rreschran

In the grand scheme of things, I’m looking at this whole virus mess through optimistic eyes. From yesterday's quick dump of rain and a magnificent rainbow, I’m inspired to share these as words of encouragement amidst all the crap, rumors and false news going around. I’m amazed at how fast, “bullshit travels”, from one end of our small community to the other. But, that aside, I’m trying to stay positive while these emergency actions go forward. It’s my prayer that social distancing will meet its curve where life and business (as we know it) will return to its normal state. For 12-years, America’s way of life was disrupted by the Great Depression where the economy went into a proverbial tail-spin. Fueled by community panic and paranoia, the masses flooded banks and financial institutions only to bring the economy to a screeching halt. President Franklin Roosevelt pleaded with the American people that their fears was causing extreme damage overall, and said, “The only thing we have to fear is fear itself.” President Jefferson's speech didn't discuss the amassing of toilet paper of hoarding of sanitizers, but relayed a stron message of calm that needed to be heard. As a pragmamtic professional myself, I believe Jefferson's message helped to return calm and sanity to Americans in the light of adversity. While my immediate family is effected too, we’re simply taking time to love, care, and uplift each other. We’re finding ways to help our neighbors (where we can), and most importantly, we’re together in a survival mode where we’re not panicked. To all of you, just know that this, like any cold, flu, virus, or medical condition that’s come and gone before, optimistically, it will pass in its time. Do what you can that’s in your family’s best interests and yours. Stay positive and face each day with a sense of calm and readiness. I know that’s hard to accept because I’m not in your shoes, but, as Christian author, Tim Hansel, wrote, “Ya’ gotta’ keep dancin.” If ya’ need ta’ talk … “I’m here to pump you up.” Simply jot me an Email at rreschran@gmail.com or leave one here on TowForce. R.

Hi All ... Despite all that's going on in the world, yesterday was a really busy day for me with phone calls by tow owners and drivers. First off, I'm a realist to understand that whatever the reason or cause of this virus thingy ... life goes on. I feel everyone's pain especially if you're an owner, especially if you're an employee of any company affected by the virus. These are trying times that call for creativity, understanding and calm. One of the most repeated questions I fielded yesterday from drivers was, "Can they lay me off?", or, "Can they cut my hours?" To that I'll say, "You betcha." Because of the panic and paranoia of the virus and its deadly under-tones, everyone is being somewhat sequested in the best interests of health and safety. If you were laid-off or had hours cut, it's certainly not something you should take personal, but, something to be immediately and preparedly focused on. I assure you this wasn't something pre-planned and you weren't targeted ... being let-go was certainly a tough decision that unfortunately had to be made. In business, there’s a term called, “Reduction in Force”, also known as, “RIF”, where I guess being, "riffed", is (mildly) one-step up from being fired. The emotions are the same as being fired, yet, there's definitely a difference. Regardless as to the size and strength of a single tow company, losses are calculated in percentages to the overall budget, employee force and ultimate profit. Big or small, all companies aren’t safe from this economic challenge. Responding to these virus orders has forced companies into an emergency downsize. Fact: Simply speaking, as a loss or decline in business, some tow companies can’t afford to maintain a full complement of tow operators, dispatchers, or support personnel. Being, “laid off”, is a temporary, involuntary separation of employment as a result of a loss of business, declining budget, or, in this case, social distancing that’s causing the loss of tow related business. Losing a job is definitely hard-hitting mentally as well as financially that sometimes leaves us with a feeling of hopelessness and helplessness. If you've been let-go, perhaps you can file for unemployment or try and find any job or other source of income until such time this passes. Try to look at your situation positively and use what time you're away from the job to catch-up on home-chores, family, or, that junk car you've always wanted to fix up. Stay in-touch with your company so you're, "in the know", for when these restrictions are lifted and business can return to normal. Watch the news with a watchful eye and don't fall victim to the hype, panic and paranoic. And, in that I remember, Chicago Bears coach, Mike Ditka, saying, ... "This too shall pass." R.

