rreschran

These are the kind of news stories that do a whole lotta' good for the industry's reputation. Kudos to Twin Cities Auto for waiving their fees.     R

Hey Ben ... Can you mention the app? What are they using?
 

No worries for sure. We had a fair turn-out for the Advanced Warning seminar and a huge turn-out for the dispatcher seminar. I was quite pleased as to how many dispatchers and owners attended. And, thanks for the message ... perhaps I'll see you in Atlantic City? Best Regards.     R.

I'm highly entertained by stories of tow operator response via the use of scanners, especially in Texas and New York. Having reviewed numerous (big city) law enforcement contracts, I've found no mention of use of scanners for either legitimate of illegitimate tow response, but that doesn't mean it's not written somewhere. Perhaps that's because there's huge liability for a police agency to require the use that supports, "quick response"? Many cities still use the old, "tossed chip system", for tow operators responding to calls for services they hear over police scanners. I personally think this kind of "dispatch" response is archaic and a dangerous process by agencies that sanction tower's speed to the scene in hopes of getting their chip selected. It doesn't make sense to me that some law enforcement agencies allow this practice while expecting the tow company's vicarious liability. However, for towers that use scanners to respond, if scanners are a tactical way to aide in getting business, I understand the thought process.   Any Thoughts?     R. 

None of my sources have heard of a Tennessee fatal as of yet ... I'm hoping it's not true.     R.

Thanks for sharing John. I really like the high-level of professionalism as depicted in the pictures of all parties involved. Best Regards.   R.

We send our prayers to Mr. Wilson's family and company he worked for.  R&C

As a beat cop years back, I responded to a call of a car crash in a busy beach area intersection. No car crash, but a gigantic rolling toolbox that decided to eject from the carrier that it was riding on top. Toolboxes are risky moves and every precaution (that includes extra padding) is necessary. The tower spent much of the afternoon chasing sockets and wrenches after re-loading the destroyed box.    R.

When I had my tow company in the Sierra's, our feral cats would climb into the tow truck's engine compartment to sleep on the warm engine. On one occasion, I heard the cat scream when I started the truck's engine, only to open the hood and see the cat captured with its fur caught in the alternator belt. I immediately cut the belt and the cat dropped to the floor and took off into the garage. I followed its bloody trail and found the cat badly hurt. With the aide of a heavy blanket, I snagged the cat and took her to the Vet. Long story short, another feral did the same thing at the end of winter. My kids appropriately names my tow truck, "The Kitty Gobbler".    R. 

In the past years, I've helped build 9x houses with Habitat for Humanity and church groups via Corazon de Mission Mexico. It's a really great cause and an awesome feeling when you'e there to witness someone being handed the keys to their very first house. Congratulations to you Rosales for earning the efforts of your sweat and labor.

... to that ... I personally believe that NO service calls are performed on highway shoulders, but quickly removed off-the-highway to a designated drop location of someplace off the highway. Highway response should not include the newly hired or inexperienced tow operator who is not trained in the dangers of highway response (minimally with TIM training).     R.

MRIDE ... welcome to TowForce. Your profile doesn't indicate where you hail from. The next American Towman Show is in Atlantic City NJ on the dates of 4 through 7 December. For information visit www.atexposition.com. You can find dates times and locations of the three AT shows there. Hope you can attend.    R. 

I carefully re-read the injured Ranger's comment that said, “Not only did I change her tire and give her gas, I actually sat there 15-20 minutes listening to her tell me everything that happened in her day,” Not to second guess the Ranger injured in this incident, but his total time on-scene could have been longer than 30 to 45-minutes to change the tire, add the gas, and then listen to the motorist's story about her day. If there are any lessons to be learned here ... when working in a proverbial war zone, it's really important that towers limit their exposure by completing their roadside task and getting off the should in as little time as necessary. Accordingly, California Freeway Service Patrol guidelines under Motorist Contacts, it suggest, "If a vehicle cannot be repaired within 10 minutes, the operator shall inform the motorist that the vehicle can be towed to a designated drop location where he or she can summon additional assistance." I interpret this statement to indicate that towers should recognize the exposure danger and move the vehicle to a safer location that's anywhere other than the shoulder of the highway. I'm thankful the tower wasn't killed.    R.

