When winter weather hits Saskatchewan, tow truck operators can be put in dangerous situations. Motorists are being asked to use extra caution when passing tow trucks stopped along the side of the road, especially in poor conditions. 

Under provincial law, drivers must slow down to 60 km/h when passing emergency vehicles with their lights activated. That law includes tow trucks. 

Shawn Hansen, fleet supervisor with CAA Saskatchewan, has been in his current position for about three years, and spent the previous 12 years as a tow truck operator. 

He said in December alone, four tow trucks were struck by passing vehicles because drivers failed to slow down or were not paying attention. 

“Most often people are driving too fast and not paying attention to what is happening on the side of the road or the road in front of them,” Hansen said. 

Slow down and be aware 

Hansen said vehicles speeding by can create a frightening situation for both the tow truck operator and the motorist who may already be stranded. 

“The biggest comment I used to get was ‘I’m glad you’re here because maybe people will start slowing down a bit.’ It’s scary when they fly by you at 100 km/h,” he said. 

When weather conditions are especially bad, CAA will sometimes dispatch two trucks for extra safety. 

“If by chance something happens and that truck gets hit, the vehicle that is actually assisting the person can still get the job done,” Hansen explained. 

Operators work to keep roads open 

During significant weather events, drivers will often see Highway Hotline reports of closures due to vehicles in ditches, jackknifed semis and collisions. 

Hansen said tow truck operators do everything they can to keep lanes and roads open while conducting recoveries. 

“We try and take up as little road as possible, that way traffic can keep flowing the best it can. But sometimes you just can’t, so you’ve got to take that little extra space,” he said. 

Stay home if possible 

If highways are not passable, motorists are encouraged to stay home if they can. 

Hansen noted that if a vehicle ends up in a ditch because of bad road conditions, tow truck drivers still must travel those same dangerous roads to get you out. 

“All we can do is put chains under our tires for a little extra grip and hope that’s enough to get somebody out,” he said. 

Motorists are reminded to check the Highway Hotline for the latest road conditions so they can make informed decisions before heading out. 

Still a rewarding job 

Despite no longer working as an on-the-road tow truck operator, Hansen said the job was rewarding because of the help it provided to people in stressful situations. 

“They’re stressed. You get there, you try to give them peace of mind that everything’s going to be alright and they’ll be on their way,” he said. 

“To me, it’s a feel-good job, if that makes sense. It’s nice to be able to help people out and make their day a little bit better.” 

He added that most of the time, people were very grateful for the assistance.