Hi Ginger ... year's ago, (me) as a young San Diego police officer, rolled-up on a VW bug that hit a 4x4 Toyota pickup head-on at 65-mph in one of those shitty, socked-in, foggy nights. Three college girls in the VW were unrestrained. At the moment of impact, the very large girl riding in the back seat unrestrained, was forced bodily-forward into the front seat girls, crushing them both into the dash and windshield. The bug overturned and I happened upon the wreck seconds after impact. I remember screaming, "cover now", while lying stomach down in-traffic lanes and reaching through the drivers-side window hoping to keep the young woman's airway clear. I watched her gasp for air and bleeding extensively from her face for what seemed to be an eternity as fire and paramedics were approaching. Unfortunately, she took her last gasp with me holding her head in full traction. I'll NEVER ... EVER forget the feeling of helplessness at the moment she passed away. The two other girls were already gone. My memories of that double DUI, triple fatal comes to haunt me every time I read about seatbelt incidents. You and I agree that they don't save all lives all the time and not in all instances, yet, you and I understand enough to know their value of their added safety, especially in the line-of-work we do. Please note that my post wasn't to find fault, but, to help send a heartfelt message to other towers that not wearing seatbelts is very much like working the white-line on the highway ... a conscious decision. And, to that I'll add, as many as 27x other tow operators have been killed in similar crashes where they were ejected because seatbelts weren't worn. And yes, there are several operator fatalities where they reportedly had seatbelts on, but, lost their lives ... call it a, "Game of Odds". God Bless you Ginger for your kind, loving soul and helping to support Jason's Family and his company. The world needs more people like you and I'm proud to call you my friend and fellow tower. R.

... "Sometimes they don't help" ? ? ? ? ? I didn't see that written in the owner's manual. I personally believe that seatbelts save lives. And now, many year's later as a retired police officer, I remember wearing a seatbelt every time I drove a patrol car; the belt was a tactical challenge, but I'd take my chances being killed with a seatbelt on versus not wearing a seatbelt at all. I too send my heartfelt condolences Jason's family, his company, and everyone who knew Jason, but wearing seatbelts is not only is state law, but a choice that demonstrates survival data that saves lives. In an incredibally dangerous industry where more safety is better ... I'll do everything to increase my odds of making it to the next day. Thank you Ginger for arranging a procession for Jason. I'm hoping there is a substantial turn-out in his honor. While I can't be there in person, Christine and I are there in-spirit. R.

