The Perils of the Road: Understanding the Risks
In Chattanooga TN you will find a memorial dedicated to Towing Operators who were killed in the line of service. This memorial was started by the International Towing and Recovery Hall of Fame and created in September of 2006. While a lot of focus has been on the line of service deaths stemming from Fire and Police, little focus has been on that of the Towing Operators who succumb to injuries sustained on the side of the roadway.
Despite the attention given to the dangers faced by firefighters and police officers, the risks encountered by towing operators often go unnoticed. One of the most prevalent causes of fatalities among tow operators is being struck by passing vehicles while working on the roadside.
Statistics Tell the Story: A Sobering Reality
While many factors can be attributed to the deaths of our Tow Operators, being struck by another vehicle on the side of the road has been prevalent while reading about the tragedy of loss. According to CFOI data published by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, “CFOI data from 2011 to 2016 reported 191 deaths in the motor vehicle towing industry. This number translates to an annual average fatality rate of nearly 43 deaths per 100,000 workers, more than 15 times the rate of 2.8 deaths per 100,000 workers for all US private industries combined.” In a AAA Magazine published for September 2020, they reference 341 tow trucks were hit in a single year according to Ohio Department of Transportation (ODOT). More specifically, AAA mentions a tow truck driver is killed every 6 days.
Because of this, the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH) has created a strategic plan for years 2020-2029 in an effort to implement different safety protocols in 3 strategies depending on the type of hazardous duty performed. With the help of this strategic plan and strategies, more light and focus will be drawn on the risk of our towing and commercial operators endure.
Innovations in Safety: TOMAR's Commitment
While no single solution can entirely eliminate roadside hazards, companies like TOMAR Electronics are dedicated to providing effective signaling solutions to enhance safety for tow operators. Their advanced products, such as the Scorpion and Black Widow Light Bars, utilize cutting-edge technology to maximize visibility and alert oncoming traffic, thereby reducing the risk of accidents.
A Partnership for Safety: TOMAR and Midco Sales
In collaboration with Midco Sales, TOMAR Electronics has developed a robust light bar designed to withstand the rigors of daily towing operations. With a shared commitment to customer satisfaction and safety, this partnership represents a significant step forward in equipping tow operators with the tools they need to stay safe on the job.
A Unified Vision: The Envelope of Safety™
TOMAR Electronics, along with Midco Sales and ERSCA continue our efforts to help provide every safety tools available to produce “The Envelope of Safety.™“ TOMAR’s slogan, “Envelope of Safety™” includes the most cutting edge emergency lighting from TOMAR Electronics that are brighter at a distance but become less blinding up close for the operator and motorists alike creating a safer emergency scene.
ERSCA is very dedicated to supply the operator training in scene management and awareness as well as the last line of defense by how to load without taking your eyes of oncoming traffic. Midco is very dedicated in pulling all of the best quality emergency lighting, tools, education and awareness together and providing this all to our Industry Professionals! Whether you purchase new equipment from us or have the need to retrofit your current equipment to provide the best possible safety solutions for your employees, we all are here with one goal in mind, Saving Lives!!!”
–PETE COLANTONI, SALES MANAGER FOR MIDCO SALES
