Whenever I share that I work at AAA Washington, someone will have a story about how one of our drivers saved their day. Tow-truck operators are a vital part of our AAA community and serve tens of thousands of motorists each year.
Yet, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention finds that the towing industry is 15 times deadlier than all other private industries combined. Think about the risk: These individuals work on the side of the road just feet away from cars going 50, 60 or 70 miles per hour.
Several years ago, Washington enacted a law called “Slow Down, Move Over” to better protect tow-truck drivers and other first responders. It’s straightforward: When you see flashing emergency lights ahead, slow down and move over. Recent deaths and injuries to tow-truck drivers on our roadways tell us more needs to be done.
AAA Washington, in partnership with the Towing and Recovery Association of Washington, as well as our local legislators, will propose a new law that gives tow-truck operators the same protections as other roadside workers.
We were very close to passing the Arthur Anderson and Raymond Mitchell Tow Operators Safety Act in the 2022 legislative session, and we need your help to push these changes across the finish line as we work toward the 2023 legislative session.
To act, please contact your state legislators and ask them to support an improved law. Visit app.leg.wa.gov/districtfinder/ to find your representative and AAA.com/slowdown to learn more.
And, should you need roadside assistance, please take the time to thank the driver for their service and all they do for our community.
Travel well,
