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?
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) reports that tow truck drivers were involved in nearly 600 fatal roadway incidents between 2011 and 2015. Of these, 33% were caused by other motorists failing to pay attention or yielding the right of way.
Another 22% of fatalities were due to being struck by a vehicle or object while loading or unloading a vehicle. The remaining 45% of fatalities were attributed to other causes such as mechanical failure or driver fatigue.
In terms of overall statistics, tow truck drivers accounted for 4% of all work-related fatalities in 2015. This number is slightly lower than the average for all occupations (4.6%) but still significantly higher than occupations such as police officers (1%) and firefighters (2%). It is also higher than construction workers (3%), which is often considered one of the most dangerous occupations in terms of fatality rates.
The data suggests that tow truck drivers face an increased risk of death while on the job, primarily due to their close proximity to moving vehicles on the highway and their need to load and unload vehicles quickly in order to keep up with service calls. This makes them particularly vulnerable to being struck by passing cars or objects that have been dropped onto roadsides.
To reduce the number of fatalities among tow truck drivers, states have begun implementing laws such as “move over” laws that require motorists to move into another lane when a stopped emergency vehicle is present on a highway shoulder. Some states have also begun requiring tow trucks be equipped with warning lights or reflective striping in order to make them more visible during nighttime operations when visibility can be especially low.
Ultimately, however, it is up to motorists to be aware and cautious when driving near emergency vehicles like tow trucks and yield the right-of-way when required by law. Doing so can help ensure that these brave individuals can continue their important work without fear for their lives each day they are out on the roadways.
Conclusion
It is clear from data collected by NHTSA that tow truck drivers face an increased risk of death while on duty due primarily to their close proximity with moving vehicles and objects on highways combined with their need for speed when picking up cars on service calls. In order to reduce these fatalities, both state laws and motorist awareness must be taken into consideration in order for these brave individuals do their jobs safely each day they are out on our roads.