Hi All. I represented a tow company a few years back where a customer was critically injured after an unexpected head-on crash dumped a customer through and out the window of a tow truck. There was many questions as to whether-or-not the customer was wearing a belt, whether-or-not the tow operator told the customer to wear a seatbelt, and whether-or-not the tow company had written policy that spoke to any requirement to use seatbelts? As a result of the young tower killed yesterday in Florida having been ejected from his vehicle, I went back to my list of tow operator fatalites to find as many as 27x tow operator incidents that reported towers NOT wearing seatbelts and those who were ejected from their tow trucks or carriers. Most died as a result of traffic accident with another vehicle, but a large percentage involved solo vehicle rollover crashes where towers were ejected during the roll. I'll ask tow company owners, does your company HAVE and ENFORCE a companywide, "Seatbelt Policy", as a written requirement to wearing seatbelts? It's so very sad that this young tower lost his life for something so simple as wearing a seatbelt. While seatbelts won't save every life in every scenario, their use has proved effective in saving lives. I know that a policy may be in effect, and getting to wear seatbelts is a difficult task being that, "outta' sight outta' mind", mentality. In my company's Employee Handbook, I have a solid policy that requires my employees to wear seatbelts, as required by the company and as required by law and OSHA guidelines. A written policy is not optional nor is it a violation of an employee's rights. You might say it's part of their Personal Protection Equipment to be used every time they operate ANY company vehicle or forklift as part of their duties. I personally believe seatbelt use saves lives. The following statement (in BLUE font) is my company policy requiring all employees and passengers to wear seatbelts. Seatbelts Policy – ALL Employees: Section 27315 of California’s Vehicle Code REQUIRES tow operators, passenger(s) and all riders to wear seatbelts. Additionally, Tow Operators WILL ensure ALL passengers have seatbelts securely fastened. The Company requires ALL Tow Operators and Service Technicians, as well as other employees, to wear seatbelts in Company owned vehicles, tow trucks, of forklifts, as required by state, federal and OSHA mandates. Tow Operators and Service Technicians will NOT transport passenger(s) unless seatbelts are available for each person. In situations where there are more passengers than seatbelts, Operators will advise Dispatch and request appropriate supervisory solutions to be readily determined in the dispatch office. ALL persons SHALL wear seatbelts when riding in Company owned vehicles. Specifically, any employee operating a Company vehicle SHALL ensure that ALL passengers are wearing seatbelts before said vehicle is put into motion. Forklift and heavy equipment operators will wear seatbelts at ALL times when the operator is seated atop a forklift truck or operating heavy equipment. NO operation will begin until a seatbelt(s) is securely and appropriately fastened. If and employee is stopped by law enforcement for NOT wearing a seatbelt, the Company is NOT responsible for the fine levied. Dismissal MAY occur if Tow Operators or Service Technicians have cumulative violations of plus two-points and or preventable accident on their MVR and cannot be insured by our insurance provider. For other employees operating Company vehicles, you are also responsible to wear seatbelts and have all riders wear theirs. Also note that, owners and managers are tasked with ensuring that tow drivers and employees comply with a seatbelt policy. Accordingly, if it's not written with company expectations that seatbelts are worn, then you can't discipline them for when they don't wear seatbelts. As owner, you set the tone for seatbelt use with intent of possibly saving your employee's life. If you have no written policy at the moment, and going forward, simply re-write this policy with the appropriate vehicle code in your state and add the heading that reads, "SEAT-BELT POLICY". At the bottom of the narrative, add a line for the employee's signature, a line below that for a witness signature, and a line for the date of presentation at the bottom of the paper. Present it immediately at your next safety meeting, at a special meeting with your (driving) employees, or in a one-on-one visit. With the employee signing the SEAT-BELT POLICY, they are agreeing to abide by the requirement of wearing seatbelts from the date of notification forward. If they don't want to sign it, then you'll have to jump off that bridge when that happens. The signed policy goes into the employee's file. There are legal reasons beyond injury or death where your company should protects its best interests. Personally, to not require tow operators and employees to wear seatbelts on all occassions is a poor safety decision. Owners ... it's an easy policy to initiate if you already haven't. Make it a daily requirement that's not negotiable. R.

I really dislike that fatality counter ... it woke the sleeping dragon. Another unfortunate fatality. Christine and I send our prayers to Everitt's family and Sunstate Wrecker Services. R.

A month ago, a close friend and long-time tow owner and I had lunch talking about what’s and happenings going on? He mentioned that one of his drivers (another long-time friend of mine) had three damages in the last quarterly reporting period. Two damages were carrier related suspension damages, and one was a backing incident where he backed an auction car into another auction car during auction. The suspension repair costs weren’t something to send to insurance and the auction car damages were a wash. The owner asked me for advice and I know he was struggling with the issue of firing the driver versus keeping him on? For sure, that’s a hard choice. In my mind, when an experienced, long-time, skilled operator has back-to-back issues in a close period, I’m thinking there’s maybe something going-on that’s beyond the work environment, either in personal relationships, work, or life in-general? And, to address that, I recommended he take his driver to lunch or have an informal conversation that begins with something like, “You’ve worked for me for a long time and you’ve done a great job. I’m concerned about what’s happened recently. Is there something I can help you with?” THe owner expressed his concern about the damages, but made the converation more personal allowing the employee to share what happend. In this case, they went to lunch and it was determined that there was a relationship issue outside the workplace, but the relationship issue had been resolved. The driver was able to talk openly without going into the details too much. At the end of their conversation, the driver said he was sorry and he would do better. And, since that time, the driver appears to be back-on-track both in his personality and abilities. As an owner, changing hats and open communitation are two giantic attributes to have. Some say that keeping relationships seperate is the way to go keeping in-mind that long-term, committed drivers are hard replace. I believe it's more than that. So, I'll ask ... "How do you owners handle issues or damages when they occur to best friend drivers?" Or, is there such a thing? R.

