TRAA's 11th Annual Legislative & Leadership Conference

Hey! I was there! Where were you????

Left to right, Sam Brewer (TRAA President), Me, Ruth Landau (PWOF)

Me, of course, and Al Gregg of Dakota Service & Repair

From left to right, Joe Haines (Haines Towing, Inc & 5th VP of Garden State Towman's Assoc.),
Me, and John Glass (President, GSTA)

From the Towing & Recovery Association of America:

TRAA held its 11th Annual Legislative and Leadership Conference on March 7th and 8th, 2008,
at the Crystal City Marriott in Arlington, VA. The conference began with the keynote speaker, James F. Ports, Jr., Deputy Administrator for the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), who stated that our theme of responder safety is the single most priority of Department of Transportation Secretary, Mary Peters.

Panels discussing the towing issues of the National Unified Goal (NUG), Hazardous Recoveries and practical advice for getting paid for heavy recoveries filled the early portion of the conference agenda.

TRAA’s second safety DVD, Dress For Success, was released for its first viewing and was very well received. Wrap up topics included an overview of all the current towing initiatives and a report from the TRAA Heavy Recovery Advisory Committee.

A quote from Sam Brewer, TRAA President, sums up the TRAA L&L Conference very well. Said President Brewer, “This is the first year we have ever had to call for more chairs to be added on the second day of the conference.”

Executive Director, Harriet Cooley, stated, “A hit out of the park! Every year this conference gets better and better. We are very grateful for all of our sponsors, participants and attendees without whom we could not produce this conference.”

Held in March annually, the L&L Conference is the only meeting that brings together the heads of state associations, other industry leaders and interested constituents into a forum where virtually any and every topic regarding towing, recovery and related issues can be discussed. Captured under the same roof where there are no other enticing displays to distract their attention, these attendees explore, discuss and debate the issues the towing and recovery industry faces on a daily basis.

TRAA thanks the sponsors for the 2008 conference:
American Towing Alliance, Miller Industries, Propane Education Council, Travis Barlow Insurance , United States Auto Club, Motoring Division

Many thanks, as well, to our presenters who informed, infused, incited and excited the conference attendees.

Information regarding the 2009 Legislative and Leadership Conference will be available on the TRAA web site, www.towserver.net, in early April. TRAA membership and product listings including Dress For Success are available on the site as well.

Feelin' the sting...

This would definitely be classified as a bad day in my book! Read the full story here.

Bees Swarm in CA After Truck Flips Over
SACRAMENTO, Calif. (AP) — Millions of swarming honey bees are on the loose after a truck carrying crates of the insects flipped over on a California highway.The California Highway Patrol says 8-to-12 million bees escaped Sunday from the crates in which they were stored and swarmed over an area of Highway 99 and stung officers, firefighters and tow truck drivers trying to clear the accident.CHP Officer Michael Bradley says a tractor trailer flipped over while entering the highway on its way to Yakima, Wash. The flatbed was carrying bee crates each filled with up to 30,000 bees.Bradley says several beekeepers driving by the accident stopped to assist in the bee wrangling.The bees had been used in the San Joaquin Valley to pollinate crops.

The Day's Headlines

From Kingston, Jamaica: Mayor suspends towing in Kingston for two weeks

An Everday Hero

A round of applause goes to James Sorenson, the owner of John's Towing in Utah, for his quick actions to lift a truck off a man who had been run over and dragged. Here's the story from the Deseret Morning News:

AMERICAN FORK — A couple are in critical condition after being hit in a crosswalk in American Fork Friday afternoon.

Just after 1:40 p.m. a man and woman were crossing in the crosswalk at Main Street and Center Street in American Fork, when a Texas man turned left on a green light and struck the couple.

The 53-year-old male victim was wedged under the truck, but a tow truck driver just happened to be driving by when the accident occurred, said Lt. Sam Liddiard with American Fork Police.

"It's kind of amazing he was there," Liddiard said of James Sorenson, owner of John's Towing.

Sorenson has 30 years of towing experience and has been involved with 30 to 50 fatal accidents, but this one, he says, was the worst.

"I just broke down and bawled afterword," he said. "I don't know why, but for some reason this one really bothered me. He was in bad shape."

The woman dropped where she was hit, but the man was dragged 30 to 50 feet under the truck, Sorenson said.

"It probably took about 45 seconds to a minute" to drop the car he was already towing and hook and lift the truck, he said. "I've just been doing this for so long, and adrenaline kicks in, too."

After Sorenson's lift, paramedics attended to the man, then he was flown via medical helicopter to Utah Valley Regional Medical Center in critical condition, Liddiard said.

The man's wife was taken via ambulance to American Fork Hospital, also in critical condition.

The couple are from Utah, though not from American Fork, Liddiard said.

The driver, 72, who was not injured, was not cited but is cooperating with law enforcement and the investigation, Liddiard said.

Great Write Up on a Fine Farewell

Our condolences to the family and friends of tow truck driver Neil Black of Australia. He died last week from heart failure while driving away from a crash scene where he was assisting. Read about the tribute here.

The Day's Headlines

From Philadelphia, PA: Tow Truck Driver Shot During Argument

The Day's Headlines

From Gainesville, FL: 3 Face Suspension Over Roam Towing

Update on MI Tow Truck Driver Killed by Drunk Driver

Update on 3/16/08 from the Detroit Free Press: Insurance agent charged in death of tow truck driver

ANN ARBOR — A AAA Michigan insurance agent has been charged in the death of a 46-year-old tow truck driver from Ann Arbor.Washtenaw County authorities say William Lyle was behind the wheel when Michael Johnston was struck and killed while pulling a vehicle out of a ditch along Interstate 94 on Sunday. Lyle was arraigned on Tuesday on charges of operating while intoxicated causing death to emergency personnel and operating while intoxicated causing death.His attorney, John Shea, tells The Ann Arbor News his client feels horrible about the incident.Police say tests show Lyle’s blood alcohol content was nearly twice above the state’s legal limit. Johnston worked for Sakstrup’s Towing, one of Lyle’s clients.

Yesterday, I posted the story of a MI tow truck operator, Michael Johnston, who was killed by a drunk driver early Sunday. Here's an updated story on the crash.

One additional story.

Sometimes you just have to shake your head...

In this story from snow-covered Cincinnati, OH, more than 30 cars were found to be parked illegally on the snow emergency route. Instead of just having them towed away, a police officer and a tow truck operator went DOOR-TO-DOOR asking people to move their cars. Only two were towed... to another street, not an impound lot and, yet, people were still unhappy...

