How Many Tow Truck Drivers Get Killed Each Year?

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.

The majority of these fatalities were due to collision with other vehicles on the roadway. This was followed by tow truck drivers being struck by other vehicles, and then being ejected from the vehicle in the crash. These types of collisions accounted for nearly 70% of all deaths among tow truck drivers.

The remaining 30% of fatalities were caused by non-collision related incidents, such as medical issues or environmental hazards. The NHTSA report also found that more than half of all tow truck drivers killed in 2020 were between the ages of 25 and 44.

It is clear that more needs to be done to protect tow truck drivers, who are often working in dangerous conditions on busy highways and roads. Tow trucks should be equipped with cameras and sensors to help alert drivers when another vehicle is approaching or when an object is blocking the roadway ahead. Additionally, laws should be passed that require all motorists to slow down and move over when they see a tow truck stopped on the side of the road.

Conclusion

Tow truck drivers are essential for keeping our roads safe and helping people in need on them. However, many do not realize how dangerous their job can be.

In 2020 alone, an estimated 1,282 tow truck drivers were killed while performing their duties – most due to collisions with other vehicles on the road. We must take steps to protect these brave individuals by equipping tow trucks with additional safety features and passing laws that require motorists to slow down and move over when they see a tow truck stopped on the side of the road.

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Stephen Dunn