Tow Truck Hit at Roadside: Shared by Tuber Towing Edmonton

A dashcam video from a tow operator in Toronto, shared by CTV News, shows exactly how dangerous a routine roadside call can become in seconds. We’re sharing it here, not because it involved our team, but because every tow operator, including ours, faces this same risk every time we stop on a live shoulder.

This video shows why you will often see TWO Tuber Tow Trucks working together on Edmonton streets.  One vehicle blocks traffic to create a safe work area. The other provides roadside help to the person in need.  It could be you!

The footage was recorded by Adil Kanan, a Toronto tow truck operator, whose dashcam captured a car striking a disabled pickup truck he’d stopped to help on Highway 401 near Port Union Road. All three people involved were reported in stable condition. Read the full story on CBC News.

A Harsh Reminder: The Dangers Tow Truck Operators Face Every Day

The flashing lights of a tow truck on the roadside are a common sight, but they represent a scene of real risk. A serious crash like this one is a reminder of what our industry faces every day. While Tuber Towing wasn’t involved in this incident, it still hits close to home for operators. These events are a reminder of why safety has to come first on every call.

Beyond the Crash: Understanding the Risks on the Road

A disabled vehicle on a busy highway, the kind we cover in our car breakdown guide, is already a hazard. The tow truck operator arriving to help is placed directly in the path of that danger. The main risks include:

• Distracted drivers: a moment of inattention from a passing motorist can have serious consequences.
• Failure to move over: despite “Move Over” laws, many drivers don’t slow down or change lanes.
• Limited visibility: poor weather, nighttime, or sharp curves can make it hard for approaching traffic to see the scene in time.
• A vehicle on a jack or lift is vulnerable to being struck, which can cause it to fall.

How Professional Protocols Prevent Disaster

At Tuber Towing, a crash scene isn’t just an incident to clear, it’s a scene that has to be secured. Our response follows safety protocols built specifically to prevent tragedies:

• Advanced traffic control: we set up a safe buffer zone with traffic cones, warning signs, and the truck’s warning lights, so drivers see the scene from far away.
• Strategic positioning: operators place the tow truck as a barrier between traffic and the disabled vehicle, protecting both the customer and our team.
• High-visibility gear: every team member wears high-visibility clothing so they’re seen day and night.
• Constant situational awareness: operators are trained to never turn their backs on traffic and to keep assessing the speed and behaviour of approaching vehicles.

The same protocols apply on heavy duty towing calls too, where a larger vehicle can mean more time spent working in a live lane.

A Shared Responsibility: What Motorists Can Do

Safety runs both ways. We do everything we can to protect our team and our customers, but drivers passing the scene play a part too:

• Slow down as soon as you see flashing lights ahead.
• Move over and change lanes if it’s safe to do so. It’s the law.
• Stay alert and avoid distractions, especially in high-incident areas.
• Share this message. Awareness is the first step toward prevention.

Our Commitment to Safety

Every crash like this one is a reminder of why safety isn’t just a policy for us, it’s a core value. We invest in ongoing training, well-maintained equipment, and a culture where every team member is expected to put safety first.

If your vehicle is disabled, our towing team is ready to help with the same care and attention to safety. Contact Tuber Towing for 24/7 assistance.

Areas we serve: Edmonton Tow Truck, Spruce Grove Tow Truck, Acheson Tow Truck, Stony Plain Tow Truck, Leduc Tow Truck

Tuber Towing works alongside trusted partners in the region. For light and heavy duty towing in the greater Spruce Grove and Stony Plain area, Sprony is a solid local option, and AMT Truck supplies towing equipment and gear across the region. On the business side, Noble Digital handles our digital marketing, and Miobi offers tools for efficient business management.