Here's a link to an interesting article where law enforocement is using current technology to stop suspect vehicles involved in high-speed chases. If technology can open a vehicle or find a crashed car that's in a ravine by satellite, the same technology can shut-down a car's system when circumstances put the motoring public and the public at risk ... it's about time. R. https://www.officer.com/command-hq/technology/traffic/suspect-vehicle-control/news/21130451/with-highspeed-chases-curtailed-minneapolis-police-try-new-tack-in-pursuit-of-stolen-vehicles

Yeah ... you could say that I'm one of those letter writing fools. I reviewed the Essential Critical Infrastructure Workers List sent out by the federal government and state governments. You may have seen it? I spent much of this morning drafting a letter to send forward to the goverment in the same manner Bill Giorgis commented. My writing the letter is one of those, "too much time thingys". Link: https://covid19.ca.gov/img/EssentialCriticalInfrastructureWorkers.pdf Other than Bill Giorgis, and not knowing that any person or state tow association has taken time to respondto the list, and, because not every tow company is responding to calls, I don't want the motoring public and auto club providers to think that this is a blanket letter that all calls in all locations will be honored under all conditions. My letter doesn't whine that we we're left out ... but, serves as our willingness to serve, however, there are restrictions to our response. In my narrative, I mentioned a list of best practices to suggest that if a customer has to call for a tow truck, here are ten considerations ... Consider parking in a safe location, return home and arrange towing at a later time If at home, consider arranging for a time-call during daylight hours or, Contact your auto club, motor club, insurance provider (app or phone) Remove personals and items of value Arrange to leave keys with the vehicle (in a hidden or designated location) Make arrangements with the auto shop or repair center to accept deliver of vehicle Make arrangements to pay by credit card over the phone Make other arrangements of transportation (Uber, Lyft, taxi, bus, etc.) Call 911 only if a bonifide emergency exists, or If the vehicle becomes disabled on the highway, pull as far to the shoulder’s edge (away from traffic) as possible, and call 911 Do you guys really care if we're on the list or should a letter be sent out? While I don't really need anyone's permission to send out a letter, it does include the towing and recovery industry in-support of those tow companies still willing to serve under smart criteria. The letter is poised and ready to send, yet I'd like to hear your ideas as to the value or (otherwise) insignifficance of sending a letter? Note: Any letter I send will go out under the heading, "Randall Resch Training", not under title representing my affiliations to industry publications as I don't have their permission. Comments? R.

Yeah ... you could say that I'm one of those letter writing fools. I reviewed the Essential Critical Infrastructure Workers List sent out by the federal government and state governments. You may have seen it? I spent much of this morning drafting a letter to send forward to the goverment in the same manner Bill Giorgis commented. My writing the letter is one of those, "too much time thingys". Link: https://covid19.ca.gov/img/EssentialCriticalInfrastructureWorkers.pdf Other than Bill Giorgis, and not knowing that any person or state tow association has taken time to respondto the list, and, because not every tow company is responding to calls, I don't want the motoring public and auto club providers to think that this is a blanket letter that all calls in all locations will be honored under all conditions. My letter doesn't whine that we we're left out ... but, serves as our willingness to serve, however, there are restrictions to our response. In my narrative, I mentioned a list of best practices to suggest that if a customer has to call for a tow truck, here are ten considerations ... Consider parking in a safe location, return home and arrange towing at a later time If at home, consider arranging for a time-call during daylight hours or, Contact your auto club, motor club, insurance provider (app or phone) Remove personals and items of value Arrange to leave keys with the vehicle (in a hidden or designated location) Make arrangements with the auto shop or repair center to accept deliver of vehicle Make arrangements to pay by credit card over the phone Make other arrangements of transportation (Uber, Lyft, taxi, bus, etc.) Call 911 only if a bonifide emergency exists, or If the vehicle becomes disabled on the highway, pull as far to the shoulder’s edge (away from traffic) as possible, and call 911 Do you guys really care if we're on the list or should a letter be sent out? While I don't really need anyone's permission to send out a letter, it does include the towing and recovery industry in-support of those tow companies still willing to serve under smart criteria. The letter is poised and ready to send, yet I'd like to hear your ideas as to the value or (otherwise) insignifficance of sending a letter? Note: Any letter I send will go out under the heading, "Randall Resch Training", not under title representing my affiliations to industry publications as I don't have their permission. Comments? R.

