TRAVERSE CITY — The Michigan Towing Association is hosting an event they call “move over” to help raise awareness for drivers.
According to the statewide towing association, one tow truck driver is killed in the U.S every six days.
Could you do your job coherently and effectively and hope that you don’t make a mistake and get run over? That’s what roadside workers are up against every day."
The Michigan Towing Association is hosting an event they call “move over” to help raise awareness for drivers.
Part of that event is to honor 25-year-old Keagan Spencer from Hastings, Michigan who died in December 2023 when he was pulled over on the side of the road in his tow truck.
Spencer’s father Todd is also a tow truck driver.
" It is a scary situation to be stranded on the side of the road, let alone trying to work while you’re on the side of the road," said Spencer.
While the law says when you see emergency flashing lights you should slow down and move over, many people carelessly speed ahead.
Anytime Towing driver Todd Roush said cars rushing past is a danger.
“You know when we’re under these trucks pulling the driveshafts on the big ones or we’re hooking up our chains or our straps to the cars, we can’t see for a while, we lose visibility of oncoming traffic,” said Roush. “So, your mind is wondering as you’re trying to do your job, as cars are literally feet or inches away from your vehicle.”
Spencer said before Keagan died, he was engaged to be married and was excited to raise a family.
Spencer wants all drivers to be aware of those working on the side of the road.
“We want the public to slow down, that’s the biggest thing, slow down when you see flashing lights,” said Spencer. “Assess the situation and if you can give them a lane, give them a lane.”
The move over event is being held Friday at 6pm in the Grand Traverse Mall parking lot to honor Keagan and raise awareness for tow truck drivers.