If you have ever seen a tow-truck driver on the side of the road working on getting a disabled vehicle on the bed of the tow truck, you know what a dangerous proposition it can be. There they are, perched on a few-foot-wide piece of pavement between the disabled vehicle and semi-trucks whizzing by at seventy-plus miles per hour.
A new law pending in the Maryland legislature will help protect tow-truck drivers while they are working on the side of the road. The bill, sponsored by David D. Rudolph (D-Cecil) and James E. Malone Jr. (D-Baltimore County), would require motorists to move into an open lane away from tow-truck drivers who are tending to disable vehicles. Currently the law requires motorists move into an open lane for emergency vehicles such as police cars and fire trucks, this would be an extension of that law.
A recent article by the Washington Post details the story of a tow-truck driver who was killed when he was hit by driver while tending to a disabled vehicle. He was changing the tire on a vehicle when a car side swiped him, killing him on the spot. The driver failed to stop and render aid, and the man died as a result of the injuries he sustained in the accident.
The bill hopes to prevent accidents like this from happeining by requiring motorists pay closer attention to what is occurring on the side of the road and giving emergency workers—police, fire, ambulance, and now tow-truck driver’s—the space they need to safely complete their jobs.
Maryland Truck Accidents
Some of the most feared vehicles for tow-truck drivers are semi-trucks. When a semi-truck passes the disabled vehicle, there are only a few feet for the tow-truck driver to occupy. As the truck passes, an incredibly strong gust of air follows it, kicking up all sorts of debris and creating an even more dangerous situation.
With or without the passage of this law, truck drivers should know that they need to give room to disabled motorists and tow-truck drivers’ as well. To fail to do so may be considered negligent, especially if the semi-truck drifts outside of its lane and strikes a disabled vehicle or someone near it.
Have You Been Involved in a Maryland Semi-Truck Accident?
If you or a loved one has recently been involved in a semi-truck accident, you should speak to an experienced Maryland semi-truck accident attorney as soon as possible. Many times accident victims are not aware of the duties and standards of care that thy are owed by semi-truck drivers. By speaking to an attorney you will be able to better understand what kinds of actions you may be able to bring and what kind of compensation you may be awarded. Click here, or call 410-654-3600 today to schedule a free initial consultation and to discuss the facts of your case.
More Blog Posts:
Couple Pinned Under Semi Survives major Kentucky Truck Accident, Maryland Trucking Accident Lawyer Blog, published February 19, 2014.
Truck Driver Indicted on Five Counts After Causing an Accident that Killed Three, Maryland Trucking Accident Lawyer Blog, published March 5, 2014.