Posted: | November 14, 2017 02:18 PM |
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From: | Senator Robert M. Tomlinson |
To: | All Senate members |
Subject: | Updating Towing Requirements for Tractor Trailers |
Please join me in cosponsoring legislation to update towing requirements and enhance road safety for tow truck operators and other motorists. Under current law, tow truck operators are required to tow broken down tractor trailers to the nearest place of repairs or place of safety. Because these terms are so vague, there is little consistency as to where the tow truck operator will be ordered to go. If they are directed to the nearest place of safety, the broken down tractor trailer remains on or by the road for a longer period of time jeopardizing the safety of the motorists as well as the tow truck operator. In these instances, the tow truck operator must leave the safety of the tow truck multiple times to stand along busy roadways coupling and uncoupling the tractor and trailer in order to get it to the intended place of repairs. In most cases, there is no need to add this extra step. Tow trucks are now equip to handle these larger loads and should be able to do so in a safe and efficient manner. This legislation seeks to follow the intent of the law, while clarifying these provisions with parameters for how tow trucks can operate. These changes would also make Pennsylvania more consistent with other states which is particularly significant along our borders where multiple state lines can be crossed. |
Introduced as SB968