Here's an excerpt from the article:

Some motorists weren't too happy about getting a nighttime "wake up call."

Car owner Gerald Mohammed said, "It's a complete inconvenience. But I guess if my car were to get rammed in the back by a snow plow, that could be even worse."

"They were kind enough to warn me," said Mohammed. "So I was told to move it and so I'm moving it."

Read the whole story here.

Let 'em know what you can do!

Kudos to Stanley's Wrecker Service of OK for getting involved with firefighter training in Enid. Read the story here.

Are these really the wrecker fees in Jamaica???

In a story titled "Haphazard Wrecker Fees Irk Transport Boss" from the Jamaica Gleaner News, here are the listed towing fees:

Tow-away charges

Transport Authority: $2,750 plus $500 per additional day vehicle is impounded.

KSAC: $4,000 plus $200 per additional day vehicle is impounded.

Police: Fee varies according to the wrecker operator.

Can I just say 'wow!'? I had no idea...
Here's the whole story.

MI tow truck driver killed in crash

Another sad day for the towing industry.

A 46-year old tow truck driver working for Sakstrup's Towing Service was hit and killed by a suspected drunk driver near Ann Arbor, MI early this morning. The tower, whose name has not yet been released, was on-scene with a Michigan State Police vehicle and in the process of pulling a vehicle from a ditch. Read the story here.

Interesting Find on eBay Motors

Check out this 1948 Diamond T rat rod hot rod tow truck... Sold for $15,000

The Day's Headlines

From Dayton, TN: 12-car crash results in $6 million-lawsuit

From Tacoma, WA: Tow companies question Pierce County plan to give contract to just one firm

Wow! Eight people in the tow truck! From Jackson, MS: Big $$$ Cocaine Seized from Car In Tow

Cargo, General Liability now available from Progressive

The new coverages, now available in Colorado , Missouri , Ohio , Tennessee , Texas and Wisconsin, are expected to be available countrywide by the end of the year.

Cargo
Up to $100,000 in coverage for damage or loss due to theft, fire, collision and hitting or running over cargo.Fewer exclusions, including no co-insurance penalty, no exclusion of coverage if a vehicle is left unattended, and no reduction in coverage limits for items such as electronic equipment.

General Liability
Up to $1 million in coverage for each occurrence and $2 million aggregate coverage available for losses including people slipping and falling next to a parked truck or a trucker causing damage at a customer’s warehouse.

Forr more information on Progressive’s truck program or to find a local independent agent, please go to the all-new www.progressivecommercial.com.

Jerr-Dan Adds Two Distributers; Parent Company Amends Name

Jerr-Dan has added two new distributors, River City Wrecker Sales of West Sacramento, CA and Diamond Wrecker LLC of Jacksonville, FL.

Jerr-Dan's parent corporation, Oshkosh Truck Corporation, received a shareholders' vote of approval to change the company's name to Oshkosh Corporation.

Read the story here.

Headlines From The Week

From Gainesville, FL: Towing companies must give refunds

From Honolulu, HI: Bill to Ban Tow Charges if Driver Shows Up In Time

From Wadena, MN: Verndale man hurt in tow truck crash

From Dunn, NC: Truck Rolls Into Angier Home

From Moscow, Russia: Russian driver gives chase as tow truck hauls away car - and son

The Day's Headlines

From Oklahoma City, OK: Bill exempts tow trucks from weight, length requirements

From Macon, GA: State Ups "Move Over" Enforcement

Jerr-Dan's New President

Oshkosh Corporation has appointed Michael “Mike” Walter as president of its subsidiary, the Fire & Emergency Group/Jerr-Dan Corporation. Most recently serving as executive vice president and chief operating officer of General Products Corporation, Walter succeeds Jeff Weller at Jerr-Dan. Weller is retiring as president after more than 38 years with the company.

Walter will lead the Jerr-Dan business unit, driving business strategy, as well as performance and growth for Jerr-Dan’s wreckers and carriers. According to Oshkosh, he has “extensive operations, manufacturing, and business development experience,” and his charge will be to further enhance Jerr-Dan’s fine industry reputation “by accelerating innovation, improving responsiveness to customer needs, and creating a lean production focus.”

In the past, Walter has also held positions with Hendrickson International and Johnson Controls. He has a bachelor’s degree in both mechanical engineering and industrial management from Gannon University in Erie, PA.

This gives a whole new meaning to Heavy Duty

Check out this tank tow truck built to withstand bomb blasts. The RG-33 by BAE Systems costs between $600,000 and $1,000,000.

What in the world happened???

I think this might classify as a Friday Funny! Check out this PT Cruiser that got the best of a tow truck :)

Broken Down Blues

Check out this video by Aaron the Truck Driver posted at his Truck Driver Blog. Here's the description:

A short sad melancholy movie about tow truck drivers and being broken down in Spokane while listening to PowerSolo. Made for Allan Duffin who is a freelance writer for Towing and Recovery Footnotes.

Just have to ask...

Why was the hearse left illegally-parked in a private lot en route to the funeral???? Here's the story from USA Today, titled "Tow Company 'boots' hearse at London funeral."

Check out these two positive stories

Here's a video story on a long-time ME tower that you'll enjoy.

Here's a quick story that one reporter did in IA on a tow truck driver with a trainee while they recovered a SUV.

Mid-Week Funnies :)

DIFFERENT WAYS OF LOOKING AT THINGS
(or the uncertainty of the English language)

