Tow truck drivers are an integral part of the roadways. They provide a valuable service to those in need, often at great risk to their own safety.
Unfortunately, in 2020, that risk has been made all too real.
This year, there have been multiple reports of tow truck drivers killed while on the job. In March, a tow truck driver in California was killed while attempting to load a vehicle onto his tow truck.
In May, two tow truck drivers were killed in separate incidents in North Carolina and South Carolina.
The dangers that tow truck drivers face on the job are real and significant. According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), nearly one out of every five fatal crashes involving roadside workers is attributed to a tow truck driver being struck by another vehicle. This statistic is especially startling when you consider that there were more than 6 million traffic accidents reported in 2019 alone.
In order to protect these brave individuals from harm, states have implemented several regulations. For example, many states have passed laws requiring motorists to slow down and move over for stopped emergency vehicles and tow trucks with flashing lights. Other states have implemented “Move Over” laws which require motorists to change lanes when approaching emergency vehicles or tow trucks with flashing lights.
While these regulations are important steps towards protecting our brave roadside workers, it is clear that more must be done.
Tow truck drivers put their lives on the line every day they go out on the roadways. It’s up to all of us – motorists included – to do our part by following the rules of the road and giving them space when they are working.
At this time, it is unclear how many tow truck drivers have been killed this year.
However, it is clear that any number is too high and more needs to be done to ensure their safety while providing an essential service on our roads.
Conclusion
How Many Tow Truck Drivers Have Been Killed This Year? Unfortunately, it is unclear exactly how many tow truck drivers have been killed this year due to lack of available data; however, any number is too high and we must do more to ensure their safety while performing an essential service on our roads.
