Roadside Safety in Lloydminster & Area: Protecting Our Tow Drivers and Customers

Safety First: Protecting Our Drivers and Customers

At Midway Towing, the safety of our drivers and customers is our number one priority. Towing is a dangerous profession, not only for our team but also for the people we serve. Every day, our drivers work in high-risk environments, often on busy roads and highways. The dangers are real—both for our drivers working on the side of the road and for the drivers and passengers who may be passing by.

 

Our Commitment to Safety

We take safety seriously. Our team follows strict safety protocols to ensure that everyone—our drivers, our customers, and the general public—remains safe. From the use of high-visibility clothing to activating all emergency lights, we are committed to taking the necessary steps to minimize risk. Every one of our drivers wears Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) and adheres to the highest safety standards while performing towing operations.

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A Sobering Reminder: Gary’s Story

On November 28th, 2023, our driver, Gary, was performing a routine tow just outside the city limits of Lloydminster, AB/SK. He was winching a vehicle onto his flatbed tow truck with all his emergency lights activated and was wearing his PPE, as required by safety protocol. As he was doing his job, a pickup truck veered into his lane and tragically drove over his flatbed and struck him.

 

Gary was thrown 40 feet and landed on the asphalt. The accident was devastating. He suffered serious injuries, including broken bones in his face, back, pelvis, and legs, as well as other traumatic injuries. He was airlifted by STARS Air Ambulance to the University Hospital in Edmonton for urgent treatment.

 

This traumatic incident could have been avoided if more attention had been paid to the "Slow Down, Move Over" law, which is designed to protect those working on the roadside.

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https://globalnews.ca/video/10144773/alberta-tow-truck-driver-hospitalized-after-being-struck-by-another-vehicle

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The Importance of "Slow Down, Move Over"

Both the Alberta and Saskatchewan governments have recognized the need for heightened awareness of roadside safety through campaigns like Slow Down, Move Over and Blue Lights and Burgers. These initiatives encourage drivers to slow down and move over when approaching emergency vehicles, tow trucks, and other roadside workers.

 

 

How You Can Help

By following these simple but crucial steps, you can help protect those who put their lives at risk to assist others:

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• Slow Down: Reduce your speed when approaching any vehicle on the roadside with flashing emergency lights, including tow trucks.

• Move Over: If possible, move one lane over to give extra space to roadside workers.

• Stay Alert: Pay attention to your surroundings, especially in areas where vehicles are pulled over.

• Together, we can make the roads safer for everyone, and help prevent future accidents like the one that nearly took the life of our driver, Gary.

 

A Call to Action

We urge all drivers to remain vigilant and follow the Slow Down, Move Over law. It is not just a legal requirement—it is a matter of life and death. The safety of our drivers, customers, and all road users depends on the attention and care we give to this important cause.  Thank you for doing your part to keep the roads safer for everyone.