rreschran

I'm sorry for the senseless loss of another first responder, but, I respectfully have to say, like many towers, police officer and fire fighters, getting out of any vehicle requires extreme caution and immediate awareness of hazardous approaching traffic. The short narrative provided in GM's post is a solid lesson learned by reading between the lines. It's not my intent to Monday Morning QB this FF's death, but focusing on anything other than getting away from traffic is a deadly possibility. I fully understand the mentality of arriving on an emergency type call where a direction of focus is to the fire/rescue activity and not where one has exited, is standing or where they're walking. That goes for all first responder activities like directing traffic, laying flares, pulling hoses, applying ratchet straps, even approaching a car to write a citation. FACT: The dangers of white-line safety are ALWAYS present. You see it all the time; we're oftentimes are our worst enemies by not being 100-percent focused (first) on getting out of our vehicles and away to the non-traffic side of safety. Because we're wrapped up in our jobs, or, maybe a little complacency creeps in ... it's easy to lose focus of what is the most common reason first responders and highway workers are repeatedly killed. R.

As a tow business owner, there's great concern and liability to ensure your company's tow operators are substance free when driving and operating your tow trucks. There's nothing more scary than having the highway patrol call to advise you that one of your tow trucks just plowed the rear of a stopped car and your tow truck driver was arrested for DUI. Tow industry news constantly reports that tow operators arrive on-scene and are arrested for being under the influence while operating a motor vehicle. For years, there's been technology where DUI by blood, breath or urine detect levels of alcohol in one's system. Now, with the increased legalization of personal use and medical marijuana comes new technology that can detect the presence of marijuana. I found this really interesting article on new approaching technology of a device that reported can detect MJ. I don't know what side of the MJ debate you're on, but as technology gets better and more affordable, perhaps these kinds of devices will be the standard of employee testing within the workplace. Give this article a read if nothing more than understanding the process and technology. You can be sure that the legal side will certainly challenge the device. Will it stay or will it go away? Only time will tell. R. Link: https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2019/08/190827123239.htm

As South Africa's on-going (towing) turf wars continue, another tow business owner was gunned down outside his home Sunday just before midnight. the location of the shooting was the site of the shooting homicide of this guy's business partner last year. The victim in this shooting, Kalvin Periasamy,was said to have been involved in the 2016 murder of tower Enver Ramsamy. This is the 19th shooting/homicide involving tow truck drivers and tow business owners I've recorded in 10-years. The South African government still hasn't gained any hold to control the violence that is reportedly gang related. They obviously take their business and competition seriously there. R Link: https://www.msn.com/en-za/news/truecrime/another-phoenix-tow-truck-owner-killed-in-ongoing-feud/ar-AAJ6dWs?li=BBqg6Q6

Over the years, I've recorded as many as eight tow operators killed while cleaning accident debris. So, here I am reading and interesting rant about tow truck drivers who don't clean-up at accident scenes. It seems that motorists don't understand the dangers associated with tow operators as a pedestrian workers on the city streets and highways. This link https://www.thedenverchannel.com/traffic/driving-you-crazy/driving-you-crazy-why-dont-tow-truck-drivers-clean-up-after-a-wrecks-anymore is an example of one man's displeasure. So, when you're working a multi-car accident scene and there's lots of glass and debris, don't ya' just hate those towers who just swoop-in to load a car and then split? I recall the time when, working graveyard patrol in San Diego, a tower came, s cooped and went with no assist to clean-up while the other tow company was left with all the debris. I quickly called dispatch and ordered the tow company to return. He wasn't too happy, but, we had one of those, "administrative chats" ... if ya' know what I mean. R

Thanks for that ... I agree. If towers are serving law enforcement, I too believe that I'd stand on my head for them. As the cop on scene, I have every expectation that towers should serve at the highest level. When towers balk at special requests, that separates the cream from the curd. Old laws on today's book do not deal in reality to the extent that public safety will prevail over dust and rust written a long time ago. R.

Carriers are the most common kind of tow truck to end-up in a ditch, go over the bank, into a K-Rail, or plow into someone else especially when there's rain, snow and ice. i've recorded as many as 8x tow operator's killed, ejected, rolled with rain being a primary, associated factor. The driving dynamics are completely different than driving in a car. And, when there's nothing on the carrier's deck, smooth and controlled braking go out the window. I attended Brian Riker's truck driving seminar in Dallas where his presentation was informative and correct regarding tow truck and driving operations. Brian noted that many accidents like this are the result of towers not being trained. I believe company owners should include wet-weather driving as a topic for safety meetings. The NHTSB states that 49-percent of all crashes are due to rain-caused accidents with the Number-1 factor being speed for conditions, suggesting motorists slow down their speed, increase following distances, and avoid standing water. But, that's a tough one to first teach and then instill good habits to tow truck drivers. R.

