A California tow owner and operator was struck and killed by an approaching vehicle while loading a disabled SUV onto his flatbed carrier during a nighttime highway call in May 2017, with the CHP reporting he was not wearing a reflective vest and may have been standing in a live traffic lane, according to Tow Industry Week. The investigation highlighted the critical importance of high-visibility gear during night operations.
Operator takeaway
No reflective vest, possibly in a live lane, at night — every one of those factors is preventable, and any one of them can be fatal. High-vis gear is not optional on any roadside call.