Lexington, KY — Spurred by the deaths of five tow truck operators who were struck by passing vehicles over the past decade, the Kentucky Injury Prevention and Research Center has issued a hazard alert.
The alert, which details three of the cases, cautions that roadside assistance workers, including tow truck drivers, face a “high risk of injury or death when operating near moving traffic,” citing distracted driving and failure to observe roadside safety laws.
The alert includes recommendations for employers:
Prohibit working on the traffic-facing side of the vehicle. Implement policies that require operators to perform tasks from the side of the tow truck opposite of traffic.
Provide comprehensive training for tow operators. Offer training that covers proper loading/unloading procedures, equipment inspection and operation, hazard recognition and response, correct use of personal protective equipment, and safe roadside procedures.
Enhance visibility with high-visibility apparel, vehicle lighting and portable warning devices. Incorporate ANSI Class 3 hi-vis clothing and vehicles equipped with LED light bars and strobes that provide 360-degree visibility to alert oncoming traffic.
Ensure tow operators work with law enforcement to secure the loading area. Law enforcement should be present when tow truck operators are working along narrow shoulders or in situations with additional hazards or weather concerns. Officers should, at minimum, engage their light bar for the duration of the loading procedure.
Data from the AAA Foundation shows that, nationwide, 123 roadside assistance workers were fatally struck between 2015 and 2021.