Thanks for sharing your, "job from hell", something evey tow has at one time or another. Be Well John. Best regards. R.

Hi All ... I hope that you're social distancing has fallen into part of your general routine. Like many of you, I now have too much time on my hands and that's not always a good thing. So, I took to the internet to Google the topic of, "Is too much sanitizer a good thing", and came up with a ton of responses that, at the very least, I think are interesting reading. I like to be informed so to keep abreast of the current state of the virus, but not to be panicked or over-paranoid. While I understand the need to control germs, I've always thought that too much sanitizer has a potential to change ones immunse system. I also know that in all reality, sanitizers don't elimiate or kill all of the germs in a germ like setting. One of my daughters is a, "germaphobe", where her family of seven uses sanitizers, soaps and cleaners to the max. Could all of those chemicals and combinations be creating, "over-kill", to their systems? In their household of seven, someone is always sick and it passes around like rotation. I don't know if there's scientific proof that too much sanitizer is good or bad for one's system, I'm comfortable with maintaining good hygiene that includes regular hand-washing and the like. I won't get in the middle of this debate and every person should make their own choices based on what they are told and what they have experienced. From the CDC, here's a good link that provides believeable information. https://www.cdc.gov/handwashing/show-me-the-science-hand-sanitizer.html Like using too much sanitizer is the over-kill of too much toilet paper. So, when it comes to using toilet paper, can too much wiping be good or bad for one's backsides? Accordingly, when and if all that TP is put into action, there's the threat that it will clog every sweage treatment plant or landfill from here to China. We're on septic and take different measures to maintain the system. R.

Awww RIchard ... are you missing me in these moments of social distancing? Like working any rollover, operators use different techniques to get the job done. Mecahnically speaking, I don't know of any person or scientific entity that can dispell the rumor to not use a rim for a point of rigging. Your mentioning, "a crash-compromised ball joint", is one of the prime reasons I stay away from using rims. Towers say they use rims because of ease of attachment, or that it's easy to get a soft-loop into through the rim. Technically speaking, when I'm teach rollovers to new drivers, I'll explain the possibility that impact and multi over-turns could cause damage to the ball joint fronts of butter-bars (to the rear) as well as causing cracks in the rims. Honestly, in 30-years of teaching rollover classes, we've experienced one instance where an aluminum rim broken during pull, and, one where a Honda's front suspension pulled through. A closer examination of the Honda suspension showed that initial impact caused a break into the bolt mounts where a front strut was sheered. To make these examples happen, I let the experienced guys hook-up as they've learned creating living situations like those on-scene. Not to point fingers or put anyone on the spot ... nut, shit happens right? Personally, I prefer the chain's hardened surface compared to soft-loops for the very reason that a soft-loop might find some cut-spot and compromise the roll in-progress. Richard, you're right about existing risk; either front or rear can pull-free. While it doesn't happen all the time, I believe the towers best defense is what George said, to find solid attachment using control arms or a frame-structure. And, when heavy-pull is initiated, start the pull slowly and watch that the attached locations remain solid. Initiate winch-in slowly so not to cause the attachment location to rip out or create a shock-load as the initial pull find's it center. The best rollovers are those where the end result is getting the casualty vehicle back on its wheels successfully and in a minimal amount of time. Best regards in continued health and safety. R.

