rreschran

Freeway Service Driver Struck and Killed in Racine, Wisconsin I'm incredibly shocked at this morning’s fatality of a freeway service patrol (tow truck driver) operator who was killed in a hit and run crash, possibly by a semi, attempting to remove debris from highway lanes in, Racine, Wisconsin. It was reported that the tower allegedly went into lanes to remove an item of debris when he was struck. The news reported the tower had over-head lights on, but law enforcement was not on scene and no traffic break was mentioned. A solid lesson learned if it's meant to be had. Christine and I pray for the tow operator’s family, the highway authority and the tow company he worked for. Just another example that SDMO laws don’t work ... God I ache. R. https://fox6now.com/2020/05/29/traffic-alert-2-lanes-closed-for-crash-investigation-on-nb-i-94-at-7-mile-road/

Update: The driver was taken out of the induced coma and with guarded effort, he is said to have feeling and movement in his toes after a difficult surgery. While the news report suggests this was a DUI related accident, a source has provided me further details that alleges this was no accident but more of an intentional act against the tow operator as the result of a lawful PPI. I'll post more if I can learn verifiable details. R.

Hey Clarissa ... I can't be outdone by Mr. Duke, but, I ditto his sentiments in saying how a great a person you are. I appreciate how you have made me and my Christine feel welcomed during our visits to Chattanooga. You truly are a Southern Belle with a beautiful smile and one of the best hugs in the south. From the bottom of our hearts, Christine and I personally say thank you for your friendship as well as the contributions to the towing and recovery industry. And, I certainly hope our paths will cross in the future. Best Regards. R&C

Hey Mr. Dude ... what about you putting on a, "behind the wheel", skills course at one of the tow shows? Did you know that, in San Diego, California, to gain a landscaper certificate at the ROP college level, a landscaper's applicant has to pass a driving course using a pick-up truck pulling a trailer, backing through cones, three point turns, straightaway pulling, loading a heavy mower, parking, detaching, chocks, etc? You could do something along those lines ... food for thought eh? So ... can I ask ... when will the country open back to normal? R

Does anybody know where Randy is headed? Retirement? Bad golf? Where'ever your headed, best of luck to you Sir in your future ventures. R.

I'm agree with Dat. These are difficult times where the industry's reputation is going to take a HUGE beating over stories )just like these) where towers just had to get that impound or toss a quick boot. I too am really old school, yet I believe that picking one's battles that are up-front lives up to that, "Do unto others", karma. People are going to lie and be sure their going to try and manipulate. If you're the tower and the car yotu've towed was dropping off groceries to a housebound grandma, sometimes having a bit of heart lends to a much better feeling within the community INSTEAD of getting punch in the face by some cocky reporter who seems to be taking you on in-front of the entire community. R.

I so greatly fear the statement ... "for an unknown reason, it unexpectedly detached from his tow truck and fell on him." Let this be yet ANOTHER reminder that working under raised vehicles is a deadly risk where seven towers have lost their lives in the same, 'underneath", process. I'm really sorry the young man lost his life in such a simple tow related activity. Going under a lifted vehicle for any reason is always a huge risk. I personally have policy and procedure that my drivers don't go under vehicles lifted by a tow truck during process of tow and recovery. When it comes to making ready for towing processes, vehicle's are to be loaded accordingly on dollies and no attempt to drop light-duty linkages or driveshafts from underneath are allowed. Christine and I send our prayers to the Szymazak family and the company he worked for. So sad. R.

As Moose said, most companies fail to provide training and there's little industry awareness of the dangers of working railroad rightaways. If there are trains and light-rail peoplemovers in your community, this is important training for tow operators to have. Since 1991, I've recorded as many as 12x tow operators involved fatals. But, even when law enforcement is on-scene and the emergency message is passed to rail-police dispatchers, that doesn't mean word got to the engineer ... watch this video. I'm including the link below to the national Operation LifeSaver, OLI.org, page for a basic truck driver training. Note: This 12-page training is NOT specific to tow trucks and recoveries, but provides simple information and instruction for truck drivers experiencing a situation at the tracks. If your computer supports Adobe Flash, take the commercial truck drivers mini-test, pass it, and print out the certificate for your driver's file. Surprising enough, California leads in train v. tow truck fatalities. And, just like working off and away from the white-line of traffic, tow operators have to inititate loading and recovery that's away from a moving train or trolley. R. https://oli.org/sites/default/files/2019-09/OLI-DriverGuide-stayalive.pdf

