To the Editor:
Imagine you had the constant threat of being run over by a vehicle travelling upwards of 100 kilometres per hour while trying to do your job. For over 400 tow truck drivers in Manitoba, this is their reality every day.
The sudden gush of wind that passes as they hook up a car to the tow truck reminds them that no matter how many orange reflective triangles, lights or flares they put up, there are still drivers that don't slow down, move over or give them space to work.
That's why CAA Manitoba is pleased the Government of Manitoba has amended the Move Over legislation to include tow trucks, giving them the same rights as other emergency service vehicles like ambulances and police cruisers.
Since 2009, we've been lobbying the government to make these crucial changes that will give tow truck drivers peace of mind that they are protected under the law.
Motorists now failing to change lanes on a multi-lane highway to allow tow trucks more room to work can find themselves with a fine of $292.65.
We know that passing new legislation on a piece of paper is not going to automatically change behavior. An intense education campaign is needed to educate Manitobans about the dangers that tow truck drivers face every day, and how by simply moving to the next lane over, you could be saving a life.
Although no tow truck drivers have been killed while working on the side of the road in Manitoba, it doesn't mean that there haven't been countless close calls.
One of our veteran CAA tow truck operators, Tim Paskaruk, was on a call near Bird's Hill Park, aiding a car that had lost control and ended up in the ditch. A Toyota 4-Runner came speeding by the crash time, lost control and landed in the ditch only 15 feet in front of Tim, nearly killing him.
These are the risks that Manitoba tow truck drivers face while responding to over 250,000 calls every year.
In addition to educating the public about the new amendments and what drove it to change, there also needs to be evidence of strict enforcement. We acknowledge that there are some challenges with this, as police and RCMP officers cannot be everywhere, seeing everything at all times. We know that they will do their best to enforce this new law.
So, tell your friends and tell your family about how and why they need to slow down and move over. It's an extra few seconds from your life - but it will go a long way to protecting tow truck drivers while they're at work.
Liz Peters
Public and Government Affairs Manager
CAA Manitoba
Winnipeg
