Driver attitudes towards emergency road service have definitely changed since the introduction of Compliance, Safety, Accountability (CSA). In the past, most operators would limp to the next truck stop or rest area so they could get some time in the sleeper while they waited for the technician to fix the tire(s). But it seems like the increased attention on vehicle maintenance by enforcement officials has caused drivers to just pull over whenever they become aware of a tire problem.
As a former technician, I’ve spent countless hours on the side of a road or highway. From the two-lane country road to a major Interstate highway, tires are serviced in all types of traffic. Less traffic is definitely better for the technician, and daylight is preferred over night. Unfortunately, tires go flat on all types of roads, at any time of day or night, and in all kinds of weather.
When conditions are ideal, emergency road service doesn’t create many additional hazards. The tire servicing process is basically the same no matter where the tires are serviced, but there are differences when servicing tires on the side of a road that can be significant. Most of these are related to the physical location of the vehicle and if that location is less than ideal, the risks to technicians increase exponentially.
A few months ago, I got a call from a major insurance carrier that was concerned about the losses related to servicing tires on the side of the road. There have been some large claims over the past few years that had to do with technicians getting seriously or fatally injured after being struck by a vehicle. Risk managers are trying to find the link between emergency road service and accidents so they can make recommendations to reduce or eliminate the hazards.
Based on the preliminary analysis, it appears that the most logical solution is to just move the vehicle. In several of the more serious accidents, there was an exit ramp or an area with additional room on the shoulder less than a mile away. For whatever reason, drivers in need of emergency road service appear to be completely oblivious when it comes to the location of their vehicle.
First of all, if the tires in need of service are on the driver’s side, there must be enough room between the fog line and the tires for the technician to work. If the space is insufficient, then the driver needs to move the vehicle to a different location. I have had my share of close calls during my road service years, so I understand how dangerous it is to service tires on the side of a highway. Something has to change, which means someone has to be the catalyst.
It’s time for fleets to step up and train drivers to be conscious of where they pull over for tire service. In most cases, the tires are shredded so driving a few extra hundred yards or even a mile or two isn’t going to make much of a difference since the tires will be replaced. Of course, there will be times when the vehicle cannot be moved, but in situations where a safer work area is available, the driver should at least think about the technician who will be responsible for getting him or her back on the road.
And while I’m positive that drivers would never consciously make a decision that would endanger a roadside tire technician, I’m equally certain that they won’t even think about it unless they are educated on the subject.
Kevin Rohlwing can be reached at [email protected]