Hi All ... I hope you’re healthy and safe under the circumstances. I wish to share a quick lifes' lesson with you regarding the present tense of this virus situation and how a simple act of kindness has potential of deadly results. Christine and I reside in a rough and rural part of Southern California known for a high-level of violent crimes. And, where we live, there are a few houses occupied by elderly neighbors. With governmental restrictions coming from everywhere, like you, we’re hunkered down and surviving on a day to day basis. Thankfully we’re doing fine. We’re really close to our kids, grandkids and many awesome friends who live a few miles away and they’re part of our support system. Yesterday morning, on one of those crappy, rainy days, our granddaughter came by unannounced to deliver a bag of paper towels and groceries. We weren’t expecting anybody. She parked to the right of our entry and knocked on the door. And, because we’re a bit older and slower, it takes a minute or so to get up and see who was there. Christine reached the door first and looked through the peep-hole seeing no-one there. I ordered her to the center of the house where I asked in a commanding voice, “Who’s there?” No answer. I looked through the peep-hole and initially saw nothing. Having years of law enforcement experience behind me, I’m not one to panic, but I did however, grabbed a handgun and headed to the side of the house. From the corner of my eye I saw my granddaughter’s car leaving the top of our road seconds later; my heart was beating from my chest. She simply came to deliver a bag of groceries. The point I make is this … we didn’t know she was coming and our granddaughter didn’t call. I share this as a reminder, NOT to be over-reactive, but to remind you to stay connected by phone if you’re that person delivering groceries, coming to someone’s house, or helping support your neighbors. On the other-hand, if you’re the one at home, remember, when someone isn’t expected and you haven’t spoken to anyone, there’s a dangerous possibility of accidental confrontation when fear of a home-invasion robbery takes-over. You’ve seen the stupidity of what’s going happen when panic and paranoia takes over. Don’t think for a second that it can’t happen to you? Please instruct your people to CALL before coming over. If there’s no answer at the door, leave a message … don’t just show up. If you knock on the door or ring the bell, stay in-view and be sure to announce yourself. While the purpose of someone’s visit is neighborly, necessary and welcome, not knowing and feeling threatened are two deadly factors that create accidental consequences. This message isn’t about shopping for bad-guys, but, being intuitive to know there’s a difference between a friendly grocery delivery and that of being robbed, especially when you live at the end of a rural, dead-end road. Be sure to communicate with your people and always know what to expect OK? It’s been years since I’ve armed myself and going into that defensive mode … yesterday’s morning situation put me on high-alert. But, on the lighter side, I thanked my granddaughter for thinking of us and that I’ll never forget my reaction. So, now, whenever I wash my hands or wipe my backside, I’ll think of her. We both had a good laugh. R.

Hey Spanky ... any history on the truck? A former company? City & state, plus how did you acquire it? Let us know please. Thanks. R.

Our early light-duty wreckers didn't have slings or tow bars, only a steel rim and tire cut in-half and welded to the wrecker's rear dock on a 500 Holmes twin line, shaft-driven PTO. The cable-hooks were attached somewhere to the frame and we'd slide small sections of car tires between the cable and bumpers. A chain was connected from the towed car to the rear dock. When starting out in traffic, the towed car would swing back, shift, and it would swing forward and slightly, "kiss", the rubber tired rim. It required a little finesse and smoothing driving to not bend the car being towed. But, cars in the early years were made of real metal. The hardest car I towed was a 62' Jaguar XKE from the front bonnet. The picture is a likeness of what the set-up looked like. R.

Earthquakes here are a frequent happening that requires nothing but hold on until the shaking stops. Usually, there's hundreds of small quakes every year. Just like hurricanes in Florida, after 60-something years, most Californian's don't worry about quakes and wildfires we're worried about the virus. Were OK Grunps, Thanks for asking. R.

You guys wonder why I twitch and drool? Seven minutes ago a 4.6 quake rolled through my kitchen epicenter 34 miles away. I looked out the window to see the flagpole swaying from side to side. I guess if the Cyrus the Virus doesn't get me ... the quake will. Living at the end of the San Andreas Fault has its fun ... I need a drink. R.