Two guys were discussing popular family trends on sex, marriage, and values. Stu said, "I didn't sleep with my wife before we got married, Did you?
"Leroy replied, "I'm not sure, what was her maiden name?"
----------------------------------------------------------
A little boy went up to his father and asked: "Dad, where did my intelligence come from?"
The father replied. "Well son, you must have got it from your mother, 'cause I still have mine."
---------------------------------------------------------
"Mr. Clark, I have reviewed this case very carefully," the divorce Court Judge said, "And I've decided to give your wife $775 a week,"
"That's very fair, your honor," the husband said. "And every now and then I'll try to send her a few bucks myself."
---------------------------------------------------------
A doctor examining a woman who had been rushed to the Emergency Room, took the husband aside, and said, "I don't like the looks of your wife at all."
"Me neither doc," said the husband. "But she's a great cook and really good with the kids".
-----------------------------------------------------------
An old man goes to the Wizard to ask him if he can remove a curse he has been living with for the last 40 years.
The Wizard says, "Maybe, but you will have to tell me the exact words that were used to put the curse on you".
The old man says without hesitation, "I now pronounce you man and wife."
----------------------------------------------------------
Two Reasons Why It's So Hard To Solve A Redneck Murder.
1. The DNA all matches.
2. There are no dental records.
----------------------------------------------- -----------
A blonde calls Delta Airlines and asks, "Can you tell me how long it'll take to fly from San Francisco to New York City ?"
The agent replies, "Just a minute.."
"Thank you," the blonde says, and hangs up.
----------------------------------------------------------
Two Mexican detectives were investigating the murder of Juan Gonzalez.
"How was he killed?" asked one detective.
"With a golf gun," the other detective replied. "A golf gun?!
What is a golf gun?" "I don't know. But it sure made a hole in Juan."
-----------------------------------------------------------
Moe: "My wife got me to believe in religion."
Joe: "Really?"
Moe: "Yeah. Until I married her I didn't believe in hell."
----------------------------------------------------------
A man is recovering from surgery when the Surgical Nurse appears and asks him how he is feeling.
"I'm O. K. but I didn't like the four-letter-word the doctor used in surgery," he answered.
"What did he say," asked the nurse.
"OOPS"
------------------------------------------------------------
While shopping for vacation clothes, my husband and I passed a display of bathing suits. It had been at least ten years and twenty pounds since I had even considered buying a bathing suit, so sought my husband's advice.
"What do you think?" I asked. "Should I get a bikini or an all-in-one?"
"Better get a bikini," he replied. "You'd never get it all in one."

The Day's Headlines

From Chicago, IL: Tow drivers carry new burden in McHenry County

Round of applause goes to...

... an observant Tom Burnham of Fox's Towing in OR for helping an elderly person who had gone missing. After pulling a car from a ditch, Burnham realized that the driver seemed to be disoriented and that the license plates matched those in a bulletin released by the sheriff's office. The 80-year old woman was reunited with her family after Burnham alerted police. Read the story here.

Tow Truck Thieves Nabbed, thanks to GPS

After stealing a tow truck, two thieves were apprehended by its driver, a former corrections officer, thanks to the GPS tracking system on-board. Read the story here.

One cold job

Here's a story on a recovery of truck that fell through the ice on a lake in MI. BRRRR!

Canadian Tow Truck Driver Survives Rollover Crash

One lucky guy...

From The Mississaguga News

By: The Mississauga News

February 17, 2008 12:11 PM - A man is recovering in hospital today after being rescued by emergency workers following a rollover crash on Hwy. 403 in Mississauga last night.
The right lane of the westbound 403 was closed for over an hour following the crash that occurred around 6:45 p.m.
An eyewitness told The Mississauga News that a free-wheeling motorist probably caused the crash when a vehicle cut off the tow truck near the Eglinton Ave. cut-off.
The tow truck went into a slide on the icy road and rolled over. The driver was trapped inside and had to extricated by Mississauga firefighters.
He was taken to hospital by ambulance and remains there in stable condition.
Ontario Provincial Police officers from the Port Credit Detachment are investigating.

Our condolences...

To the family and friends of Pat Cassady, 74, of Bowling Green, KY. He had owned Pat Cassady's Wrecker Service for 35 years. Read his tribute here.

Here's a shocker...

From Montana: Police auction loses money on abandoned vehicles

I don't think this is just in Montana...

Four Everyday Heroes

I found an attention-grabbing story out of Michigan about four wrecker operators who work for Corrigan's Oil and Towing Service who helped rescue a 12-year old boy from a snow groomer at a ski area. At the call of a fast-thinking firefighter, Jeff Adams, Jim Wilcox, Rob Shosey and Ron Riggs were summoned to the scene with their company's plasma cutter to get through the heavy metal pinning the boy's leg. Read the story by Rick Fitzgerald of The Livingston Community News here.

Fruit Salad and Loose Change

Some clean up scenarios that wrecker companies have had to deal with lately:

When the driver of a fruit-filled tractor trailer swerved to avoid a deer, the load ended up all over the road in Charlottesville, VA.
Favorite quote: “I think [the load] consists of grapes, honeydew melon, bananas, cantaloupe and pineapples, but it’s all fruit salad now,” said Larry Sipe, of Charlottesville Wrecker Service, as he helped a crew of day laborers clear the road."
Read the whole story here.

And a truckload of newly-minted 2010 coins dumped in Canada. Read the whole story here.
Most intriguing word of the day: numismatist. Used here: Towing crews and police were still at the crash scene Friday afternoon, after a long night guarding the precious cargo from potential looters or unscrupulous numismatists.
According to Dictionary.com, a numismatist is someone who specializes in collecting numismatic items, especially coins.

Amazing escape from death

Canadian tow truck driver Joe Topuschack of Big Rig Towing is one lucky guy. During a side-of-the-road call to assist a semi, he narrowly missed being mowed over by not one - but two - other tractor trailers. Read about his harrowing day here.

The Day's Headlines

From Cheyenne, WY: Tow truck operator to get $340K from CFD for dragging

From North Andover, MA: Driver smashes into tow truck

From Knoxville, TN: One person killed in North Knox Co. crash

From Barnstaple, England, UK: Homes cleared as lorry crashes through bridge

The Day's Headlines

From Raleigh, NC: Chapel Hill ponders rules intended to thwart predatory towing

From Cleveland, OH: Investigator Exclusive: Towing of cars in Cleveland being mishandled

From Bellingham, WA: Tow-truck death case goes to jury
***Update*** Jury acquits tow truck driver in fatal crash


From Minneapolis, MN: City of Minneapolis to cap towing fees

Obama Bummer in Baltimore

When Senator Obama was 2.5 hours late to a campaign rally at Baltimore's 1st Mariner Arena, several supporters found themselves faced with tickets and towing fees for expired meters. Read the Baltimore Sun story here.

WienerMobile Recovery!

Looks like the winter weather had its way with the WeinerMobile, too! It took a spin off the road and into an embankment. This hysterical story by George Osgood came from the Star-Gazette Wellsboro Bureau.

Wienermobile wipes out
Famed vehicle spins, crashes on snow-covered Pa. highway; 'hotdoggers' OK.
February 11, 2008
Post Comment
By George Osgood
gosgood@stargazette.com
Star-Gazette Wellsboro Bureau

Buy this photo Zoom Photo GEORGE OSGOOD/Star-Gazette The Oscar Mayer Wienermobile slid off U.S. Route 15 south of Mansfield on Sunday afternoon.

Photo Gallery Wienermobile spins out

Advertisement

MANSFIELD -- Let's be frank: motor vehicle accidents aren't much fun for anyone.

But when a 27-foot-long tube-steak spins out on a snow-covered highway, it's bound to generate some grins.

