Tow truck operators want drivers to “move over”
The swish of cars going several miles per hour are just inches away from tow truck operators as the work to help others on the road.
Steve Wallace, the owner of Auto Medic Towing and Repair says, “I was almost struck while loading the car, came very close to me and I had to duck underneath the truck to get out of the way. The people just kept going like they weren’t even aware of it.”
Thomas Tingle a tow truck driver with Wallace’s company says, “Came really close to taking out my shoulder with a mirror, unfortunately it happens.”
It’s a dangerous site to think about, one 47ABC wanted to see first- hand. We snapped on our go-pro’s, hopped in a truck with Auto Medic Towing and Repair, and headed out on the road.
Tow operators only have about 6 to 8 inches between their work space and the “white line.” The “Move Over” law was approved in Maryland in 2010. In 2012, it was modified to include not only emergency, but hazard vehicles like tow trucks.
The law requires drivers, upon noticing responding vehicles, to move over one lane; and if that’s not possible, slow down to a reasonable speed. 47ABC did witness some cars do this, but, several drivers went right past without hesitation.
Tingle says, “Most people they just don’t pay attention. They’re out there to drive, they have their things to do. However, we have our things to do as well, and sometimes they don’t always mesh.”
The international towing and recovery museum based in Tennessee says 50 to 100 tow truck drivers die on the job every year in the U.S. However, companies like Auto Medic Towing and Repair try to lower their risk. They have reflective gear, strobes and spot lights on trucks, but there’s one safety rule that comes before anything else.
Wallace replies with the answer, “We never, never, put our backs to traffic.”
Tow truck drivers say that because they’re mindful of drivers, they just want the same respect.
To review the “Move Over” law you can visit the link here: http://mlis.state.md.us/2010rs/bills/hb/hb0499e.pdf