Hey Grumps, how fun ! ! Yes, I remember them and, yes, they were a bit of work. But, the dollies pictured here aren't the early generation, double, round-tube, pole and pan dollies that were on early year wreckers. At least with pole and pan, there were ten-parts; two poles, two pans, two racks of dolly tires and four pins (some towers used screwdrivers if they lost the pins). Early version pole and pans were seperate, lighter and easier to handle as they came apart. Combine the dollies with a pair of 18-inch or-so tall, 6x6 post-ends, pole and pans were easisly installed using a, "Teeter-Totter", technique where you didn't have to lift the dollying end to install. Simply hook-up the casualty vehicle from the front or rear end, raise the casualty high in the air, position the 6x6 posts under each frame rail, and then lower the lifted end. The car's frame-rails would sit atop the blocks and the end to be dollied would raise to a height sufficient enough to install the poles and pans. The teeter totter technique was far faster than lifting one end, dropping it to lift the opposite end, installing the dollies, lowering the casualty, and the returning to hook-up the end where the sling, tow bar, or just cable and hooks would attach. But, the better item of, "early year", tow equipment that I liked to use were the chrome, "Moon-Caps", that were used like skates in the early days of carriers. Moon-caps were everywhere as was a 12-inch section of Hobie-Cat hulls. Even cars with no tires and wheels would slide with ease. It was also part of a flat tire service kit where we'd take a Moon-Cap to the tire being serviced and where all the lug nuts were placed to keep them together. What a great memory. R

I personally think that all prayers should be directed at any individual who is a front-line worker as it applies to the virus. While the medical profession world-wide is up to their hip-waders on the medical end, so are all first responders, essential workers and America's military. Christine and I especially send our prayers to the two Riverside County (California) Sheriff's deputies who passed away as a result of the virus. We pray for a miracle to step-out and take hold of the virus. R https://www.pe.com/2020/04/03/second-riverside-county-sheriffs-deputy-dies-from-coronavirus/

I think I have my finger on the pusle of the towing and recovery industry where I knew it would be only a matter of time before the topic of, "Worker's Compensation for virus related exposure", raised its ugly head. The good news? As far as I know, I haven't learned of any bonifide cases where tow operators were diagnosed and confirmed with Coronavirus. I spoke to a tow company owner who sent two tow operators to an emergency room to be tested for Coronavirus (sorry, I won't disclose who, what company or where). Within a short time, the first tower went home being diagnosed with the common flu. Soon after, the second operator was diagnosed also with the common flu. Thankfully, both dodged the nasty virus bullet and were cleared to return to work by their doctors. The newest challenge to effect tow businesses is the potential of tow company employees claiming they were sickened by Coronavirus. As an essential worker serving law enforcement and the motoring public, sure, there's a solid chance that exposure can occur. In the scenario mentioned above, the tow company's owner immediately sent them for evaluation and I felt it was a really, really smart move. So, the pending question I pose is, “Are tow company employees considered, “injured”, if they come down with the virus? Owners should understand that exposure to Coronavirus could result in a necessary Worker’s Compensation claim, but only if the exposure was contracted during a work-related even. Claims related to the virus are evaluated case by case and state by individual state. remember, this is the first time that the conditions of, "being sick", are far different than workers have a comon illness. OWNERS: Because of the severity and signifficance of Coronavirus versus the common cold or flu, seek an immediate medical determination which is the basis of a WC claim ... don't wait. If one of your drivers or employees come down with flu-like symptoms, don't wait to have them examined as soon as possible. If they have only a cold or flu, it too should run its course. In most cases, a common cold or flu does NOT qualify as a Worker's Comp injury. I recommend that owners self-educate what reporting requirments may be necessary in the event of a valid and diagnosed COVID-19 exposure. Since you have the time, why not contact your WC provider and ask them about your responsibilities? OSHA website for further information:: https://www.osha.gov/SLTC/covid-19/standards.html DRIVERS & EMPLOYEES: If you feel you're coming down with a cold or flu-like symptoms, tell your boss immediately. A decision should be made to have you sent to a facility for evaluation. If you are evaluated, let your boss know what the doctor's findings were; don't simply go home, try and convalesce and not have conversation with them. This information is not medical or insurance advice, but sent for information purposes only. R.

I just finished reading of a Philiadelphia court settlement where a tow operator allegedly struck and killed a pedestrian (attached herein). Tow truck crashes bring huge business for attorneys who somewhat know that most tow companies simply assume that their tow driver applicants, or current operators, know how to handle a large tow truck or carrier. It's the same manner that police officers get killed responding to calls in police SUVs (Ford Interceptor ? Tahoe?) when their academy experience has them trained in only a patrol car. Some training is better than no training right? So, at this very moment, if you're an owner with five tow operators operating five of your tow trucks, has each operator attended some kind of training having to do with driving a wrecker or carrier? Accordingly, does your company have monthly or quarterly training? Do you have an Employee Handbook addressing problem areas of tow vehicle operations? To that, I pose the question, "What training do you provide to an employee or driver applicant that has to do with responding to calls, safe speed, use of shoulders, expedite, etc? Fact: Traffic crashes are a product of the unknown and happen at any time or hour. What have you done to help lessen the impact of a high-dollar lawsuit as the one reported on in Philadelphia? R.