That's what happened Sunday to an Oscar Mayer Wienermobile on Route 15 about two miles south of Mansfield (at least it didn't roll over).

The growler contained two "hotdoggers" -- driver Emily Volpini, 22, of Lexington, Ky., and Caylen Goudie, 22, of Hinsdale, Ill. Although they didn't relish the experience, they weren't hurt, investigating state Trooper Rex Johnson said.

"Hotdoggers" are goodwill ambassadors for Kraft Foods and Oscar Mayer. There are 12 of them in the country -- two for each of the six Wienermobiles. They spend a year on the job traveling around the country. Part of their job is to recruit their replacements.

On Friday and Saturday, Volpini and Goudie and the iconic frankfurter were at Syracuse University, fulfilling the promise to the winner of "A Weekend with the Wienermobile" contest. Sunday morning, the women and the wiener on wheels headed south toward Penn State, where they will try to recruit candidates for the 2008-09 hotdoggers from a stable of Nittany Lion hopefuls.

Mother Nature intervened, though briefly, at 12:20 p.m., putting the plastic porksicle on the median and out of service.

"We thought we had come out of the blizzard," Goudie said. "We thought we were through it. Then we hit a patch of ice. The Wienermobile weighs 7,000 pounds, so usually ice and snow isn't much of a problem. It was this time."

Stuck, Volpini called 911 dispatchers in Wellsboro. Though skeptical at first, they notified state police at Mansfield. As passersby called in the crash on cell phones, the dispatchers became convinced that the barkburger was indeed in hot water.

Police contacted Dave Kurzejewski of Costy's Truck and Auto Mart, and he showed up in short order with a heavy four-wheel-drive vehicle and some chains. Johnson, the trooper, grilled the women briefly and concluded that a routine and sober spinout was all he had on his plate.

Kurzejewski hooked up and Emily fired up the highway hot dog, and a few well-timed tugs later, the Wienermobile was back on the highway.

For Kurzejewski, veteran of hundreds of tows over the years, Sunday's experience was a new one.

"I've pulled out a lot of vehicles," he said. "But that's the first wiener I've ever pulled out."

It was a first for the women, too. They left none the wurst for wear.

"Usually we try to keep from scratching our buns," Goudie said. "But sometimes, things go wrong."

Job Well Done!

Kudos to a Mt. Washington, PA tow truck crew who kept an SUV from rolling over after it slid on some ice. Read the Pittsburgh Tribune-Review story below.

Mt. Washington tow truck crew prevents SUV from tipping over

By The Tribune-Review
Saturday, January 26, 2008

A Mt. Washington tow truck crew prevented a sport utility vehicle with three passengers -- including a baby -- from rolling onto its roof Friday when they ran to the tipping vehicle and held it upright, Pittsburgh police said.

The SUV drove down Greenleaf Street, above the West End Circle, about noon and slid on ice, skidding past police and crews that were removing two cars from a previous minor crash, police said.

The SUV slid into a hillside at the bottom of Greenleaf and nearly tipped onto its roof before the crew members from MRS Towing ran to it and held it up by pushing against it. They then backed the tow truck into the vehicle to keep it upright. There were no injuries.

The Day's Headlines

From Hollister, CA: Police find guns at former tow truck operator's business; DA could charge gun possession

From Chicago, IL: Principal preyed upon by tow truck company

The Day's Headlines

From Ontario, Canada: Cops put call out for a tow

Bittersweet News...

A convicted drunk driver in MI received three to 15 years in prison for killing tow truck driver Paul Taras on April 20, 2007. Taras was on the side of the road changing a tire when the man ran off the road and struck Taras' flatbed truck. The flatbed was pushed forward, into the disabled vehicle, crushing Taras in between. Taras died on his 58th birthday. Read the whole Daily Tribune story here.

The Day's Headlines

From Knoxville, TN: Icy roads send drivers to the curb, keep insurance agents, tow trucks busy
Another from Knoxville, TN: Tow truck drivers left to clean up mess in Knox County

From Brisbane, Queensland, Australia: Tow truck driver 'assaulted with metal pole'

The Day's Headlines

From Rochester, MN: Towing Towards Safety

From Pocatello, ID: Rexburg Towing Battle Continues

From Lansing, MI: Towing Companies Busy in Cold Weather

From Great Falls, MT: Deep freeze puts tow trucks in overdrive

From Madison, WI: Towing away the winter

The Day's Headlines

From Stroudsburg, PA: Tow-truck drivers see effects of cold weather on engines

Talk about a Wrecker Roundup!

This was originally posted at LiveLeak.com:

South St. Paul A 1,895-pound bull made its way onto westbound Interstate 494 during Friday morning's rush hour after escaping from auction at a South St. Paul stockyard. Officers tried to keep the bull from jumping the median with the help of a driver in a tow truck. The bull also tried to ram one officer who got out of his car to try to stop the bull. The bull eventually wandered into a neighborhood, where police said they had to shoot and kill it to make sure it didn't hurt anyone.

Two Ways of Looking At Things...

My wife and I were sitting at a table at my high school reunion. I kept staring at a drunken woman swigging her drink as she sat alone at a nearby table.

My wife asks, "Do you know her?" "Yes," I sighed. "She's my old girlfriend. I understand she started drinking right after we split up those many years ago, and I hear she hasn't been sober since."

"My God!" says my wife. "Who would think a person could go on celebrating that long?"

So you see, there really are two ways to look at everything...

The Day's Headlines

From Raleigh, NC: Chapel Hill may tweak towing law

From Sioux Falls, SD: Cold Weather Causes Many Car Problems

Aircraft Recovery School

Aircraft Recovery Solutions is offering Aircraft Recovery Training. This class is designed for towing operators wanting to tap into the multi-million dollar market of Aircraft Recovery and transportation. This is the first class of its kind to be offered in the United States . Class is going to be held in Boise , Idaho on May 15^th, 16th, 17^th & 18^th 2008.

The Aircraft Recovery School will teach students how to get the job, how to do the job and how to get paid for the job. Enrollment is limited to the first 17 students, so be sure to register today. For more info go to www.airplanerecovery.com or call 1-800-376-7114.

The Day's Headlines

From Evansville, IN: Wrecker-less driving. Tow trucks grounded in Mt. Vernon.

From Winchester, VA: A busy time for tow trucks

Update on Extrication Fest 2008

Read the latest issue of The Frequent Flyer with updates about Extrication Fest 2008 scheduled for March 14-16 in Fort Worth at Texas Motor Speedway. For more info, visit www.midsouthrescue.org.