This tow truck is equipped with a huge sign board and plenty of reflective cones as an example of what all tow trucks should be outfitted with. However, I personally believe that changing tires and trying to service disabled vehicles on highway shoulders is a dangerous practice and only increases the tow operator's exposure as well as that of their roadside customer ... load em' up and get em'gone when it takes 10-minutes or more to provide service.   R.

When AAA is all about customer service and making sure their members are, "100-percent satisfied", this tower went above and beyond to help these members. Perhaps his employer should re-evaluate the company's dismissal policy? Although a bit unorthodox-ed ... Michael served the customer and I'm sure they didn't care what uniform he was wearing. Besides, his under-skivvies had more coverage than anything you'll see on a sunny day at the European Riviera. If his actions were done in good faith, I say good for you Michael for your actions. If the news account is accurate, I say shame on your employer.    R.

It was great to see everyone and catch-up on those hot topics. Thanks to Steve and Doc for another great tow show. Perhaps we'll see you in Atlantic City?

Best Regards.

Randy

It could be an agency requirement. The CHP says towers cannot photo any sdene without prior permission from the officer on scene. It's not an unreasonable policy.   R.

Based on the climbing number of tow truck and flatbed carrier accidents, I invite you to attend, American Towman's Brian Riker and his seminar on, "Defensive Driving and Driving Professionalism". Fact: Tow trucks and solo crashes and incidents are oftentimes the fault of the tow truck driver. Come and learn how tow trucks respond to panic stops, conditions while loaded, why the use of wearing a seat-belt is important, including other driver caused behaviors that result in tow operator fatality. Brian's seminar is must see information and something you should present at your company's next safety meeting. See you there in a couple of days at the American Towman Dallas Tow Exposition, August 17th, 2019 at 0800 Room Appaloosa 2.     R.

Hi All ... I'm headed to the tow show in Dallas where this year, I'm teaching my seminar, "From the Dispatch Office", focusing on the importance of good dispatching. Dispatchers are those behind the scenes office heroes who make tow action happen, but the wrong dispatcher can harm a company's productivity, morale, efficiency and total operations. I invite you to be part of this light-hearted presentation designated to salute all dispatchers this Saturday, August 17th, at 10 AM, Room: Appaloosa 1. I look forward to seeing you there.    R.

Hi All ... I'm looking forward to seeing you in Dallas. I'm teaching a seminar on the importance of building an advanced warning area for tow operators serving the highways. When reading tow operator fatalities, one of the most mention associated factor in white-line fatalities is because towers FAIL to identify their roadside work zone. This photo presentation shows what steps and techniques are helpful and why they are necessary in making your presence more visible beyond turning on the tow truck's overhead lights. I invite you to attend my seminar on Friday, August 16th at 10 AM in Room: Appaloosa 1. See you there.

The reality in any traffic stop is ... you never know if a motorist is planning to kill you.  Christine and I pray for the fast and complete recovery of the two surviving officers as well as the officer who lost his life.    R

I'm surprised to see no one responded to this question. Having documented more than 900+ tow operator fatalities since 1934, I believe that the greatest cause for operator fatality is towers are working the white-line side. But remember, the fatality numbers have climbed at the invent of cell-phones  and an increase in distracted, intoxicated and drug-related vehicle operations. The number mentioned (60) is an average only. Also note, when state law require that four point tie-down and safety chains must be applied to towed and transported vehicles, state law puts the operator in harm's way. The message of white-line safetyvfor all towers to fully understand and practice, but somehow not practiced, just like cops that walk and stand on the white line to make traffic stops. I think the best training to instill that safety message is by taking a free TIM course.    R

With all of that rain in the Pacific Northwest, you've got Holmes trees all over the place. Great job and thanks for sharing.   R.

These are all magazine quality photo's guys ... thanks for sharing.   R.

Christine and I sendour condolences in the tragic loss of this tower, his family and the company he worked for.     R.