Tow truck drivers, also known as wrecker operators, are an essential part of our roadways. They provide a vital service to everyone from motorists who have broken down to law enforcement agencies that need to remove disabled vehicles.
Unfortunately, tow truck drivers are also among the most dangerous jobs in the United States, with a fatality rate that is far higher than the national average.
According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), tow truck drivers have a fatality rate of 26.4 deaths per 100,000 full-time workers. This is more than five times higher than the national average of 5 deaths per 100,000 full-time workers. The BLS also notes that tow truck drivers are at an increased risk of fatal injuries due to their long hours on the job and their exposure to hazardous conditions while maneuvering around other vehicles on the road.
The most common cause of death for tow truck drivers is motor vehicle accidents. In 2018 alone, there were 41 fatal vehicle crashes involving tow trucks—a number which has remained consistent over the past several years. Other dangers include falls from heights while loading or unloading vehicles and being struck by moving objects.
In addition to motor vehicle accidents, there are other factors that contribute to the high fatality rate among tow truck drivers. These include inadequate safety training and equipment as well as fatigue due to long hours spent on the job.
The bottom line: Working as a tow truck driver can be a risky occupation due to its high fatality rate—but it’s one that’s necessary for many communities across America. Safety should be a priority for all employers in this field in order to protect their employees from harm.
Conclusion: The fatality rate for tow truck drivers is alarmingly high—26.4 deaths per 100,000 full-time workers—making it one of the most dangerous jobs in America. Motor vehicle accidents are the most common cause of death for these workers, but inadequate safety training and equipment as well as fatigue due to long hours can also contribute to fatalities in this field.
8 Related Question Answers Found
Tow truck drivers are a cornerstone of the transportation industry, providing a valuable service to those in need. Unfortunately, their work can be dangerous, and many tow truck drivers have died in the line of duty. How many tow truck drivers died in 2020?
Tow truck drivers face many dangers on the job, and it isn’t uncommon for them to lose their lives in the line of duty. Every year, dozens of tow truck drivers are killed while performing their job duties. This article takes a closer look at how many tow truck drivers are killed yearly and what can be done to prevent these tragedies.
Tow truck drivers are essential to the safety and convenience of our roadways. Unfortunately, they often put their own safety at risk in order to help others. According to a 2020 report from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), there were an estimated 1,282 fatal crashes involving tow truck drivers that same year.
Tow truck drivers are the unsung heroes of the roads, helping to free stranded motorists and clear hazardous roadways. Unfortunately, they also take a disproportionate number of risks while on the job, putting their lives in danger every day. The question then arises: how many tow truck drivers are killed each year?
Tow truck drivers are an essential part of society, and their jobs come with their own set of risks. Unfortunately, some of those risks result in fatalities. In 2019 alone, 29 tow truck drivers died in the line of duty.
Tow truck drivers have a dangerous job, and according to the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA), they are at a greater risk of death than other professions. Unfortunately, tow truck drivers die more often than most people realize. What Triggers Tow Truck Driver Deaths?
Tow truck drivers are an important part of the emergency services, helping to get cars off the road in dangerous or difficult-to-reach places. However, their job comes with some risks. Every year, a number of tow truck drivers die due to accidents while on the job.
Tow truck drivers are an important part of our society, providing assistance to those stranded on the roadside. Unfortunately, the job of a tow truck driver is often a dangerous one. According to OSHA, in 2018 tow truck drivers had the highest number of fatalities in the highway maintenance industry.