2008 TRAA Legislative and Leadership Conference.

Join fellow towers from around the country on March 6, 7 and 8 in Arlington, VA at the Marriott Crystal City Hotel for the Towing and Recovery Association of America’s legislative and leadership conference. This annual forum is held to share information about issues of concern for all towing and recovery operators. Topics will include abandoned vehicles, private property impound towing, and Unified Carrier Registration.

Prior to the conference, on March 5 and March 6, the I-95 Corridor Coalition will hold its first Towing Summit at the Marriott Crystal City Hotel. This summit is separate from the TRAA conference, but will address items of interest to towers.

Registration is $245. Discounted pre-registration of $195 is available before Feb. 12. Lodging is available through Marriott Crystal City Hotel and a special room rate of $149+taxes is available before Feb. 12, too.

For information, visit www.towserver.net or call TRAA at 800-728-0136. A downloadable registration form is available online.

Advanced Level "Complete" Tanker Recovery Course

Sponsored by Wes Wilburn Consulting, this three-day course April 15-18 in Myrtle Beach, SC will cover a variety of different aspects of tanker towing and recovery and feature veteran instructors Wes Wilburn and Tom Luciano. Sessions include theory and hands-on demonstrations, including quicker/safer methods, new ideas from across North America and opportunities to network with other progressive towing operators. Though geared for experienced operators, the classes are open to all levels. The Ultimate Event Package Complete Recovery Class, including accommodations at the Crown Reef Resort in Myrtle Beach, is $1,895. A one-day Advanced Level Light-Duty class with Wilburn will also be offered on April 15 for $195. For more information and registration, visit www.towcoop.com or contact Wes Wilburn at 910-486-8928 or weswilburn@aol.com.

**Discounted packages are available if you pre-register by 2-29-08.**

More about Tom: Luciano is well known throughout the United States as a leading instructor of light to extreme heavy duty courses. His vast knowledge and many years of experience in tanker recovery will bring a great value to the student that comes to get the most out of this class

More about Wes: Wilburn of Fayetteville, NC is a contributor to towPartners, T&R Footnotes and many state association newsletters. He has written and conducts training and certification programs for leading towing companies, equipment distributors, and towing associations across the country.

Sad news...

Our condolences go to the family and friends of FL tow truck driver Michael Patrick Kelly, 34, who died when his truck went off the road and into a canal. Read the story here.

And our condolences also to the family and friends of VA tow truck driver Darrell Jones, 36, who died after a car he was repossessing rolled over him. Read the story of his tribute here.

The Day's Headlines

From Chicago, IL: McHenry County board postpones towing decision

From Santa Ana, CA: Mission Viejo crash still clogging southbound I-5

From Indianapolis, IN: Man Gets 30 Years for Trying to Arrange Wife's Death

From Albertville, AL: Wrecker services speak out in Boaz

The Day's Headlines

From Houston, TX: Crash into tow truck ends 100 MPH Police Chase

From Suffolk, VA: Man killed when repossessed car falls on him

From Bangor, ME: Submerged truck pulled from Ebeemee Lake

From Johannesburg, South Africa: Tow truck driver kills four pedestrians in Durban

The Day's Headlines

From Edmonton, Alberta, Canada: Missing man mystery goes on

From Shelbyville, TN: Wrecker ordinance approved

From Denver, CO: Colorado Renaissance Woman is Towing Champ

From Gainesville, FL: Unfair prosecution in towing case?

"Move It Over" in Kansas

Here's a good story specifically about how tow trucks are included under Kansas' "Move Over" law.
Read it here.

Farewell, Friend

Our condolences go to the family and friends of Kenneth Abbott of Abbott's Towing in Benton, IL. He passed away on Saturday. Read the story of his tribute here.

Didn't we just see one like this?

Another car runs up a guy wire (see Dec. 30 post)... this time in Oregon. Check it out here.

The Day's Headlines

From Kalamazoo, MI: Tow Truck Driver Hit by Car Released from Hospital
Another article on this lucky tow truck operator.
And one other.

From Hollister, CA: Free Lance Archives Help Prosecutors Tackle Tow Truck Operator

From Ocala, FL: City Council Approves Tow Truck Ordinance

From Timmins, Ontario, Canada: Snow Brings Road Chaos
Good, creative photo, too.

The Day's Headlines

From Portland, OR: Portland Police Change Towing Policy After Years of Complaints

From Hollister, CA: Tow Truck Owners to Appear In Court Today

From McHenry County, IL: Loophole in Towing Law Could be Closed

From Madison, WI: Pileup Victims Feel Victimized by Towing Charges

towSearch Now Offers More for Fleet Managers

towPartners® today announced that its free towing and road service provider locator tool, towSearch, has been updated to significantly improve its offering to fleet clients. These updates include search capability for extra heavy duty towing and incident management. In addition, towPartners reports that over 1,000 members have opted-in to provide a 10% discount to first time customers using towSearch.
Learn more about towPartners at www.towpartners.com.

Argh...She's Everywhere!

I knew it would happen sooner or later... Britney Spears and the towing industry have crossed paths and I'm blogging about it. To offset the fact that I'm including a link to Usmagazine.com, I'll throw in a couple of $5 words in my summary: Seems that the ubiquitous and beleaguered Spears endured the indignity of a flat tire while driving down Sunset Boulevard. She abandoned the Mercedes in rush hour traffic and hitched a ride from one of the following paparazzi (bet this was one day she was happy to have them around!). LA cops had it removed by Quicksilver Towing. Read the full story here.

Good story on a woman in towing

Check out this profile on Sherri Lawson, a driver for Robert F. Pfeifer Auto Service in Dunedin, FL.

The Day's Headlines

From Madison, WI: Pileup Victims Reunited With Their Cars

From Denver, CO: CDOT Uses Private Tows to Clear I-70 in Snowstorm

From Middleton, NY: Cops Say Drunken Driver Hit Tow Truck

From Henderson, KY: Towing Company Owner Held on Meth Charges

"Tipsy Tow" A Success in MT

Kudos to all of the MT towers who participated to make the holidays safer for everyone! You rock!
Read the KULR-8 TV story and access the video report here.

She will be missed

Our condolences go out to the family and friends of Margo Frownfelter of Bolster's Towing in Kalispell, MT. She passed away in early December after a brief bout with cancer. Frownfelter was a dedicated member of the Montana Tow Truck Association, most recently planning the group's September 2007 convention. She had been elected to serve as secretary in 2008.

Read more about Margo of Bolster's Towing here.

Learn more about the Montana Tow Truck Association at www.montanatowing.com.

Happy New Year!

Wishing a safe, happy and prosperous 2008 to all of Towing & Recovery Footnotes' readers and your families! We're looking forward to once again being your best source of news and information for the towing industry in the year ahead.

