In 2020, AAA reported that a tow truck driver is killed every six days. Those in the tow truck industry belong to one of the most hazardous occupations in the modern day. Unfortunately, it’s not just tow truck drivers, but all those individuals who respond to accidents or hazards on our busy streets and highways. Once a driver or employee leaves the safety of their vehicle and steps onto the roadway, they take on the risk of being hit by a vehicle traveling too close to the scene of the accident. To combat this risk and make work safer for all emergency responders, including tow truck drivers, every state in the U.S. has implemented move-over laws.
Move-over laws require other drivers to slow down and move into the far lane to give emergency responders as much room as possible to work at the scene. Unfortunately, not all drivers are aware of this law, and even many who do are unaware that tow truck personnel are considered emergency responders.
As a result, federal legislators are responding to concerns by reviewing and passing legislation to increase awareness and adherence to move-over laws. In 2022, the House of Representatives passed House Resolution 1463. While the resolution does not create any new regulations concerning move-over laws, it clearly expresses the support of the federal government for these laws. HR 1463 encourages other entities to provide education to the public about state-wide move-over laws so that more drivers will responsibly slow down and take precautions around emergency response vehicles.
What can you do to promote move-over laws?
It will take efforts from the towing industry to help the public become aware of the need to give tow truck drivers the room they need to perform their jobs safely. There are many ways you can help spread awareness and education in your community. Here are just a few examples:
- Reach out to law enforcement agencies and ask to be included in educational presentations or materials about move-over laws.
- Contact high schools and community colleges and ask to be included in presentations given for new driver training courses.
- As you’re designing advertising for the web or traditional media, include messaging about move-over laws.
- Consider being a sponsor for community events where you can post signage or handout materials with information about move-over laws.
- Talk to your local television station about producing a short segment on move-over laws and ask to be included to provide viewpoints from the towing industry perspective.
How can Collins Manufacturing help?
We have a history of working with our customer companies to help them achieve success. While you’re focused on running your business, allow our pros at Collins Manufacturing to introduce you to top-of-the-line towing equipment your employees and customers will love. Our Collins Manufacturing’s Hi-SpeedⓇ Dolly and Carrier Dolly systems are easy, safe to operate, light to transport, and durable to handle the toughest towing jobs. By providing our towing solutions for your employees, you’ll make their lives easier and see their job satisfaction grow.
Collins has been an industry leader in towing equipment for over 45 years. Our Hi-SpeedⓇ Dolly and Carrier Dolly systems provide towing professionals with lightweight solutions durable enough to get even large vehicles out of challenging situations and transport them safely wherever they need to go. Our products are designed with safety first to keep your employees safe while attaching and moving vehicles. Visit our website or give us a call to learn more about our products.
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