rreschran

Hey John Coupland ... did you ever find out who this tower was and the company he worked for? R.

An earlier post told of a Kentucky tow operator recently injured while on a winch-out call during the early AM hours. Once the car was out, the motorist jumped into the vehicle, slammed into reverse and backed into him. Based on the time of early morning hours and the circumstances that got the motorist into the ditch in the first place, it's my guess that the motorist may have been DUI and was attempting to depart so to not be arrested for DUI. So, I went into my cop stuff and dug out these simple bits of info as a quick, "DUI Recognition 101", to the dangers of working night-time hours. According to the AAA Foundation for Traffic Safety, 31% of fatal drunk-driving accidents occur on the weekend, and the highest number of drunk drivers on the road at any given time are the hours between midnight and 3 a.m. Fatal crashes are four times higher at night than during the day. Here's a quick look at what it takes to achieve a certain level of intoxication. For example: A 175-pound (average size) male will reach +/- levels of intoxication after consuming: 7-shots .08% Symptoms: Impairment of Speech, vision hearing and reaction time 9-shots .13% Symptoms: Seriously impaired physical control, problems with vision and balance 11-shots .18% Symptoms: Dysphoria take over 14-shots .23% Symptoms: Unable to walk without help, potential of blackout What that means is, when you're called out to change a tire for a random motorist at 0200 hours, Your first hurdle is to arrive at the call's location without colliding with a DUI in traffic. Then, when you show up and they're standing outside their car, there's a good chance your customer may be intoxicated, but they're typically not classified (at that moment) as a DUI, but only an intoxicated person in public. Now that you're out of your tow truck, you're boots to the ground and exposed to vehicular traffic as a pedestrian worker. Your job is to complete the service call while keeping an eye on the motorist. But, at some point, you'll have to ask yourself ... "Do I send them on their way", thinking (or knowing) they just might be intoxicated? Consider the liability? When working those midnight to 3 AM hours on the highway or city streets, every call has potential to get you hurt because you'll possibly be in the presence of an intoxicated person. While we towers aren't LE, we can at least understand the potential danger scenarios that go well beyond daylight hours. Know this going in and change your safety mindset. Your best safety offense ... work whatever call you're tasked with quickly and get back to your facility. R.

Was there a motive to the vehicle's driver jumping into the car? My guess is, the vehicle's driver was DUI that got him into the ditch to begin with. If the late night winch-out was somewhat easy and the car wasn't overly damaged. To avoid any possibility of the vehicle's driver being arrested for DUI, most likely, they are still under the influence of intoxication an hour later. Because most towers aren't trained in the recognition of a DUI and the fact we're not LE, it's difficult to know that a DUI is still DUI an hour later. We towers actually have little to know control of their eschewed thoughts and actions. Note: There's no training anywhere that can pinpoint the mindset of an individual under the influence of drugs or an alcoholic beverage. And, as in any scenario that involves working with motorists, customers, even intoxicated individuals, I suggest a simple method to avoid potential possibilities like these. So, before any tow related activities begins ... GET THE VEHICLES KEYS by asking the customer for them, or, go into the car and take them from the ignition is they're accessible. When you have the vehicle's keys, you maintain control of the vehicle. I too wish the tower a speedy recovery. R.

Good comments Ron ... while I don't profess to be a mental health professional, there's a reality about cameras and certain people that don't like their photos taken. I'm not suggesting that the camera (in this case) caused the shooter to take Mr. Martinez's life. What I do ponder are what lesson's can be learned (if any) from this scenario? It happens all the time with people reacting quickly and aggressively saying, "Get that freakin' camera outta' my face", while attacking the camera and the photographer. I'm not saying that this case was the end result of an immediate photo being taken, but I believe it's something to take heed to when approaching or interacting with someone who might be bonifide mental. Some people are extremely sensitive about their privacy in the same manner of me flying a drone over your house without consideration of your privacy or your permission? When someone gets increasingly agitated, red flags should be everywhere that asks ... "What's gonna' set this guy off?" While we'll probably never know the entire true story that led up to the shooting, I personally want to know what can be learned in this instance and how would I apply it if it happened to me? R.

