rreschran

Glad to hear you are ok.

Congratulations to this year's nominees. Welcome to the Hall of Fame.    R.

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 27^th, 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.