Tow truck drivers unite for safety awareness
Tow truck operators across Saskatchewan are reminding motorists the to slow to 60 km/h when they see a tow truck’s lights.
Following the tragic death of driver Courtney Schaefer last March near Esterhazy, his colleagues rallied to raise awareness for safety within the industry. The Roadside Responders Association of Saskatchewan launched an annual event to remind drivers that tow trucks fall under the same “slow to 60” laws as police, ambulances and fire trucks. The second annual rally was held at various locations across the province Wednesday, including a gathering south of Melfort on Highway 6. William Smart, a driver with Melfort Towing, said tow truck operators face dangers with every call.
“If you are on the road and you break down you are bringing us back on the road,” Smart said. “I’ve been to calls where you can’t see three feet in front of the truck, and now we have to go find them and pick them up.”
Saskatchewan was the first province to equip tow trucks with flashing blue and amber lights, in order to make them more visible on roadways. Smart said drivers just want the public to be aware, so tragedies can be avoided.