(submitted photo/Lona Gervais)

By Derek Craddock

SLOW DOWN, MOVE OVER

P.A. tow truck driver reminds drivers to slow down on highways

May 9, 2023 | 5:00 PM

Safety for first responders on highways is front and centre as part of the CAA’s “Slow Down, Move Over Day.”

The annual safety initiative runs on the second Tuesday of each month and reminds drivers to give space when needed for emergency personnel and tow truck drivers.

One driver who knows the risks of the road well is Glen McMaster, a tow truck driver with Auto Rescue Towing in Prince Albert.

He told paNOW that although they take every safety precaution they can, it still can be dangerous.

“There’s been several close calls. People in a hurry, not thinking that with the lights that you should actually slow down,” he said. “Maybe some people aren’t fully aware.”

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According to Lona Gervais, senior communications manager with CAA Saskatchewan, one tow truck driver is killed every six days in North America. She pointed to two examples in Saskatchewan where a tow truck operator died near Esterhazy in 2017 and another was involved in a serious crash near North Battleford in 2021.

Aside from Slow Down, Move Over Day, CAA Saskatchewan is also releasing a series of video messages highlighting the importance of highway safety.

The videos feature messages from the chief of the White City Fire Department, as well as the president of the Paramedic Services Chiefs of Saskatchewan; and Const. Victoria Nicholls with RCMP “F” Division Traffic Services.

“On a daily basis, we’re reminded of the dangers of our profession as first responders working to help motorists in need on Saskatchewan roads,” said Peter Kreis, vice-president, of operations, CAA Saskatchewan. “Motorists must respect tow truck operators, who are working to help keep them safe. At the end of their shifts, they just want to return home to their loved ones. This is an important safety message to apply not just today, but every day.”

For McMaster, the main message he hopes to drive home to drivers is to think of them while they’re on the highways.

“Every tow truck driver, no matter who it is, has family to come home to as well.”

—

derek.craddock@pattisonmedia.com

Twitter: @princealbertnow