FYI ... remember the recent video of 5x kids vandalising cars and breaking truck windows at Clarks' Towing in San Jacinto, CA., Dave told me he filed a claim with his insurance company of 5-years and was DENIED payment. While I'm not at liberty to say what major company he has insurance with, be sure to read the small print on your garage keeper's insurance for coverage (if any). Dave's not happy about it and I'm sure if he's reading this ... he might have more to share. R. https://losangeles.cbslocal.com/2020/03/02/teens-san-jacinto-tow-yard/

Well said. In this world of lawyering up without common sense, I believe doing more to err on the side of safety lends best in a courtroom environment. Thanks G for you wise words. R.

Guys, I wholeheartedly agree with your time estimate that says load em' and go quickly, but Grumps, I'm of a different mindset. I hear what your saying about get in and get out fast, but, what about that difficult highway load, lowered car, missing wheel, or even the crash from hell that requires MORE than three to five minutes to load? A three to five minute load is possible under perfect considerations where load and go doesn't experience any problems. Since 1954, I've confirmed and verified as many as 333x tow operators killed working highway and shoulder events. Without knowing how much time they spent on-scene, highway patrol and fatality investigations and OSHA/FACE/NIOSH-like assessments after-the-fact indicated that many, many towers failed to deploy cones or flares as a means to provide additional advanced emergency warning. And, in California, that single lack of on-scene indentification is repeatedly used against towers in civil lawsuits when a DUI or out-of-control motorist can simply say, "I didn't know it was a tow truck at work", and used it as part of their defense. There are plenty of excuses for not setting flares and cones as there are for working the white-line side. Placing cones or flares, even lighted pucks take only a couple of extra minutes and I believe it's time well-spent to identify the tower's work zone. Doing nothing defeats any message of advanced emergency warning. This industry is due a culture change that recognizes why tow trucks keep getting hit on the highway? And, I'm sure we can agree that this was perhaps one routine call that went sideways. That's why I asked if something more could have been done? That key question always arises and towers always get blamed for someone else's actions. If you don't believe me, ask Terry Abejuela, Peter Fuerst, or Tommy Anderson as to what they think about using cones or flares to announce one's on-scene presence? Ask yourself, "Does doing nothing violate Federal 49 CFR 392.22 - Emergency signals; stopped commercial motor vehicles?" This is a topic towers will argue until the end of time where to me, there's an obvious action that could be taken; if only to tell Worker's Comp you tried to do something versus nothing. R.

I too am glad that thankfully you weren't injured. Note: I'm not looking for ways to bash. Yours are interesting photos and the explainations herein seem reasonable to cause backlash as I see looking at the 3rd photo, the knobs of the controls are missing. On the other-hand, I'm one individual curious to look beyond initial impact so to learn what additional damages have been inflicted. In this case, the damages are rare. If there are lessons to be learned from any photo ... my inquiring mind wants to know as I wasn't there to see what happened. May I also ask if you had any flares or cones in-place before impact? Thank you for sharing your pictures. R.

Hi All ... this information is specific to California tow operators and tow business owners struggling to make headway during this virus scare. R. From State Assemblymember Marie Waldron's office the following information is posted: Cancellations of events and work is causing unexpected economic hardships for employees and employers. Here is information that may help: Workers: - If you are unable to work due to having or being exposed to COVID-19 (certified by a medical professional), you can file a Disability Insurance (DI) claim - If you’re unable to work because you are caring for an ill or quarantined family member, you can file a Paid Family Leave (PFL) claim - If your employer has reduced your hours or shut down operations due to COVID-19, you can file an Unemployment Insurance (UI) claim Employers: - For information on protecting workers from COVID-19, refer to the Cal/OSHA Guidance on Coronavirus - Those experiencing a slowdown in their businesses or services may apply for the UI Work Sharing Program. This program allows employers to seek an alternative to layoffs — retaining their trained employees by reducing their hours and wages that can be partially offset with UI benefits - Those planning a closure or major layoffs can get help through the Rapid Response program. Rapid Response teams will meet with you to discuss your needs, help avert potential layoffs, and provide immediate on-site services to assist workers facing job losses. - Those experiencing a hardship may request up to a 60-day extension of time from the EDD to file their state payroll reports and/or deposit state payroll taxes without penalty or interest - EDD Taxpayer Assistance Center 888-745-3886 To learn more, please visit: California EDD

... just the regular Class C for California drivers ... not commercial. R.