I have many pet peeves when it comes to tow truck operations and safety. One of the biggest peeve's I have as an instructor and tow business owner is when my drivers don't use the truck's E-brake. In most tow truck classes I teach, during the second-day hands-on portion of class, there are many failed opportunities when towers don't apply the tow truck's emergency brakes. Although it's a required practice and law per the vehicle code, why is it such a problem for towers to put the E-Brake on? If you keep a close-eye on the actions of your drivers, you'll see that no E-Brake is a common occurrence. And, because most towers DON'T use chocks, a runaway scenario always possible. Note: As many at 10x tow operators were killed by their truck's rolling away and they were either run-over and crushed trying to catch them, or, they were pinned between other vehicles. What does your company's Employee Handbook or safety training say about using the E-Brake? This is one question that OSHA and Worker's Comp will ask during an industrial (injury or death) investigation or subsequent Worker's Comp settlement. R.

I had a great conversation this morning with a tow business owner as we discussed employees who called in late, called in sick, called in for the Blue Flu ... whatever the reason. For me ... two come to mind. "My wife wasn't feeling clear," and to my manager, "I have another job interview." The "clear" excuse translated to, "My wife wasn't feeling well", and the "I have another job interview", was an accidental slip in secret information in-which the employee was leaving the company anyway ... bye bye. Just for fun ... what was the best, far fetched, most creative employee excuse that you or your office manager were ever told? R.

Moments ago, I viewed a news video from a Texas station regarding the Houston killing of tow owner, Augustin Martinez. In the segment, a longtime friend told the news that, "Whenever someone would start arguing with people, he'd take their pictures for his own safety. In this case, it was a good picture." The news reported that, “Just before the argument began, Martinez took Torres' picture on his cellphone.” Was that a good move on the victim’s part? In the world of all craziness that we tower’s experience, I’ve written about the reality of wearing body armor, does this shooting reinforce that need and suggest that now there’s a need for body cameras? Martinez was shot by a coward with a gun after some argument occurred. I believe that most people don’t like to have their picture taken when that person is upset or homophobic. It’s my opinion that the shooter freaked-out and went over the proverbial when the victim pulled out his camera. It might have been a good picture, but a man needlessly lost his life over a petty argument. R.

I like the looks of this thing lowered and widened ... looking closely to see the lines of a Pontiac Firebird. Thanks for sharing. R.

I agree about the third world assessment. I also believe that the intent of Ron's TowForce is for towers who can't afford formal training ... they too can have a place to see what tower's are doing right and wrong. But, in the absence of training comes blunders like these where recoveries are conducted daily with farm tractors, mules, camels, even elephants are the norm in the third world. While we Americans are spoiled with the technology and affordability here at home, those folks do the best they can with what they do. However awkward or ill-equipped they are, I salute their sometimes ingenuity, creativity and drive to get the process done. R.

In recent a post on TowForce, a cell-phone video showed a tower who was outwardly taunting a highly explosive customer and clearly demonstrated how volatile an agitated customer can be. I was amazed to watch the tower poking fun and challenges at the customer while at the same time seeing the customer go into a level of rage that could have resulted in the tow operator being assaulted or killed. I was also amazed at some of the tower's comments that followed. To me, the video (and resulting responses) provided a clear message that maybe we towers DON'T know how to react to upset and angered customers ... why poke a junk yard dog through the fence with a stick, are we becoming our own enemies? That video is a great learning tool on what NOT to do and one to be shared at employee safety meetings. I've spent considerable time archiving and researching incidents of tow operator fatalities; the first one I recorded was 1934. Of the 126-some odd tow operators and tow business owners killed by violence and as the result of tow related activities. This month, October 2019, goes down as the most violent month (4x homicides) that's ever occurred against industry personnel. To me, I believe there perhaps needs to be a shift in industry training that includes "how-to handle violent motorists and customers". In that, how can tower's be trained against some psycho with a penchant for drugs, booze, explosive tempers, and with little to no motive? I've pondered the human element and understand that it takes, "two to tango", where oftentimes a tow operators response is their own immediate heightened aggression. I want to learn more about the human dynamics that you take to remain calm when faced with a potentially violent customer or motorist? Unfortunately, doing unto others as they would do unto you isn't the focus of modern day society. I believe that cool heads prevail, so, without telling me, "I ain't backin' down", or commenting, "I'll just get' my gun and shoot em' in the face", what simple techniques do you use to handle an extremely violent customer? Do you have any? R.

How many does it take to change a light bulb? If access wasn't a problem, why couldn't the carrier have attempted this load from the forward end of the car? R.