I'm working on a carrier project that for a long time has been a stupid debate that suggests flatbed carriers AREN'T recovery trucks. To that I say say, "rubbish". A skilled, well-trained, professional tow operator can work most wrecks and recoveries using a carrier, and especially true for carriers that are outfitted with Side-Pullers. To that .. the California Highway Patrol, in this modern day and age of advancements in carrier design, accessories and training, still prohibit (by contract) carriers to be used for recoveries. I believe that law enforcement hasn't been shown what carriers can do in the hands of a skilled operator. I'm not talking about recoveries that require lift, excessive snatch-blocking, or long-lengths of cable. And, because the manufacturers say they won't warranty, guarantee, or recommend carriers used for recovery, law enforcement takes their word as gospel. Isn't it time that manufacturers and state tow associations come forward to demonstrate that carriers oftentimes are the better truck for the job? Bye the way, I actively teach CHP tow operators and FSP roll-over techniques using a flatbed carrier, especially for those cops repeatedly forget to request a wrecker and the carrier is the first "tow truck" to arrive on scene. Thoughts? Opinions? R

Correct Ron ... that's the same information (or product) mentioned two posts ago. See the comments regarding OSHA. R.

Here's an update article from San Diego news. Link: https://fox5sandiego.com/2019/10/18/man-trapped-by-flatbed-truck-dies/

Thank you Joe for your words of support. Christine and I got to have lunch with Mr. Pilon's adult children and family members. They drove 1,700 miles from Canada to Chattanooga to see their father's name added to the Wall. And yes, they were very appreciative indeed. Son Richard brought with him the watch his father was wearing at the moment he was killed as well as his favorite Zippo lighter. The watch had stopped the moment his was killed showing the time of 6:10 and the Zippo was dented from the crushing impact. R

From industry news comes this topic where a California tow truck operator discovered a body in a vehicle on the 91-freeway. Reading the narrative, it reports that the vehicle was towed to the coroner's office. It doesn't say that the body was still in the car, however, here's my question; "When you arrive on-scene and a police detective tells you that they want you to tow or transport a vehicle with a body still inside", how do you respond? This has happened to me twice and it's is a valid consideration especially for evidence contractors. Some contracts have specific criteria for turning down or refusing calls. Do you tow it or do you turn it down keeping in mind the criteria of your highway patrol contract regarding "lawful orders". Link: https://www.nbclosangeles.com/news/local/Body-Found-in-Abandoned-Lexus-Near-Orange-County-Freeway-563358951.html

Now that the San Diego fatality is known, I’m sharing some important information on this topic. A few years back, I covered this topic after an earlier fatality occurred when a tow operator was killed clearing snow between a raised carrier’s deck rails. I went into my fatality stats where I list three other instances of the same “crushing” fatality (South Dakota, May, 2009, Montana, Nov. 2016, and in Illinois, Sept, 2018). Soon after, while attending an American Towman tow show, I saw a safety device designed and built as a means to prevent crushing injuries like these. So, I did some early morning research to refresh this topic and I’m providing a safety message for tow operators working on the beds of raised carriers. Here’s a great link you should be aware of: Link: https://www.osha.gov/dts/shib/shib091806.html OSHA’s 29 CFR 1926.600(a)(3)(i) has specific narrative directed to the construction trade stating, “in construction settings, requires that dump bodies shall be fully lowered or blocked when being repaired or when not in use A second part of section 29 CFR 1926.601(b)(10),“… requires that in construction settings, trucks with dump bodies shall be equipped with positive means of support, permanently attached, and capable of being locked in position to prevent accidental lowering of the body while maintenance or inspection work is being done.” While OSHA’s narrative isn’t specific (yet) to flatbed carrier designs, there’s forward thinking to be aware of the requirement when narrative refers to “dump bodies”. In my way of thinking, a carrier’s deck technically works as a dump body. If my way of thinking is that way … so can that of an OSHA inspector Here are the links of two bed safety locks as mentioned above. Although they’re pricey (approximately $1,250), what’s someone’s life worth? Emerson Safety Wedge Lock https://www.mile-x.com/emerson-wl-10-wedge-lock-for-dump-beds-pair-made-in-the-usa/?gclid=Cj0KCQjw6KrtBRDLARIsAKzvQIHsW0C22QJ0XV4OGdqUHHlSl_3Z6GaU7o_XSE8INPEuz1idBXi1VBUaAkEKEALw_wcB Dump Lock https://www.diesellaptops.com/products/dump-lok-udl-dump-bed-safety-brace?utm_source=google&utm_medium=cpc&adpos=1o1&scid=scplpshopify_US_1682241290311_16658451103815&sc_intid=shopify_US_1682241290311_16658451103815&keyword=&campaign=6617847350&content=386311263494&gclid=Cj0KCQjw6KrtBRDLARIsAKzvQIG4czqjSBphgHWvjse9UNBlOnb3QfFjc3SX8xUfryL5lFTIcSX3PRUaAg3GEALw_wcB If your company has flatbed carriers in the fleet, this the proper safety item to have in your shop. FACT: A length of 4x4, or a block of wood will and not does not provide adequate protection against slipping out and crushing a worker. FYI... I invite you to go to OSHA's website and review this information, to include several photos of proper and improper safety at the shop level. R