Here's An Unusual Recovery

Click here to check out this videotaped recovery of a car that ran up a utility pole wire. It's posted on West Seattle Blog.

Christmas Kindnesses

Here's a nice story out of Everett, WA from a lady who received an unexpected helping hand from a tow truck operator. Read it here.

And here's one about Rhode Island's state treasurer Frank T. Caprio who personally reimbursed people who were towed during a Dec. 13 snowstorm. Seems that he spent nearly $30,000 during the two hours he wrote 70 checks for tow bills of up to $100. Read the full story here.

Snow Keeping Tow Companies Busy

There are quite a few stories out there now on how busy tow truck companies are staying with all the snow falling. Here's a sampling:

From Topeka, KS.

From Fond du Lac, WI.

Kids Towed with Car; Family Sues

In this story from the Omaha World-Herald, four children who were left in a car were towed while still in the car in December 2003. According to the article, the family filed a lawsuit against Heartland Towing early this December. Here's an account of what happened:

The Dorseys parked their 1999 Ford Taurus at a meter outside the Douglas County Courthouse, near 19th and Farnam Streets.

They went to court, leaving the children, including a 12-year-old, in the car.

The problem: The meter had a sign indicating vehicles would be towed between 4 p.m. and 6 p.m. Some meters are marked with those signs to keep traffic lanes clear during rush hour.

About 4:15 p.m., a City of Omaha meter reader put a tow tag on the Taurus and called Heartland, which has a contract to tow cars for the city.

Evidently, the meter reader did not note any children in the vehicle and the tow truck driver did not hear any children. Read the full story here.

Update on July post about NYC steam explosion

Some of you may remember the steam pipe explosion in New York City this past July. A tow truck driver and his passenger were severely injured during the incident, but both have been released from the hospital. Seems that the cause of the explosion has been determined - epoxy used to fix a leak caused a clog.

Read the Gothamist story here.

Thanks for keeping it safe out there this NYE!

A hearty round of applause to all of the towing companies across the country who are committed to giving a free tow and ride home to people so they will not drink and drive this holiday season, especially on New Year's Eve!

Here's a story from Stamford, CT.
And another from CT.
And another!
I think CT get top marks for towing coverage!

Here's one about the new program in Augusta, GA.

Here's one company that has offered this service in Mt. Vernon, IL for 21 years.

Here's one from OK.
And one other.

Here's another from PA.

Here's one from MT.

Another from Albany, OR.

One from AL.

From Riverside, CA.

From Pocatello, ID.

And even one from HI.

An Ice Recovery in WI & Loading 'Em Up in Japan

Click here and check out the series of pictures from this WI ice recovery out of Lake Winnebago.

Click here and view a video of how a tow truck driver in Japan loads one up to go.

Friday Funny!

Found at http://funnyjokes4me.blogspot.com:

The minister's car wouldn't start. When the tow truck driver arrived, the minister says, "I hope you go easy on me. You know I'm only a poor preacher."
"Yep," replied the tow truck driver, "I've heard you preach."

Farewell, Friend

Our condolences go out to the family and friends of Gary Sperling. The MO tower was honored by his friends and acquaintances with a 28+ tow truck procession.

Read the story here.

Another One for the Good Deeds File

Thumbs up to WA tower Bill Sullivan of Liberty Towing and the other towing companies involved! This story is from the Tacoma Daily Index:

Tow to Go is more than a free tow

Dec 17 2007

Fourteen tow truck companies hit the road Friday night in an effort to keep the holiday season safe for all motorists. The operators have teamed up with the Tacoma-Pierce County DUI Task Force to offer free rides home for people who have had too much to drink. They're also offering to tow their cars.

The program will run through New Year's Eve.

Organizers kicked the service off Friday in conjunction with the Night of Thousand Stars, a statewide emphasis targeting impaired drivers. The stars represent the more than 1,000 badges worn by officers who will be patrolling Washington's roadways in extra force beginning this weekend.

"Notoriously this is the biggest holiday party weekend of the month," said Bill Sullivan, owner of Liberty Towing and primary organizer of the program. If that celebration takes place in any of the county's 600 bars or taverns and results in someone becoming impaired, bartenders have been given information how to contact a participating tower. Patrons of licensed establishments in the area can obtain information from the bartenders.

All of the tow operators forfeit profits in order to make sure that the roadways remain safe over the holidays. Gig Harbor Police Chief Mike Davis, who chairs the Tacoma Pierce County DUI Task Force, said the program represents a holiday gift to the community of the highest value. "This is the gift of life," he said.

Program participants include Engel's Towing, Puyallup Towing, B-Line Towing, J&J Towing, Gene’s Towing, Bill's Towing, Burn’s Towing, Emerald Towing, Liberty Towing, Bayview Towing, Fife Towing, Western Towing, Tacoma Towing and Lakewood Towing.

Towing Companies/Starbucks Help Cops Reward Good Drivers

In Rancho Cordova, CA, some good drivers will be getting pulled over this holiday season - and rewarded with a $5 Starbucks card. Fast Response Towing, Allfam Towing, LJ's Towing and Central Valley Towing are sponsoring the program with Starbucks.

Read the story here.

Found Under "Weird News"

The body of a 72-year old woman was found inside a car that had been towed from an crash scene in CA. Her son had been rescued from the wreck after the incident. He apparently told rescue workers that he was driving alone, and no one bothered to actually look into the vehicle. According to the story in the LA Daily News, the woman was hidden under a deployed air bag in the passenger seat. Police are trying to determine how the woman was overlooked and whether she had died at the scene or afterwards. Yikes.

Read the full story here.

Move It Over, Please!

In this article from the Lloydminster Merdian Booster, Canadian rescue workers have been asking the motoring public to give them some space, but no one seems to be listening.

Both Saskatchewan and Alberta have laws forcing drivers to slow down to 60 kilometers per hour when passing emergency vehicles such as ambulances, fire trucks, rescue vehicles and tow trucks. Despite an Alberta government radio campaign and signs posted along the Yellowhead, including one right outside of Lloydminster, it seems many motorists are not getting the message.
“There are a lot of people I come across who don’t know to slow down to 60 km an hour,” said Const. Harry Therrien of the Kitscoty RCMP.
Education isn’t the only problem. Police often have a difficult time enforcing the law, especially when there’s only one patrol car on scene where the officer is busy attending to the injured and carrying out their investigation.

Read the full story here.

FL's Successful Rapid Incident Scene Clearance Likely to be Expanded

A round of applause is certainly due to the Florida towing companies involved in this!