Cool Ron ... thanks for the message. I didn't know that and thought that I was writing back to a real live person. Silly me. Be Well. R.

Ron bring's up a solid concern. Do you're release window/area provide any separation between you and the (sick) public visitng your office spaces? There are too many rumors that fuel the current state of affairs. And,when it comes to persons in regards to, "Social Separation", and a tow company's window or counter (perhaps) another question to add would be ... "When was the last time someone ... anyone ... from your company's staff took the time to wipe the counter down and disenfect with a sanitizer or liquid having 60-percent alcohol or better?" I read an article today that claims the Coronavarius can survive on surfaces for as long as 72-hours. It doesn't matter what the release window or alcove is built with, its size, shape, or configuration, a goopy, snotty, sneezing individual leaves potential germs capable of infecting a multitude of counter surfaces. A glass window is certainly a better means of blocking a sneezing individual, but regardless as to whether-or-not a release counter or window is built like a bullet-proof bunker, the reality of preventing the spread of disease is hygeine and cleanliness. R. Here is a link to the article's narrative I'm referring to: https://www.npr.org/sections/health-shots/2020/03/14/811609026/the-new-coronavirus-can-live-on-surfaces-for-2-3-days-heres-how-to-clean-them Here is the link to the study released this week: https://www.medrxiv.org/content/10.1101/2020.03.09.20033217v1.full.pdf

Another forum shared an article on the use of blocker trucks. I personally support blocker trucks and salute tow companies that use blocker trucks as a means to provide an extra element of safety to their tow operators. It's great to see how tow companies are approaching the huge problem of tow operator strikes and they're making (at least) some attempt to defend against them. Accordingly, I've seen some grat examples of blocker trucks at tow shows, in TowForce forums and currently used in some states as part of FSP or highway service providers. But, too many tow owners balk at costs and liability in using blocker trucks for any reason. So, in that I ask tow companies that use or have blocker trucks the following questions: 1. In using blocker trucks for safety, what training is provided to blocker truck operators? 2. If you have a blocker truck and use it with safety in-mind, how do you list and charge for it's use on your towing invoice? 3. Does your area's highway patrol support using them and approve your rate? 4. Do you provide blocker truck support for other tow companies in your area? 5. Has there been any push-back from vehicle owners or insurance providers to pay blocker truck fees? Because there's no formal or in-use blocker truck programs, what do you think? I'm sure there are plenty of other questions that could fit into this category and I'd like to hear your ideas. While I've heard the negative comments regarding cost and liability, doing nothing only opens the door for another fatal to happen. At minimum, if it were you parked on a narrow highway shoulder with car's failing to slow-down and move-over, wouldn't you appreciate the presence of a blocker truck? R.

Hey TowBot ... thanks for sharing the article. I fully support blocker trucks and salute this tower's reasoning for putting a blocker truck into service. It's great to see how tow companies are approaching the huge problem of tow operator strikes and they're making (at least) some attempt to defend against them. Too many tow owners balk at costs and liability in using blocker trucks for any reason. So, in that I ask the following questions: 1. In using blocker trucks for safety, what training is provided to blocker truck operators? 2. If you have a blocker truck and use it with safety in-mind, how do you list it on your towing invoice? 3. Does law enforcement in your area support using them and approve your rate? 4. Do you provide blocker truck support for other tow companies in your area? 5. Has there been any push-back from vehicle owners or insurance providers to pay blocker truck fees? Because there's no formal or in-use blocker truck program, what do you think? I'm sure there are plenty of other questions that could fit into this category and I'd like to hear your ideas. R.

It reminds me of how things were the first hours after 911. No ambient noise, no movement ... it's erie. R.

I'm glad to hear the tow operator wasn't hurt. But, on a side note and no disrespect to the company involved ... may I ask, from the last photo, what happended the dent in the headach rack and to cause the winch-cable to be in such nested condition? I blew the photo-size up and can't figure-out how that strike (by the semi) caused damage in those locations. Was that part of this incident? R.