I personally like hockey puck lights. Advanced lighting and the devices being used are a choice of towers who are using them ... it's that old Ford, Chevy Dodge thing. The key is, "USING THEM". Each has their own unique-ness as to how they operate, store and, to what response they generate to the motoring public? Me being old-school, I prefer cones and flares. Cones are a little hard to store on some trucks because of their size, but they're durable and long lasting, especially when motorists run over them. Flares are the international signal of distress. Their bright, florescent color demands attention, yet they're worthless if not protected from the elements and when they get run-over by the motoring public. Flares send the message of distress, but they are highly problematic when being used in any state where wildfire is a sure possibility. That's why most LE agencies are favorite to reflective cones. Hockey pucks require a designated power source and need maintenance; they too are as good until they are run-over by the motoring public. Keeping the motoring public off of and out of our traffic problem is the problem, but, advanced emergency warning is only as good when cones, flares or pucks are deployed. Whatever your doing ... keep them charged and keep using them. R.

Christine and I send our prayers to the Martinez family hoping for their peace and ultimate justice. Most likely this coward shooter has fled back to Mexico. Although the US and Mexico have a treaty to extradite suspects involved in extreme crimes, I don't have much faith in that system. From a shooting that occurred earlier in the year, here's an interesting article link to shed some light on the extradition process. This is the fourth fatality this month as a result of tow related activities where towers have been killed. I'd like to be a fly on the wall to review what events occurred leading up to these kinds of violent confrontations. Like Richard said, Mr. Martinez didn't deserve this. R&C Link: https://qz.com/1681452/mexico-wants-to-extradite-the-el-paso-gunman/ Update: There's another poorly written news account of this shooting incident only to mention "Shootout". The details of the news account doesn't provide details that might or might not be accurate. Here's the link: https://www.click2houston.com/news/local/police-1-killed-in-shootout-between-tow-truck-driver-another-person

That's really awesome Jeff. I guess that sets-the-tone for the amount to beat next year. Special thanks goes to all towers, owners, sponsors, and participants who opened their saving's accounts to purchase from the auctions ... especially all of those $100 dollar bills floating towards the podium. The quilt alone sale was amazing. Wow. R.

These are the kind of, "survival stories", I like to read about. It's a matter of changing one's on-scene safety mentality that identifies an active work-zone BEFORE work commences. All the excuses in the world 9as they relate to flares and cones) take the same amount of time talking about them as it takes to just set them up. Cones and flares and over-head emergency lighting should go hand-in-hand with every roadside scenario be it crash, recovery or simple service. And understanding the reasons to get off scene as quick as possible being a priority, on-scene, I agree with you that pre-advanced warning is a technique every tower should initiate. Note: Cheap Shameless Plug Alert: If you're headed to Atlantic City for this year's American Towman tow show, I invite you to attend my photo presentation on this topic R.

Christine and I send our prayers to the Martinez family hoping for their peace and ultimate justice. Most likely this coward shooter has fled back to Mexico. Although the US and Mexico have a treaty to extradite suspects involved in extreme crimes, I don't have much faith in that system. From a shooting that occurred earlier in the year, here's an interesting article link to shed some light on the extradition process. This is the fourth fatality this month as a result of tow related activities where towers have been killed. I'd like to be a fly on the wall to review what events occurred leading up to these kinds of violent confrontations. Like Richard said, Mr. Martinez didn't deserve this. R&C Link: https://qz.com/1681452/mexico-wants-to-extradite-the-el-paso-gunman/

Hi All ... a crash in Hawaii where friends were helping friends in a breakdown situation trying to remove a disabled SUV. THIS WAS NOT A TOW TRUCK INVOLVED FATALITY. See the link: https://www.hawaiinewsnow.com/2019/10/24/hawaii-man-is-killed-while-securing-tow-straps-vehicle-crash-arizona/ There are many similarities and lessons learned from this crash which are applicable to our industry, i.e., several of the victims struck were lying under and between the disabled vehicle looking to attach tow straps. The front vehicle was set in position to pull the disabled SUV. Another vehicle was stopped and parked behind the disabled SUV in a live traffic lane with no flares or cones to announce their presence. In police work ... those potentially deadly possibilities are called, "Deadly Sins". This scenario leads me to the importance of parents providing roadside service to their teenager's car with instructions to not attempt this dangerous process. But, because some of the youths were said to be aspiring mechanics, that would certainly introduce the get er' done mindset. What a horrible accident, but there are lessons learned for sure. If your a parent or grandparent, this incident is one to share with your kids with hopes that they will call roadside service, or call you because there's a tow truck in the family. Share this on your Facebook page or other social media. Christine and I pray for the victims and their families. R.

