of the most foul, disgusting acts a person can inflict on another. I'm glad to see this female was charged with assault. That fine is nowhere enough.

In my opinion, verbally engaging these people is the wrong tactic. Focus on the work ... not their comments. IGNORE THEM.

Just a message in memory of my friend Fred Griffith, veteran heavy operator, heavy instructor and tow safety supervisor, working for San Diego's RoadOne Towing, killed by a three-time DUI motorist who struck (then ran) as Fred worked to load a 3-axle trash truck on the shoulder of SR-52 in San Diego County. Ironically, he was only a few miles from his home. Although his passing left three-sons "fatherless", the boys are all doing well. The DUI suspect, Michael Gilbert Grey, is serving a 25-year sentence. Five years has gone by really fast. RIP Fred ... gone but not forgotten. R,

... another way ... don't sit all day on a wallet full of money, credit cards and a bunch of stuff. Rid the wallet to prevent Sciatica.

Kudos Matt for thinking of SDMO safety NO disrespect to your technique, but I believe setting cones or other obstacles in a live lane is risky business that opens tow operators to huge liability if the obstacle causes injury, death or property damage. Cones, pucks and triangles that are set inside the defining lane markings is a better choice that's in-line with TIMs, MUTCD and other industry training.

Good advice Ron. I believe towers make a conscious choice not to use on-highway services or call LE for assistance, ultimately putting themselves in harm's way. Why be is such a hurry to get run over or plowed in to?

Excellent advice GoodMichael. It's important towers know the value of calling their state's HERO, FSP, Rangers, or other on-highway roadside tow/service providers to help assist during their hours of operation. If you need assistance, don't hesitate to call. Their on-scene safety presence, blocking and lighting could be the added safety factor to an already dangerous situation.

Sorry Moose ... just found this. The repeat DUI suspect who struck San Diego tow operator Fred Griffith is now serving 25-years to life for his intentional hit and run.

San Diego ... May I ask who the speakers are?

Christine and I send our prayers to the family of the deceased motorist. It seems that this preventable collision is becoming more and more frequent. U-Turns are risky business and shouldn't be attempted for obvious reasons. There's no tow truck that can make rapid acceleration to complete an attempt. I covered this topic before. Link: https://towindustryweek.com/12-rates-trade/3963-center-divider-u-turns#repotimes

John, I'm sending you the link to my recent article as seen on American Towman on-line magazine Towinustryweek.com covering the topic of working on highway on-ramps and slip-roads. Twenty days ago, a US tow operator was klled loading a vehicle on an on-ramp in Georgia. I'd like to share it with you to pass it around. Link: https://towindustryweek.com/12-rates-trade/8611-dangers-lurk-working-on-and-off-ramps

See John ... Old differs like me can learn something new every day. Thanks for the schooling. Best to you and Miss Aileen.

Hi John ... Sorry to read of this tower's death. I'm not familiar with what a "slip road" is. Can you translate the American likeness? Thanks for sharing the news. Christine and I send our prayers to the family and the company he worked for. R.

Didn't have his paperwork? Perhaps ALL vehicles towed for ALL reasons should require a release by local law enforcement. Think of all of those unregistered, none insured cars with drivers driving on suspended licenses and people with basic warrants who would be required to meet minimum requirements to operate a motor vehicle? I'm pretty sure this coward wouldn't have shot anyone had a release been required by an agency. I know what the Naysayers are about to say, but it could be a possible solution ... let the excuses roll.

Funny .... not funny. The same old, long-time contributors. Happy New Year guys!

Count me in from Southern California for the New Year. R.

Hi All, ... I just got back from our little downtown at 8:30 pm. Having worked a DUI enforcement unit for several years, I can assure you that those intoxicated drivers are out and about. Please be careful when you're out especially between the hours of midnight and sunrise. Work away from the traffic side. Be smart and come home safe. R.