Due to its success, Florida's Rapid Incident Scene Clearance program will be expanded next summer. In this excellent story by Chuck McGinness of the Palm Beach Post:

Towing companies that earn bonuses for clearing major wrecks on Florida's Turnpike in 90 minutes or less have achieved a 98 percent success rate since the program started four years ago.

Can that number be duplicated on more heavily traveled Interstate 95?

About 45 towing operators, Florida Highway Patrol troopers and state officials met Wednesday to discuss the problems that need to be solved before the state-sponsored quick clearance program is set up on I-95 and other interstate highways next summer.

"There's a strong push to move this program forward based on the success on the turnpike," said Bob Murphy, a traffic management consultant for the state.

Known as Rapid Incident Scene Clearance, the program is only used for major wrecks that can close the highway or block lanes for an extended period. The towing companies need to have advanced certification and high-powered equipment to move big rigs. They earn bonuses up to $3,500 for meeting the 90-minute target and pay penalties if they don't.

The key to making the program work is communication and training, said FHP Capt. Brad Pelton.

"If everyone knows what's going on, it makes it a lot easier," said Pelton, commander of the turnpike's West Palm Beach district. "You need to make sure everyone is talking."

Initially, troopers were hesitant to summon the quick-clear team because of concerns that they would be second-guessed, Pelton said. Now, it's almost second nature when they pull up to a crash, he said.

"The sooner they get there, the sooner the road gets cleaned up, the sooner the road gets opened up and everyone is happy," he said.

The Rapid Incident Scene Clearance program is an offshoot of the "open roads" policy that was adopted by the Department of Transportation and FHP in 2002. Cutting the time that the highway is shut down can save millions in lost time and productivity for motorists stuck in long backups. The value of the savings can range from $15 an hour for the average commuter to $70 an hour for commercial vehicles, transportation officials say.

It also decreases secondary crashes and reduces the number of law enforcement officers and tow truck operators injured or killed while working a crash. On the turnpike, the duration of serious crashes has been cut about 30 minutes.

Read the full story here.

Sad news...

Come on, people! Wear those seatbelts!

A unidentified CA tow truck driver was killed this week when his truck hit a center highway divider for unknown reasons. He was ejected from the vehicle. It did not appear that he was wearing a seat belt. Read the full story here.

For the Good Deeds file

In this story from the Chicago Tribune online, an unnamed Illinois Department of Transportation "minuteman" driver used the fire extinguisher from his tow truck to put out a pickup truck when it caught fire after slamming into the back of a semi on the side of the road. The tow truck driver had stopped to help the disabled semi. The pickup's driver was trapped under the dashboard in his wrecked for more than an hour before rescue workers could cut him free. Read the whole story here.

Record Number of Towers Attend Meeting on IL Legislation

Hosted by Worldwide Equipment Sales, the December 13 zone meeting of the Professional Towing and Recovery Operators of Illinois drew a crowd of over 200 towers representing 120 towing companies from Illinois and Indiana. The meeting concerned the latest towing company regulations established by the state of Illinois, known as the "Truth in Towing Act."

According to Bill Gratzianna (second-vice president of the PTROI ), “This was the largest turnout at a PTROI meeting in recent memory." Towers listened to Bill Howard (PTROI president ) [Pictured above] & Joe Pedigro (PTROI Legislative Chair ) present all the facts pertaining to the new law , they also answered the rather large volume of questions from the group.

Learn more about the PTROI at www.ptroi.org.

Fuel Costs Crushing MA Towing Companies...

...with no relief in sight from the Department of Public Utilities, according to a recent press release from the Statewide Towing Association or STA.

“The effect of this has been devastating to our industry. The towing industry in Massachusetts is comprised mostly of very small “Mom and Pop” operators”, said William Johnson, President of the Statewide Towing Association, an organization representing many of the State’s towers in Massachusetts. “These operators have been handcuffed by the inaction of the DPU. While operating costs have skyrocketed with the higher fuel costs, state regulators have been unable to develop a fair system for developing a fuel surcharge. Without approval by state regulators, the towing industry is unable to adjust to compensate for the higher fuel prices.”

Read the full press release and timeline of action here.
Learn more about the Statewide Towing Association at www.statewidetowing.org. To learn more about the fuel surcharge issue, contact William Johnson at bill@gogtt.com or call 413-575-3104.

EPA Blocks States on Emission Rules

This story from the New York Times was found on AOL News: CA and 16 other states have been denied the right to set their own standards for automobile carbon dioxide emissions by the Environmental Protection Agency or EPA.

The emissions standards California proposed in 2004 — but never approved by the federal government — would have forced automakers to cut greenhouse gas emissions by 30 percent in new cars and light trucks by 2016, with the cutbacks to begin in 2009 models.

That would have translated into roughly 43 miles per gallon for cars and some light trucks and about 27 miles per gallon for heavier trucks and sport utility vehicles.

The new federal law will require automakers to meet a 35-mile-per-gallon fleetwide standard for cars and trucks sold in the United States by 2020. It does not address carbon dioxide emissions, but such emissions would be reduced as cars were forced to become more fuel efficient.

California’s proposed rules had sought to address the impact of carbon dioxide and other pollutants from cars and trucks that scientists say contribute to the warming of the planet.

Read the full story here.

Winter Publicity - Examples

Think YOU can't take advantage of any good press opportunities? (See the post below). Here's a great example:

In this story from The Chronicle-Telegram of Ohio, Dave Vaughn Jr. of D&A Towing in South Amherst had one of his trucks wrecked by a runaway car in February. However, he's received some local attention now, thanks to winter weather. The story had quotes from Dave Hall of Hall’s Towing in Avon and Butch Tomazine of Fritz’s Garage in Lorain, as well.

Additonally, kudos to writer Jason Hawk who pointed out Ohio's "Move Over" laws and put in information from Harriet Cooley of TRAA. Nice!

Other mentions:
From Terre Haute, IN
From Milford, MA
From Columbia, MO

Promote Your Professionalism!

Winter Publicity Tips

If you’re looking to promote the professional image of your towing company, Mother Nature is your ally. Right now, many parts of the country are dealing with mounds of snow and layers of ice that make driving treacherous – and tow truck companies super busy.

It’s an ideal time to tell the story of your hardworking employees who are out there for hours on end in the cold. Let your community know how your company is rescuing stranded motorists, jumpstarting cars with dead batteries and unlocking cars that people have left running to warm up.

Today, I (and several thousand others) received a daily e-newsletter for journalists called “Al’s Morning Meeting.” Al Tompkins, the broadcast/online group leader for Poynter Online, listed a number of great ideas for news people covering winter storms.

