Safety means survival for those working between the white lines
Close calls and near misses are stark reminders for anyone working between the white lines that safety means survival, and every precaution takes effort and determination. It’s a policy position shared by many industry leaders, including the experts at Zip’s AW Direct, during National Safety Month.
This June, the team from Zip’s wants to remind everyone to make safety their first priority throughout the year. Every day, every call on the side of the road comes with inherent risks for the following individuals: towing and recovery operators, repossession agents, road service providers, lockout technicians and municipal crews, among others.
Making their living on the side of the road, these high-risk professions all face the same harsh reality: Distracted drivers are everywhere, and too many motorists still fail to move over or slow down. Despite laws in every state designed to protect them, these roadside workers continue to put their lives on the line while simply doing their jobs.
For those who work along the shoulder, the danger can’t be overstated. It’s personal, according to one seasoned tow operator in an interview with Zip’s. “Not everybody’s going to move over. You just really got to be able to watch your own back because no one’s going to be there to watch the house. My main goal is just to make it back home at the end of the day to my family.”
Another operator shared just how close tragedy can come without warning: “My jacket has been hit before by a truck, so it was pretty close. I’ve also had an incident of a big rig actually striking my truck and hitting my mirror. I have had too many close calls.”
These stories reverberate across the country every single day. Operators are trained, alert and equipped with high-visibility gear and warning lights, yet accidents and near misses continue to happen because modern drivers are increasingly distracted. Flashing amber lights and reflective clothing that once grabbed attention are now often lost in a sea of visual noise.
Awareness alone is no longer enough. As part of National Safety Month, Zip’s is touting the proven, life-saving attributes of variable safety messaging on truck-mounted boards like the SafeAll Traffic Commander. Using simple action words, this enhanced light bar takes command of every situation and directs traffic around sensitive work areas.
Setting the standard for the past four years, the Traffic Commander has changed the landscape for roadside safety. Unlike traditional warning systems, it combines three critical safety tools into one integrated unit: a full message board, a light bar and an arrow stick. The result is a highly visible system designed to communicate directly with drivers in real time.
Compliant with MUTCD standards for roadside messaging, the Traffic Commander was built specifically to solve the growing problem of distracted driving and roadside visibility. The aluminum frame measures five feet wide, and 18” amber LED block letters are cast against a black backdrop for clarity and visibility.
Proven reliable in real-life scenarios, the sign visible from 4,000 feet and legible from 1,000 feet, transmitting clear instructions motorists can immediately understand. Customizable messages such as ‘MOVE LEFT’, ‘SLOW DOWN’ or ‘MERGE RIGHT’ cut through clutter and create stronger driver response before vehicles ever reach a roadside scene.
Operators can control the system from inside or outside the truck, and sign deployment takes less than seven seconds. Adjustments can be made quickly to accommodate changing roadway conditions, lane closures and traffic flow. For companies that have experienced loss firsthand, the impact is undeniable. Bill Atcheson from Rick’s Towing, called the Traffic Commander a game changer.
“Tow operators face real danger every day, yet we are not always seen the same as police or fire. The Traffic Commander changed the game for us. Drivers are numb to flashing lights, but when they read messages like ‘Move Left’ or ‘Slow Down’, they actually respond. This is not an expense. It is an investment in your people and their safety. If it prevents even one accident, it is worth every penny.”
This National Safety Month, the challenge for towing companies, municipalities, police agencies, repossession fleets and roadside service providers is simple: Do not wait for tragedy before upgrading your safety equipment. The roadside environment has changed, and operator protection must evolve with it.
Because at the end of the day, every operator deserves to make it home.