The area where this accident occurred is minutes from the International Border to Mexico. Around San Diego's Brown Field (airport) there are dozens of one operator companies and tow trucks that support the dismantling, parts and salvage yards there. I've checked with all of the companies that I do training with and everyone I work with are OK there. This accident is a solid reminder that no matter what the tower's genre is, all steps to ensure safety have to be taken to prevent accidents like this. If I can learn any more information, I'll pass it on.Christine and I send our prayers to the San Diego tower killed. So sad. R.

Update: Colorado's parole review board has voted to keep Detra Ferries in prison and not release her to a half-way house. An earlier decision to release her from only serving 7-years of a 20-year sentence was re-voted and overturned after being convicted of the 2011 dragging death Colorado tow operator Allen Rose. During the process of early review, it was determined that the parole board failed to notify Rose's widow of the intent to release early. Farries will remain in prison and continue her incarceration until the next parole hearing is held. https://www.krdo.com/news/top-stories/detra-farries-convicted-in-the-dragging-death-of-a-tow-truck-driver-will-remain-in-prison/1133191203

The video clearly shows the Tacoma run the red light and you can hear the carrier operator "lock it up" at the moment the tow driver saw the truck coming through the intersection about 7-seconds in. The irony in the photo shows that the carrier was transporting a car used in a, "destruction derby". I'm glad the tower and the trooper survived the crash. R.

Thanks Brian for sharing the sad news of Byron's passing. Christine and I send our prayers to Shane's and his family as well.

Brian ... send them on of your well-written letters expressing your dislike ... it's good therapy and doesn't cost you a thing. R.

There's an article floating around the internet by a writer named Kirsty Law and on the website Thethings.com. The article can be seen on the link https://www.thethings.com/20-things-tow-truck-drivers-do-that-annoy-everyone/ After reading her narrative, I got my panties in a twist and I fired off one of my letters yesterday to rebut what she had to say. In part I wrote, "I write to share my total disdain with your, October 14, 2019, article, “20-Things Tow Truck Drivers Do That Annoy Everyone.” I believe your narrative may have been perpetuated by you, or someone you know, having an undesirable experience of having a vehicle towed or impounded? Your adverse narrative makes me believe that you, or someone you know, may have been towed because of being parked where one shouldn’t have parked, they were towed by the police, they were arrested for driving while intoxicated, or, were involved in an unfortunate traffic accident … all by the way, at no fault of our tow operators. "I believe that you, and, Thethings.com, owe the towing and recovery industry a huge apology. Please note, I have since forwarded this letter to the towing and recovery industry while providing them the link to your article and your editor. Furthermore, I’ve invited all towers to message back to your publication with hopes this letter is returned to you. Your narrative is unacceptable, demeaning and undeserved. While I’ll say that we’re not an industry that’s over-sensitive and certainly not one easily offended, your words shed malice in a negative light, that, without tow operators serving the motoring public, the world’s highway, bi-ways and city streets would be nothing more than orchestrated chaos. These brave men and women give their lives to serve their communities in-which they live. So, the next time you experience a flat-tire or vehicle break-down on the shoulder of a dark, rainy highway, I pray for your survival when no tower comes to your aid having read your slanderous and ignorant comments that berates our brotherhood of brave tow men and tow women." I invite you to read the narrative as see that the industry has been dogged for whatever motivation she has. I further invite you to write the parenting site https://www.valnetinc.com/ a nasty-gram if only to tell Ms. Law just how out of touch with reality she really is. I know that my words might fall on Ms. Law's deaf ears, but it does me well to let her and those other ignorant journalists know that they have their heads in their proverbial asses. R.

Congratulations Belinda for your Dave Jones' Award and thank you for your contributions to the industry. I was proud to be awarded the Dave Jones' Award last year. It was great to see you in Chattanooga. R.

OK ... so let's question this as if that Cadillac rolled through and intersection and ran over four-persons waiting for a city bus. How far will a #4,000-pound, drive-less, stop-less vehicle roll when it detaches at 40-miles per hour and what is the potential for great bodily injury or death? One strap and no safety chains is capable of ending someones life at the blink of an eye. So, isn't that why towers are trained to comply? And, intentionally failing to use appropriate safety gear; wouldn't that teeter on criminal negligence? Is it worth the risk? R.

