Hello, my name is Stephanie Richards, and I am a Senior Business Consultant at Beacon Funding. My family and I together have been serving the towing industry for over 55 years. I would like to take this opportunity to raise awareness about Slow Down, Move Over laws. This is important to me because we all have loved ones traveling on the road, and we want to ensure their safety.
This October, Beacon Funding and I are raising awareness about Slow Down, Move Over across all 50 states. These laws aim to reduce the number of fatal accidents involving tow truck operators by requiring motorists to slow down and change lanes when approaching a tow truck with flashing lights. This provides a safer working environment for these crucial workers.
Being a tow truck operator is an extremely dangerous job. Did you know that every six days a tow truck operator loses their life while on the job? Tow truck operators are usually the first responders when roadside accidents occur. And when motorists become stranded, they put themselves in dangerous situations to help others.
How You Can Help Keep Roadside Operators Safe
By practicing safe driving habits, we all play a crucial role in keeping tow truck operators and other first responders safe.
The next time you see flashing lights on the roadway, follow these steps:
1. Slow Down
When you see a tow truck flashing its lights, carefully reduce your speed. The presence of a tow truck usually indicates that there is an emergency or some form of assistance being provided, and slowing down allows you to be more aware of your surroundings. This small act can significantly decrease the chances of an accident and provide a safer working environment for the operators.
2. Move Over
Change lanes in the opposite direction of the tow truck, if possible. This action gives the tow truck operators the space they need to perform their duties without the risk of being hit by passing vehicles. Safely changing lanes can save lives.
3. Be Alert
Stay vigilant for other first responders such as ambulances or police vehicles. Being aware of additional emergency vehicles will help ensure that all personnel on the scene are safe. Keep an eye out for any unexpected movements or hazards and adjust your driving accordingly.
Additional Measures
- Always keep your eyes on the road and avoid distractions, such as using your phone.
- Pay attention to road signs and signals that indicate the presence of roadside workers.
- Use your vehicle's indicators to communicate your intentions to other drivers.
- Maintain a safe distance from the vehicle in front of you, especially in areas where roadside assistance is being provided.
By following these guidelines, you contribute to the safety and well-being of tow truck operators and other roadside assistance providers. Your actions can make a significant difference in preventing accidents and ensuring that these essential workers can perform their jobs safely and efficiently.
Impact on Other Roadside Assistance Providers
The Slow Down, Move Over laws not only protect tow truck operators but also other roadside assistance providers. For example, approximately 98,000 paramedics in the United States rely on the assistance of tow truck operators to clear accident scenes and help injured motorists.
Safety Tips for Tow Truck Operators
Tow truck operators can also take steps to ensure their own safety while working on the road:
- Attend Training: Participate in training programs that emphasize the importance of positioning oneself correctly at incident scenes. Learning to work or stand on the non-traffic-facing side can greatly reduce the risk of accidents.
- Minimize Exposure: Reduce the amount of time spent on the traffic-facing side of the scene whenever possible. This precaution can help avoid potential vehicle collisions and other hazards.
- Use Safety Equipment: Employ vehicle-mounted lights, signs, cones, and flares to enhance visibility and signal drivers to move over. This equipment is crucial in creating a safer work environment by alerting other motorists to the presence of roadside assistance activities.