Tow Truck Driving: One of the Most Dangerous Jobs in Florida

Tow truck drivers play a vital role in our society. Without these hardworking individuals, motorists would find themselves stuck on the side of highways in the event of a vehicle breakdown. Tow truck drivers also help enforce our traffic regulations to some extent by removing violating vehicles. But many people have no idea how much danger these drivers face on a daily basis. While tow truck driving might seem like a relatively innocuous job, the truth is that it’s one of the most dangerous professions in Florida.

Statistics Show Tow Truck Driving is the Nation’s Most Dangerous Job 

Many people might be surprised to learn that according to recent statistics, tow truck driving is actually the most dangerous job in the entire nation. Some might assume that construction workers would take the top spot, but AAA reports that two tow truck drivers are struck and killed each month in the United States. Technically, this makes tow truck driving the deadliest job around.

Tow Truck Driver Killed in Osceola County

 Tow truck drivers lose their lives on a fairly regular basis in Florida. On July 24th of 2023, it was reported that a tow truck driver was struck by a water tanker truck near a construction zone. The impact ejected the tow truck driver from his vehicle, causing fatal injuries. The tow truck driver seems to have been traveling in the inside lane, while the water tanker truck was traveling inside the median for some reason. The two vehicles were traveling in the same direction, but the tanker truck apparently veered into the inside lane, causing the collision.

Why Is Tow Truck Driving So Dangerous? 

While the aforementioned crash occurred while the tow truck driver was operating his vehicle, many fatal accidents occur when these workers are walking on the road. Tow truck drivers must exit their vehicles in order to hook up vehicles that need to be towed. At this point, they are very vulnerable to passing vehicles. Many states, including Florida, have created “move over” laws that require motorists to slow down and move into the left lane if possible when passing tow truck drivers.

Unfortunately, tow truck drivers still face serious threats despite this legislation. Tow truck safety advocates stress the need for reflective clothing and other safety precautions.

Where Can I Find a Qualified, Experienced Tow Truck Driver in Florida? 

If you’ve been searching for a qualified, experienced Tampa workers’ comp attorney, look no further than the Franco Law Firm. We know that tow truck drivers face serious threats to their safety on a daily basis. If you have been injured on the job, you have every right to file a workers’ comp claim. Families of deceased tow truck drivers can also file claims on behalf of their loved ones. If you are encountering issues with these claims, book your consultation today to strive for a positive outcome.

Sources: 

localsyr.com/news/local-news/report-shows-tow-truck-driver-to-be-most-deadly-job-in-the-nation/#:~:text=(WSYR%2DTV)%20%E2%80%94%20Tow,the%20nation’s%20most%20deadly%20jobs.

clickorlando.com/traffic/2023/07/24/24-year-old-tow-truck-driver-killed-in-osceola-county-crash/