The Safe Driver

The “Move Over Law” includes tow trucks…and it should

As much as many people may hate them, rules are in place to help keep order and to help protect individuals. This is especially true when it comes to driving. Some rules are actually coupled up with common sense and logic. And let’s be real, not everyone has the same logic or common sense as everyone else. I think that’s why rules are put in place.

In so many jurisdictions, the “Move Over Law” is in place to have drivers change lanes whenever an emergency vehicle is stopped on the shoulder of the road. If there are no available lanes to move to, the driver is required to reduce speed. This is to reduce the risk of any of the emergency response persons being struck by a passing vehicle. In some jurisdictions, this law has now included tow truck operators – for a very good reason.

When a collision scene happens, it’s common to have a tow truck available to remove damaged vehicles from the scene. Tow truck operators also help drivers if their vehicle has gone off the road, such as during winter conditions. They are a much needed part of our road safety community as they help to keep the road open for other road users. For this fact, they must be respected and other drivers need – and should – change lanes and reduce speed when they are approaching these vehicles when they’re stopped at the side of the road.

Recently in Ontario Canada, where tow trucks are included in the “Move Over Law”, a tow operator was struck and killed by a passing motorist. Reports from eye witnesses and the police say the passing driver who had struck the operator say the driver was traveling too fast, especially for the conditions. There were also more than one tow truck and the lights on each truck were flashing. As another tow operator said, the trucks “were lit up like a Christmas tree” and that there was no way the driver should have missed them. Maybe they didn’t miss them. Maybe they either didn’t know what to do or didn’t think the rules applied to them. https://www.thepeterboroughexaminer.com/news-story/9696676-tow-truck-driver-dubbed-mayor-of-port-perry-killed-helping-motorist/

Even if they did not know the law that required them to slow down and switch lanes, did they not have logic or common sense that would tell them to slow down or switch lanes once they saw the flashing lights up ahead? Responding to the tow trucks by slowing and changing lanes may have stopped them from sliding on the icy and snowy road to begin with. Maybe.

Have a listen to the Move Over Law example in this short podcast.

Emergency responders are at the scene to clean it up and help other drivers get through safely. Respecting what they do is an absolute must for any driver. So, before another life is lost, remember the best response to any emergency vehicle, including a tow truck – or any other vehicle stopped on the side of the road – is to reduce speed and change lanes. Even if your jurisdiction doesn’t include tow trucks, make that part of your rules. Lives do depend on you making the proper choices, including if you’re running late for your appointment. No excuses.