Tompkins included tips from Tom Linder, news director at KARE-11 TV in Minneapolis, MN. Here’s one:

“Go to the impound lot. One way to do this story is to hang a wireless mic on the person working at the impound lot who has to suffer the abuse of people whose cars have been towed because they parked on snow routes. The people who show up to claim their cars have had to find a way to get to the lot. In Minneapolis, they have to pay nearly $175 in penalties and towing charges. On top of that, there could be impound fees. The people who pay these fees are not happy. Some people just do not hear about approaching storms, despite extensive media coverage, so they don't move their cars from snow plow routes.”

Talk about an easy and no-cost way to get some attention for your company! Call your local news stations. Extend the invitation to a reporter to come out to your office and put a mic on your car release person. Offer to let a reporter work the release desk and experience a day in your shoes.

There may even be a reporter in your area who already goes out and does someone’s regular job for the day. Offer to have him or her ride with you or your top driver to see the variety of work, from winch-outs to wrecks and everything in between, which occurs in one snowy day.

Here’s another tip that Linder offered to fellow news people:

“Consider packaging a bunch of user-generated videos into one showcased story. This is especially useful when you are short on photojournalists because they are out on live shots or snow duty. Do your best to verify who sent the videos; verify that the videos are legitimate. Give the contributors credit. Tell the story of the people who bothered to send it to you.”

Do your operators carry the latest and greatest phones that shoot pictures and video? Put them to good use! Email pictures and videos of events that your drivers see while out on the road in the snow all day. Make sure to include all of your contact information so the news people can verify the contributions and attribute them accurately. I love his last line: “Tell the story of the people who bothered to send it to you.” Let them tell your story!

Journalists are looking for stories now, so be available when they call. Make sure your office people know that they can give out your cell phone number to news people. You may be really busy now, but you need to make the time to grab a great opportunity for some positive and free publicity.

Tree Cutter Comes to Towers' Rescue

This story about a tree cutter who jumped into action with a chain saw and saved two men who were trapped inside a tow truck after falling trees crushed the cab comes from The Daily World of WA. Read it here.

Kudos to AAA Tidewater (VA)

Their "Tow to Go" program for tipsy drivers is being co-sponsored by Anheuser-Bush and Hoffman Beverage Company. According to the story on HamptonRoads.com:

Created with the stubborn intoxicated driver - the one who would rather risk lives than leave a stupid car in a stupid parking lot over night - in mind, Tow to Go offers a free tow and ride home to anyone who may have had one too many.

Read the full story here.

"How the Grinch Towed Christmas"

Gotta say it... Bad headline for this story in the The Standard of Maclenny, FL about a private property towing incident prior to a parade, especially since it seems that Kenny and Kirk Miracle of Miracle Towing and Recovery went waaay above and beyond (see highlights I made in the story below). Should have been "How Two Miracles Saved Christmas."

How the Grinch towed Christmas

Twenty-five automobiles lined the outskirts of a parking lot on Friday night. By Saturday quite a few less faced Macclenny Avenue. Instead some early parking parade goers found their vehicles lined along side a fence in a tow yard, instead of a front row seat they thought they occupied.

Some found themselves a little confused when they arrived in the CVS Pharmacy parking lot on Saturday, only to find the vehicle they parked early to avoid the crowd was gone, towed at the request of CVS Management.

Kenny and Kirk Miracle of Miracle Towing and Recovery pulled into the parking lot of the local pharmacy late Friday night ready to tow over 25 vehicles that took up well over one third of the parking lot. When they recognized several of the vehicles they called the owners and informed them that their car/ truck was next to go. A total of four cars were towed on Friday night and two more on Saturday morning.

When Kirk Miracle got the call, he and his brother both knew the appropriate signs had to be displayed stating that the parking lot was a tow away zone. Miracle relayed to a store manager that by Florida law before you tow vehicles, signs were to be placed around the property so that owners would not call law enforcement to report their vehicles stolen. However, the management insisted that his company tow the vehicles before the signs were up.

Several signs were placed on the property letting drivers know the parking lot was a tow area zone, but it was to late for six owners. When word spread that vehicles were being towed many rushed to recover theirs before it was carted away.

As for the six that 'didn't get away,' Miracle cut them a deal and only charged $45 in fees. CVS management did not return our calls.

NJ May Enact "Move Over" Law

Thumbs up to Sen. Anthony Bucco, R-Denville, who sponsored bill S2422, which is called the "Move Over Act." Tow trucks are included! Here's the story from Land Line Magazine:

‘Move Over’ rule sought in New Jersey

A practice followed by professional truck drivers for decades would become law for all drivers in New Jersey in a bill that could come up for consideration in the final month of the regular legislative session. The proposal is designed to protect emergency personnel and certain vehicles during roadside stops.

Sponsored by Sen. Anthony Bucco, R-Denville, the bill would require drivers to maintain a safe distance and reduce speed before passing emergency vehicles, tow trucks or highway maintenance vehicles parked by the road with their lights flashing.

Dubbed the “Move Over Act,” the bill would require drivers to merge into a lane further away from emergency vehicles, tow trucks or highway maintenance vehicles, if practical. On two-lane highways, drivers would be required to reduce speed before passing.

Failure to obey the rule would result in up to a $500 fine.

According to the National Conference of State Legislatures, at least 30 states have implemented similar safety zone rules.

The bill – S2422 – is awaiting consideration on the Senate floor. If approved there, it would move to the Assembly. All legislation must pass both chambers prior to the end of the regular session, which is scheduled for Jan. 8.

To view other legislative activities of interest for New Jersey in 2007, click here.

– By Keith Goble, state legislative editor
keith_goble@landlinemag.com

$450,000 due to MI Towing Co.

Interesting story out of Flint, MI. In August 2004, the mayor canceled the city's towing contract with Complete Towing and the city started its own impound lot. Complete Towing had served the city for 18 years.

From The Flint Journal story:

The lawsuit itself is over storage fees because 286 cars were left until late November at Complete Towing, owned by Jim Patton, after Williamson canceled the contract in August.

A jury agreed in December 2005 that the city owed a $10 daily storage fee for each car, plus attorney fees and interest. The total verdict then was $406,103.

The city now must pay $453,549 because of additional interest incurred while the city appealed the earlier verdict.

"Mayor Williamson is fighting this personal battle with Jim Patton with taxpayer money," said Steven Spender, an attorney for Complete Towing. "That irritates me and that should irritate the taxpayers."

Spender said he does not know why Williamson has a "vendetta" against Patton. Patton declined comment.