Community Forums

redbaron73 · 04-21-2019, 07:37 AM

Just saw this story about a tow truck driver being hit while hooking up to a 2019 Newmar. Driver fled scene.

Police are asking for witnesses.

https://wtvr.com/2019/04/20/tow-truc...5-parham-road/

NealC · 04-21-2019, 07:40 AM

Dayaaam, that's right near me! And this is why I sold my road bike! Roads +/- 20ft are not safe anymore.

Rick Morgan · 04-21-2019, 07:50 AM

My son drives a tow truck, and this is one of my biggest fears! PLEASE move over & give them room!

NWIP · 04-21-2019, 09:12 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Rick Morgan

My son drives a tow truck, and this is one of my biggest fears! PLEASE move over & give them room!

Move over for emergency vehicles, and stay off the devices (phones).

Jabber Jaw · 04-21-2019, 09:27 AM

Sadly, this was quite close to my house, & I know the owner of the towing company! He has some great employees, & hopefully this fellow will have 100% recovery! They do have a "risky" job, especially with these inconsiderate idiots blowing up the road at 70 MPH, and not moving over!
We all as, drivers, need to have consideration for folks along the inter-state, or any other road for that matter, when they are out there trying to do their job!

redbaron73 · 04-21-2019, 09:36 AM

Friday I came up on a tow truck driver on the right side. I was pinned in the right lane and cars refused to open a gap. No choice but to slow down so that I passed at 30mph, hugging center lane. Cars on left blaring horns flashing lights and signaling I was #1. Just amazing how few people are aware of their surroundings.

kenandterry · 04-21-2019, 09:45 AM

Been way too long coming, but in Ontario, it’s the law to move over if/when approaching any emergency service vehicles (police, fire, ambulance, tow trucks, Ministry/Department) on the side of the road with their flashing lights on. If you can’t, and that should be rare if you’re looking far enough ahead, then SLOW DOWN.....not just 5mph.....SLOW WAY DOWN when passing in close proximity.

No one, especially these responders wants to be there.....GIVE ‘EM SPACE

docj · 04-21-2019, 09:57 AM

This is yet another sad example of the self-centered nature of so many people these days. I can't even imagine having hit a person and not stopping to provide assistance. I guess the driver was in a hurry to get to wherever he was going for Easter dinner! No doubt he wanted Easter to bring peace, joy and happiness to his family without any concern about the family of the person he had just struck!

Ricci · 04-21-2019, 10:06 AM

Hi Red Baron - It's unfortunate that not all states have adapted laws to protect tow truck drivers. What you did was the correct thing to do and I learned long ago that the best way to drive a large vehicle was with thoughtfulness for the other guy, especially if he is in a vulnerable place alongside the road. As for the idiots with the horns, don't let them interfere with your good judgement. If they were as smart as you, they'd be driving a Newmar.

Tom

harleyjt · 04-21-2019, 10:10 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by docj

This is yet another sad example of the self-centered nature of so many people these days. I can't even imagine having hit a person and not stopping to provide assistance. I guess the driver was in a hurry to get to wherever he was going for Easter dinner! No doubt he wanted Easter to bring peace, joy and happiness to his family without any concern about the family of the person he had just struck!

I can't imagine not stopping either, but around here, hit and runs are becoming all too common. Cowards. No one wants to accept any responsibility and certainly no penalty.
jt

NealC · 04-21-2019, 10:22 AM

It has nothing to do with the law. We have it here in VA. It’s called distracted driving and our roads are more dangerous than ever. Even if there was a law requiring hands free (VA doesn’t have it yet) that still wouldn’t change a thing. Cell phones need to brick in motion.

NCC-1701A · 04-21-2019, 10:23 AM

My wife and I like to watch the Weather Channel show "Highway thru Hell" which is mostly showing heavy rescues. It's unbelievable how many drivers completely ignore emergency vehicles and drive right past them within feet at highway speeds. And these aren't just people in cars..."professional" drivers in big rigs and commercial buses go flying by as well.

Hopefully the tow truck operator will have a full recovery with time and someone will provide information that will result in the capture of the driver that hit him.

docj · 04-21-2019, 12:01 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by kenandterry

If you can’t, and that should be rare if you’re looking far enough ahead, then SLOW DOWN.....not just 5mph.....SLOW WAY DOWN when passing in close proximity.

As an example, TX law states that you should slow down to 20 mph below the speed limit if you can't get out the adjacent lane. I don't think TX drivers are any better than those in other states, but, in my experience, they do (usually) obey the "move over" law.

redbaron73 · 04-21-2019, 12:09 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by docj

As an example, TX law states that you should slow down to 20 mph below the speed limit if you can't get out the adjacent lane. I don't think TX drivers are any better than those in other states, but, in my experience, they do (usually) obey the "move over" law.

Wish that was true. My Friday drive was east bound in ih20 from Dallas to Tyler.

One thing about Texas drivers, they usually avoid the right lane all together !!! :(