LIVES ON THE LINE

Aaron Helfrich. James A. Coffey. Denise Smith. Robert Janaitis. Daniel Bobholz.

These are just a few of the towing operators who lost their lives helping stranded motorists.

Emergency roadside assistance is at the core of AAA’s traffic safety mission. Yet, the men and women who help AAA members when they are in need also put their lives on the line every day.

AAA tow operators respond to more than 30 million calls for help each year, working on roadside shoulders that are frequently no wider than four feet. Notably, the towing industry is 15 times deadlier than all other private sectors James Phelps President & CEO combined and an average of 23 tow operators are killed at the roadside every year. That means one service provider, on average, is killed in the line of duty every other week.

Because of these startling statistics, AAA is recommitting its efforts to increase awareness of and support for Slow Down Move Over laws. These laws (which are in place in all 50 states) are aimed at protecting emergency responders working along the roadside, requiring motorists to slow down and move over or change lanes, if possible, to give safe clearance.

The next time you see a service vehicle at the roadside, slow down and move over. Their lives are on your shoulders.

In 2005, the International Towing and Recovery Hall of Fame and Museum inChattanooga, Tennessee, establish edits Survivor Fund to provide immediate financial support to families of towing operators who lose their lives in the line of duty. AAA is a proud supporter of the Survivor Fund. To learn more about the fund and how you can help, visit: internationaltowingmuseum.org/donate/