When you’re stranded on the side of the highway with cars whizzing past, you know it’s a dangerous situation. Fortunately, as a Good Sam Roadside Assistance member, you can have a tow truck driver dispatched to your location.
But, have you considered that the tow truck operator is risking their life while assisting you?
Unsung heroes of everyday life, tow truck operators are part of one of the top 10 most dangerous occupations. Indeed, truck driving is more hazardous than electrical power-line installation and repair according to studies by the Bureau of Labor Statistics.
Tow truck drivers are more than strong individuals with big trucks; John DeCostanza of Yahoo! aptly describes them as a “breed that is one part cowboy and two parts Good Samaritan.” Considered blue-collar in nature, tow truck drivers voluntarily head to scenes of emergency to render assistance.
While tow truck drivers employ emergency lights and safety vests, it’s not always enough. Perhaps text messaging or under the influence, distracted drivers may collide with the stranded vehicle, tow truck or its driver. Sadly, these collisions are often fatal due to high speed and suddenness of the impact.
Some states have enacted legislation to protect emergency roadside service providers; California’s “Move Over Law” or Pennsylvania’s “Steer Clear Law” are two such examples. Unfortunately, no law is a silver bullet for the risks to tow truck drivers.
So, next time you see a tow truck operator assisting someone ahead of you on the side of the road, give them a wide berth to perform their job safely and quickly. And, if a tow truck driver comes to help you, keep in mind that they’re putting their lives on the line to get you back on the road.
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Photo: Paul O'Rear