California's count of coronavirus cases is literally thousands less than those reported in New York. R.

"Ya' gotta' be willing to take the hit", ... that's a powerful statement that makes me proud of my friends in the towing and recovery industry who still push forward to keep their families safe while serving the needs of the motoring public. R.

Note to self, starting this post with an April fool's joke would be in bad taste. I always start my day being informed as to what’s going on around me to keep me informed. Here are three sites that provide me (somewhat) trusted information that isn’t fake news. Regarding the virus and its spread, as of March 2020, Wikipedia claims there are 7.8 billion (7,800,000,000) people in the world. If you're following the recommend guidelines of hygeine and social distancing as it involves your business, I'm hoping you'll avoid an infection. I'm simply showing the numbers to suggest that being infected by the coronavirus is NOT a death sentence for all of mankind. Source: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/World_population As of this what I reviewed this morning, the reported number of cases world-wide and the outcomes are: Coronavirus Cases: 885,530 Deaths: 44,215 Recovered/Discharged: 185,221 Source: https://www.worldometers.info/coronavirus/ Updated March 31, 2020 as reported by the CDC for US Cases: Cases: 163,539 Deaths: 2,860 Source: https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/cases-updates/cases-in-us.html Remember, “When sailing dangerous water, the optimistic boats man keeps watchful eyes to the horizon looking for obstacles, and then corrects their craft.” Please, regardless as to where you are, stay diligent as you serve your communities. There’s much confusion, greed and stupidity that creates potential danger that’s as big as any plague. In the meantime, Christine I pray for your continued safety and good health. R.

and ... sleep with one eye open. Good luck Moose.

This is a realistic topic that, based on current events, should be considered and allow me to share some thoughts with you. I spoke today at-length to several company owners being asked what steps I’d recommend to companies who are experiencing severe loss in activity and income. I really feel your pain as it’s industrywide regardless as to the size and strength of tow companies across the US. It’s important tow owners stay ahead of current events to make decisions in their company’s best interests. Some of these discussions are found at the towing and recovery industry’s forum TowForce.net. I invite you to get signed on (no cost) to see how other tow owners are handling current events … you’re not the only company facing tough times. Putting your business into a, “Sleep Mode”, is a scary process, but under the current continuing threat of virus exposure, I believe the following steps should be evaluated with every hope to lengthen the time tow businesses are slowed. Be honest with yourselves to determine whether-or-not you should downside or initiate a temporary closure? Accordingly, I’ve prepared a short-list of those thoughts I’m recommending that tow owners should consider. Now that this social distancing thing is in full-swing, and, if you haven’t taken the following actions to coast your company while hanging-on, I recommend that you’ll consider what actions would be in your best interests of riding out this future slow down? In no particular order, may I suggest: RIF drivers, dispatchers and support personnel down to gain a skeleton crew, but keep them apprised as to current business situation Note: If you’re a tow operator or work for a tow company, please don’t take being laid-off or let-go personal. I’m confident that the decision to let-you-go was based on your company’s survival mode. Park non-essential trucks Drop insurance on non-essential trucks Use down-time wisely to make repairs on fleet and equipment Limit unnecessary driving to save fuel Other than law enforcement requirements, close office hours to bare-bones Pick, choose and accept incoming calls compared to risk they represent Minimize use of lights and electrical appliances Keep a mindful and watchful eye on spending (dollars out) For rural companies and where possible, work from home, yet, stop by your facility to see that security is in-place Be aware; looters, burglars and other unscrupulous persons are and will try and take advantage of you. Don’t be a victim Have patience and offer your assistance to your neighbors who are more vulnerable that you And, in all sincerity, please don’t risk your personal health, or that of anyone else’s, by thinking that this slow-down will be OK and done in a few days. Be smart about what’s ahead and pay attention to both industry news and what’s going on around in your community. If you’re still running business full speed ahead, use every precaution necessary to remain virus free and that means advising your customers to arrange their own transportation. These recommendations may be necessary should the virus continue its path, but decisions that might help extend the time going forward. Only you know what your company’s bottom-line is and what's best for your company. And, if you have other suggestions, please offer them here. Thanks. I’m personally holding onto faith, prayers and optimism that this virus thingy will find its (slow-down) curve where these closures can return to some normalcy. Until then, I wish you all safety and continued good health. Best Regards. R.

We had two sets. I liked the idea behind the TA set-up, but they could cause damage real quick if they weren't tight. R.

Yep ... just one of MANY forced out of California due to carb.

Hi Guys ... thanks for sharing. I hadn't seen one of these in many, many years. Thanks for sharing. I hope you're doing well. R