Experiencing the loss of a parent killed in the line of duty for any first responder, tow operators and highway workers alike is a really hard road to navigate. What makes matters worse are those who haven't prepared ahead of time for any unfortunate accident or incident. While it's true nobody likes to think about a violent ending, the reality of the towing and recovery industry suggests that towers should seek out some kind of life insurance, accidental death burial benefit, have a living trust, power of Attorney, Last Will and Testament ... even a "Do not resuscitate" order. Those all are sometimes hard to afford, especially on the low pay that the industry provides. Even Worker's Comp benefits are slow coming. Having one's affairs in-order can help with those difficult times when an unfortunate ending occurs. R.

Hi All ... If you haven't seen it yet, three-hours ago, a Lincoln SUV has driven through a containment wall of an Indianapolis parking garage and fell four-floors to the alleyway below. The mishap resulted in a double fatality that's being called and accident. There's raw footage of the recovery with lots and lots of fire personnel on-scene. https://www.wthr.com/article/2-dead-after-car-falls-parking-garage-downtown At the end of the video(1:30), you'll see a flatbed carrier working the rollover. I'm only mentioning this due to the recent forum conversation that carrier's are considered recovery trucks. So, if carriers are recovery trucks, why is a carrier conducting the rollover? Isn't there a bit of confusion on the part of law enforcement, or, is it possible that the original call didn't specific a wrecker? I'd like to send forward a challenge for manufacturer's and tow associations get together with law enforcement to make a change in what truck can and can't do rollovers? I believe that carriers are every bit of a recovery (by definition). The guidelines and protocols that don't allow for the acceptance of carriers as recovery trucks are old and outdated. Besides, the LE community shouldn't tell tow operators what equipment can and can't be sent to incidents. That should be the responsibility of the tow company to send the appropriate truck for the work to be done. R

Great answer ... remember now ... I was only havin' fun OK? R.

Maybe you've stepped on to a monstrous big possibility that my mom was trying to kill me and all my siblings by feeding us lima's all those years as a kid? Now I have to questions the statute of limitations? R

Hi Brian ... now that you're feeling better .. I HAVE to pick on you just for fun. Through my LE experience and research, I've determined that Mc Donald's has 350 sesame seeds on each of their hamburger buns. Chemically speaking, sesame seeds contain trace amounts of morphine and codeine - substances found in opium and heroin. Consuming foods with sesame seeds won't have the same effect as these drugs, however, the traces will appear in a urine sample and give a false positive reading. I have to ask ... if I eat two Big Mac's before I test ... will I lose my job? At the moment ... I'm more concerned about losing the ability to have Big Mac's versus losing my job. What do you advise? R.

This topic has been covered many times in contract negotiations, in magazine articles and on this Forum. Contracts are no longer kept with the same tow companies who have served for many years, or for towers who are seeking to be on a list. There should be no entitlement as to whether or not a tow company can, will, or should remain on a rotation list, or be entitled to a place on a list. The agency's head, director, Chief or Sheriff can determine and enforce the details of the tow contract to fit the needs of their agency. And, possibly the best narrative ever written (on this topic) was by industry attorney, Mr. Michael McGovern, in a, February 2009 article, in Tow Times Magazine entitled, "The "Point To" Test. In part Mr. McGovern writes, ... "if there is no state law or contract granting a legal entitlement, what is the nature of the interest a tow operator has in a place on a rotation list? I don;t know how it is in Canada, but that's somewhat the way here in the US. Being accepted on a tow list is merely a privilege that can be given or taken away, usually at the reasonably-exercised discretion of the government entity or law enforcement agency. Perhaps Tow Times Magazine can re-post that article here, or, Mr. May could contact Mr. McGovern to see what kind of battle they're up against. Unfortunately, when it comes to what's fair or unfair, I don't believe there's anything that requires the OPP accept all tow operators to be on a list, especially in the best interests of public safety. I'm not taking sides here and I support the tower's right to challenge the OPP. I'm simply telling it like the reality it is and I hope that your peaceful demonstration bears fruit. R.

I really feel bad for the tow operator and hope he or she seeks appropriate counseling. Night-time and rain are tough conditions to deal with. R.

Congratulations Jeff for this year's events at the tow show, HOF, WOF and the auction. Although dinner was a bit of a debacle, none-the-less, you all raised an incredible amount toward the survivor fund. If it's not against any rules of disclosure, could you please tell everyone just how much was raised as a final total. Christine and I truly had a great time attending this year's events and it was really great to talk with you. I have a dollar amount that I remember hearing, but I don't want to overstep my bounds. Thank you and the entire board for all you do in the interest of the towing and recovery community. R.