Don’t hook up with the wrong tow truck operator – Arrive Alive

Tow truck operators provide a valuable service to motorists, specifically after a collision.

According to Arrive Alive, they are often the first to arrive at an accident scene and have been known, on many occasions, to help the disorientated or injured.

Additionally, these individuals work with the authorities to clear accident scenes to avoid further collisions and restore traffic flow.

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However, Arrive Alive said some operators do not act reasonably. It said the public has a right to be protected against such operators.

Some malpractices identified by Arrive Alive:

• Bribing corrupt police officers to ensure they are first at the scene of an accident.

• Not informing motorists of all the costs involved in recovering their vehicle.

• Claiming excessive recovery and storage costs.

To lessen the impact of these operators on motorists, The South African Towing and Recovery Association (Satra) and the United Towing Association of South Africa (UTASA) confirmed that many of these risks exist and identified the need for the industry to be regulated.

Satra has offered to assist motorists and guide them through the process, whether a breakdown or an accident.

Motorists can call Satra 24/7 for free advice and arrange for help on 0861 0 Satra (0861 0 72872).

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When a motorist is in a situation where help is required, they should not be forced into making a decision.

Although several recovery operators might arrive at the collision scene, it is the motorist’s decision who should assist in the recovery.

The National Road Traffic Act 93 of 1996 stipulates in Section 61(3) that “…no person shall remove a vehicle involved in an accident, except to sufficiently allow the passage of traffic, without the permission of the owner, driver or operator of such vehicle or a person who may lawfully take possession of such vehicle”.

Information from Arrive Alive.