CAA Atlantic is urging drivers to slow down and move over for tow trucks stopped on the side of the road.
A tow truck driver in Moncton was hurt Tuesday night after his vehicle was struck while he was helping to change a tire.
Gary Howard, a spokesperson for CAA Atlantic, says tow truck operators frequently report close calls on the job.
“When you’re on the highway, you see some vehicles flying by and they’re going pretty fast,” said Howard.
Howard said the injured tow truck driver did all the right things to protect himself, such as positioning his truck to be used as a shield.
“It’s the same kind of protocol a police cruiser would use or an ambulance or fire,” he said. “We do try to protect both the driver as well as the vehicle that we’re there to rescue as much as possible.”
‘Move Over’ Law
Police vehicles, fire trucks and ambulances are included in New Brunswick’s “Move Over” law, which requires motorists to slow down and move to the left if they see an emergency vehicle stopped at the side of the road with its lights flashing.
Most provinces include tow trucks in their respective “Move Over” laws, but New Brunswick does not.
Howard said he believes the Blaine Higgs government is open to talking about it.
“We’ve had [discussions] in the past with not any success, but this government, I think, is open to the discussion,” he said.
Howard said everyone should feel safe when doing their job, but right now, tow truck drivers often feel like they are risking their lives.
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