rreschran

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 24^th = 8 towers killed, 4 on the highway

Christmas Day December 25^th = 6 towers killed, all 6 on the highway

New Year’s Eve, December 31^st = 3 towers killed, 1 in South Africa, 1 on the highway

New Year’s Day, January 01^st = 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.

Getting the resolution passed is a huge milestone, but getting motorists to know AND react as required is a forever mission. Good luck ! !

Will Texas SDMO law be challenged when it comes to tow trucks blocking for another in live lanes? The article doesn't include those details that eventually will bring focus in a wrongful death suit. It will be an interesting case to follow as "blocking for others" has been debated at length on tow forums. I'm thankful that the towers on-scene weren't injured and I salute their efforts to administer CPR.

Thanks Ron ... In many  articles I've read, his name and that of the rescuing officer weren't part of the narrative. Thank you Mark for your Heroic efforts.

Living true to the name "HERO", I salute this highway tow operator who risked his life to rescue a perfect stranger who rushed to the burning Jeef and taking her to safety before the fire spread. If anyone knows the HERO tow operator's name, please share it here. Congratulations Sir, you truly are a hero.

I don't have a link and info is minimal from Orange County Florida, operator struck early this AM and killed parked legally and stationary, wet pavement by an out of control pickup. Tower allegedly standing on the shoulder. Add this incident to that "one in six" debate.

Congratulations Mark. I welcome any program that helps to bring professionalism and standardization to the industry, but is it another online program that doesn't include include hands-on training?

Let the "Great and Unpopular Debate"begin. Who will step-up with what data proves this statement correct?

"One every six days", can't be factual based on what data HASN'T been collected over the years. What's being presented by industry personalities, insurance companies, responder safety networks or interested individuals, can NEVER accurately depict the totality of the towing and recovery industry. Lists aren't "apples to apples" and don't represent the same details or the inclusion of tire technicians and roadside mechanics counted as tow operator strikes ... they're NOT tow operators. That info may be true to "predestrian strikes" on the highway, but they're not towers. I belive there's NO exact number collected in the 106-years since the tow truck' being invented. While I'll agree there were month and years where tower's were killed days apart even two on the same day in different states, that doesn't reflect the entirety or accuracy of the numbers killed as that statement suggests.

Perhaps someone ... anyone can provide a link that provides accurate data? Anybody? That's the challenge ! ! !           R. 

Start with attending WreckMaster training by finding a class in New York. Look for a well-established tow company that is willing to teach you proper Ron techniques. If you can make the trip to Baltimore, attend the American Towman Exposition tow show to learn training opportunities.

In memory of tow operator, Shaun Riddle, killed when struck by Amtrak train, December 2012, Carlsbad, California. RIP Shaun.        R.

Good video that mentions tow operator dangers. This topic surfaces every now and then. There's more than many reasons debris is seen on the highway, not always the fault of tow truck drivers. Motorists should be more concerned with responders working on highway shoulder. Thanks CHP for sticking up for towers on this one.       R.

Thanks for the effort Ron. One can only do so much right?

There are plenty of reasons a car may not be discovered as stolen. If the lien process doesn't find it, it's not the tow company's fault or if tge owner fails to update their contact info. There's more to this story than what's being told.

Like Mr. Borowski, schedule permitting.    R.

Christine and I are making the 2,630 mile journey from Southern California. We're looking forward to seeing you all.     R&C

Arguing with these FAA idiots is designed to illicit you into assaulting them. Ignore them and don't get sucked into their game. It's easy to ignore when towers go about their business.  

Here's wishing you better days Terry towards a speedy recovery.                       R.

Raw Bar down on the river ...my favorite.

That's good information Eric ... thanks for getting it to the masses.

I too remember old Tow411 participation herein, but it seems there's just a few of old timers who stay involved. For me ... reading tow industry news is a way to stay on top of what's going on. With being here on the west coast, unless I read about events and incidents elsewhere, I have no idea as to what hot topics are in the news throughout the US and abroad. I appreciate reading industry news.     R.

The newscaster said, "In the past year, he has had more than twenty close calls." Really ? ? ? ?" This video is a great example of why the industry needs a huge "culture change" in on-highway safety and the way tower's work white-line incidents. If a single tower has twenty similar situations like young Andy speaks about, it's my opinion he spends too much time working the white-line side. On-scene survival means working quickly enough to attach safety straps and chain to move forward to a wide space, or off the first exit and complete tie-down or strapping away from these D-fools piloting a 4,000-pound weapon. Does the lack of total tie-down or safety chains violate vehicle code law, sure, and it's commendable tower's think that way ... BUT ... could a 1/2 modified attachment save a tower's life?

So, answer me this ... if a tower was nearly struck, why wouldn't they change the method (and techniques) that just might change their destiny? To that point I offer this old ditty, "I'd rather be tried by twelve than carried by six."           R.

Note: While on-scene safety is always a priority  consideration. tow operators have no authority to order or control another person's actions. 

Rest in peace John Elliott Buell, tow truck owner/operator drowned 1942 attempting to recover a vehicle in the Potomack River, MD.

Christine and I send prayers to you from southern California.     R&C