In a bit of cruel irony, CAA South Central Ontario (CAA SCO) reported that two of its trucks were struck by motorists while serving members – just a couple of weeks after the insurer kicked off Tow Safety Week.
The two separate incidents occurred along the Westbound 401 in the GTA. Fortunately, the CAA members and tow truck drivers involved were not seriously injured, but the motorists who collided with the trucks sustained injuries.
In one of the incidents, a CAA truck driver had to leap out of the way to avoid the car that collided with his truck.
“This has been a very troubling week for all of us at CAA. Everyone deserves a safe place to work – even on the side of the road,” said CAA SCO assistant vice-president of government and community relations Teresa Di Felice. “We urge motorists to exercise caution and to adhere to the law when driving past emergency vehicles and tow operators who are assisting people on the side of the road.”
Di Felice offered a reminder that while CAA’s tow truck operators “adhere to the highest safety standards when serving a member,” they remain vulnerable while they stop to provide roadside assistance.
“Next time you see flashing lights at the side of the road helping someone, consider what it would be like if you were in their shoes. Slowing down and moving over is all it takes to do your part to help keep them safe,” she added.
CAA SCO noted that drivers are required by law to slow down and exercise caution when approaching an emergency vehicle with flashing lights that is stopped on the side of the road. Failure to slow down can result in penalties, such as a minimum fine of $490 and three demerit points on conviction. Subsequent offenses within five years may include $1,000 to $4,000 in fines, plus potential jail time up to six months and possible suspension of a driver’s license for up to two years.
Tow Safety Week was launched by CAA SCO, together with the Provincial Towing Association of Ontario. This year’s Tow Safety Week was held the week of September 18, 2019 – the day when the CAA called on the Ontario government to work on regulating the province’s towing industry.