As you know, I follow tow related news and cases important to the towing and recovery industry. I recently read the results of a Louisiana Worker's Compensation case where, on May 10, 2015, tow operator Steven Ricketson was struck and killed by a train in Louisiana. His widow filed a Worker's Comp claim on behalf of Steven's biological child seeking compensation and support. In September 2018, the case was adjudicated where no compensation was paid to Steven's child. Adding insult to injury, all fees of the case were assessed against Steven's wife. I bring this case to the forefront as a reminder that, whatever your situation is regarding your personal matters of marriage, child support, divorce, assets, property, a Last Will, or living trust, etc. ... take necessary time to be sure that your personal family matters are well handled. Because this industry never guarantees anyone's longevity, there's a certain responsibility that we each bear that our family matters are covered. I personally know several towers who lost their lives in the line-of-duty and were not insured nor did they have their affairs in order. This is a topic that no-one wants to approach, but it's vitally important to do so. I provide a link to the travesty placed on Steve Ricketson's family. RIP Steve. R. Link: https://law.justia.com/cases/louisiana/first-circuit-court-of-appeal/2019/2019ca0039.html

Hi All ... It's finally done. My year long project of research and applying to have a Canadian tow operator added to the Wall of the Fallen is finally complete. This last Saturday, I had the honor and privileged to meet the adult children of, Edgar Arthur Pilon, a Canadian tow operator who died in December 1954. Christine and I met Mr. Pilon's family at the Wall of the Fallen memorial where the family drove 1,700 miles from Lancaster, Ontario, Canada to be in Chattanooga to witness their father's name being added to the Wall. And, with them, son Richard Pilon, brought with him (to show me) the watch that their father was wearing at the time he was killed. The watch was stopped at 6:10. Also, he brought his father's Zippo lighter which his father was carrying when he was struck ... the Zippo was heavily dented. These were silent reminders of a father who was killed in the line of duty. Christine and I spent the day hosting them to the Wall of the Fallen memorial, into the museum, and ultimately we went to lunch. If you haven't heard of this incident or this event, here's a link to an article written in Canada's Glengarry News. Link: https://www.pressreader.com/canada/the-glengarry-news/20190925/281479278137229 And, from my archives Mr. Pilon is the oldest, recorded Canadian tow operator killed in the line-of-duty. I now list 36x Canadian tow operators who were killed in tow related accidents and incidents. R.

Please don't ask ... I won't respond. R.

This is one of those scenarios where the tower most likely will be blamed for the customer's death ... beyond that of the hit and run driver when arrested. At what point are tow operators in-charge of a customer's movements when a vehicle is either being picked up or dropped off? This unfortunate fatality may end up as a lawsuit against the tow operator and his company for not keeping control of the customer's movements. I'm including a link of a HUGE California lawsuit regarding Ruben Monarrez versus Automobile Club of Southern California where controlling the roadside customer was one of the major issues in the lawsuit. Link: https://caselaw.findlaw.com/ca-court-of-appeal/1616140.html While I believe that every competent thinking adult should know better than to stand in the street, the average Joe doesn't have the safety mindset we towers are expected to have. Accordingly, I won't judge this tower's actions, but I know that if sued, the Plaintiff will attack the tower's training. I really feel bad for the tower as he was simply doing his job. As in the Monarrez case, I was the subject matter witness for the tow operator and the Auto Club, yet the overall sentiment in the Monarrez case settled out of court for an undisclosed amount. That simply means ... someone paid big bucks. It's called, "Baby Sitting 101", and something we're tasked to do ... not that we already have enough responsibility to include our own personal safety during load and off-load considerations. So, I'll ask, "What steps do you/should you take to control your customer when loading or unloading based on your training and on-scene safety? Read the Monarrez case and think of what you would have done to protect the customer's safety. Monarrez was struck on the highway while venturing into highway traffic lanes. Is the danger any less on city streets, and, do we (as towers) have a responsibility for a customers safety, or are they simply on their own?Note: This was a California case where protocol is not/may not be consistent with other states, clubs, or company policies and procedure. Please evaluate this case as it regards your state of operations. R.

Hi Joe ... the California Highway Patrol is in the dark with certain types of towing and recovery equipment. For example, the CHP's Tow Service Agreement (TSA) states that a flatbed carrier is not a recovery truck and shall not be used for recovery. While I believe this is an administrative statement, CHP officers at scene allow towers to conduct rollovers all the time, even if the casualty is on its roof. As in the many past years, California's tow association has done nothing to educate the highway patrol as to what can and can be done with a flatbed carrier as well as a semi-mounted knuckle-boom crane working with a Landoll type trailer. Before you spend big dollars on a heavy flatbed transporter, you'd be a wise man to see if your knuckle-boom is allowed by your state's highway patrol. And, if they don't know what it's capable of, invite them to a recovery presentation to show them what it can do. I personally like the combination. Best regards. R.