Re: National Move-Over Day is Tomorrow

[rreschran]

Tomorrow is, "National Move-Over Day", created in memory of first responders killed working highway related events.

 

For the towing and recovery industry, my research has confirmed as many as 361x tow truck operators killed working the highways. My numbers reflect tow operator fatalities and don't include roadside mechanics, tire services, medical incidents while driving a tow truck, or tow truck crashes while enroute or returning from a tow job.

 

The number 361x represents tow operator's considered "struck-by-fatalities", on highway shoulders. Note: A greater percentage of tower's killed were struck while working the traffic side of their tow trucks and carriers. I send this as a friendly reminder that you're typically out there alone with no assistance from law enforcement. Your tow truck lights, vests, cones, flares, even police cars on-scene provide you little to no protection. STAY-OFF the white-line, even if that means applying a minimal point tie-down so to move to a safer location that put's you OUT of harm's way.    

 

If you're a tow business owner, remember to, "Teach It and Preach It." If you're a tow operator, know that distracted driving a DUI's are the reason towers are killed at an alarming rate. It's my opinion that SDMO law's don't work, making you that much more vulnerable. Because you have no control over a motorist's vehicle and their bad-driving habits, you're survival is the result of your good judgement. Please ... work fast, work tactically, and STAY-OFF the white-line.

 

And, in that, to all tow operators and first responders, I send my prayers for your continued safety.        R.