I woke this morning to remember, Edgar Arthur Pilon, a young, Canadian tow operator, who was tragically killed 68-years ago on December 27th, 1954. Mr. Pilon was involved in winching a vehicle that was lodged in a ditch. A motorist, driving too fast for the blizzard like conditions, lost control and skidded into Mr. Pilon and his tow truck. Let this message serve as a reminder of the dangers towers face, especially now as this frigid blast marches across the US and Canada. Mr. Pilon's name was added to Chattanooga's Wall of the Fallen October 2019 with his adult children in attendance. Rest in peace Mr. Pilon, you are not forgotten. R.

Randall Resch, American Towman, “My Survival Hope in 700-Words” Dear Tow Operators … Merry Christmas ! ! No matter where you are and where you work, if you’re called to serve holiday schedules, be aware that intoxicated drivers are everywhere on the roadways of the world 24/7. Three-days of “Holiday Cheer” are invading our work spaces. I dedicate this safety message to all first responders with focus especially to the tow and recovery industry. Our family knows the pain and devastation having had a family member killed in the midst of a Christmas holiday past. Knowing that the bulk of Christmas and New Year celebrations started today, I’m inspired to share this important information that dates back to 1928, where, as many as 24x tow operators were killed working Christmas Eve, Christmas Day, New Year’s Eve and New Year’s Day, all in the line of duty (for many reasons). Christmas Eve December 24th = 8 towers killed, 4 on the highway Christmas Day December 25th = 6 towers killed, all 6 on the highway New Year’s Eve, December 31st = 3 towers killed, 1 in South Africa, 1 on the highway New Year’s Day, January 01st = 7 towers killed, 5 on the highway For cities experiencing snow and cold extremes, every action you take should be well-thought-of; to include your individual exposure to the elements. When cold, fog and blizzard-like conditions create additional dangers, consider if your on-scene scenario requires flares or cones to help define your presence? But, don’t let flares, cones, vests, emergency lights, cops on-scene or safety apps lure you into a false sense of security. One of the most repeated excuses from drivers involved in pedestrian strikes says. “I didn’t see em’.” Especially true to community’s experiencing “summer like weather”, a higher number of intoxicated motorists will pass through the areas you’re working. With no snow and fog present to slow drivers down, highway speeds are likely faster and increasingly more reckless knowing little traffic is there to slow them down. There’s nothing more important than towers keeping their wits about them 110-percent of the time. When you’re working recoveries or simple load and go operations, always ensure that you work away from approaching traffic. Remember, the moment you go boots-to-the-ground, there’s NO magic solution or force field to help keep you protected. It’s likely that law enforcement will be too busy and you can expect no timely response to your safety needs. Where you deem shoulder work too dangerous to complete that total four-point tie-down, consider using a modified tie-down and move to an area where you can complete tie-down. If you’re called to change flat tires, don’t put yourself in harm’s way, but apply the concept of, “Tow First.” Be smart about your safety decisions. A Slow-Down Move-Over presence demands you activate your over-head emergency lights to provide critical “Advanced Emergency Warning” to approaching motorists. Be smart about your work by remaining away from the traffic-side when working highway shoulders and medians. Stay out of active lanes. For non-highway work, always be aware of your surroundings when conducting PPI’s and repos. Don’t provoke those “angered” over having their vehicle’s towed while using the art on communication and negotiation. Don’t engage First Amendment Auditors by leaving your extended ego at the shop. And, remember, “A calm head prevails!” If you’re NOT a tow operator or other first responder and you’re reading this, all responders and tow operators implore you to be smart and responsible to NOT drink, drive and be distracted this holiday season. Please don’t drive distracted and remain ever diligent. Slow-Down and Move-Over as you approach emergency lights and responder activity. And … if you know a responder suffering from the rigors of work and life, reach-out to them, smile and give them a hug to show you care. Christine and I send to you our prayers for your continued safety and well-being. Work safe and always be aware. This is our heartfelt prayer that you, and all responders, return home to your families. To you, we wish you Merry Christmas … Happy New Year. R&C

A fine of $100 to $300 is chump change compared to the long-term agony and loss suffered by the loss of tow operators and first responders.