Addressing Line of Duty Deaths

• By: TRAA Office
• On: 01/14/2020 14:28:55
• In: Legislation

We're only two weeks into 2020 and the official count of line of duty deaths for U.S. towing operators is already at four (4), with some unofficial counts being higher. Losing a tow operator impacts not only their families but also the entire towing community. We'd like to assure the industry that TRAA is doing everything possible to combat the multifaceted issue of Line of Duty Deaths (LODD).

While not all of our activities are readily apparent, TRAA is pursuing multiple tracks:

• Legislation- TRAA is working behind the scenes directly with lawmakers to support and encourage legislation that will address LODDs including working with the U.S. Government Accountability Office (U.S. GAO). The GAO is the government agency that provides auditing, evaluation, and investigative services for the United States Congress.
• Regulation- TRAA is working behind closed doors on possible regulatory solutions within FMCSA and FHWA. There are several options available we're exploring including reclassification.
• Supporting Move Over Law Awareness- TRAA strongly supports the efforts of the International Towing & Recovery Hall of Fame & Museum, several state associations, and other entities to increase consciousness among the motoring public. 
• Collaborating with Industry Parties- TRAA is combining the forces of multiple industry players to unify efforts and increase our impact on LODDs and move over law awareness. Keep an eye out for more information soon.
• Promoting Operator Education- TRAA was one of the first, and remains one of the fiercest, advocators for the education and professionalism of tow operators. We believe strongly that everyone working within the industry, on or off-scene, should at minimum take the National Traffic Incident Management (TIM) Responder Training. The better educated operators are in scene management, PPE, quick clearance, etc. the less exposure and likelihood of being involved in a struck-by or near-miss incident. From TIM training, to NDCP or TRSCP® certification, to private training programs, an operator cannot be over educated in their profession.

In order to support our efforts, this is what TRAA needs from you:

• Towing Traffic Incident Reporting System (TTIRS)- Our ability to push legislation and regulation relies heavily on the availability of quality data. Please report any and all near-miss or struck-by incidents to the TTIRS database.
• National Incident Response Awareness Week- TRAA is asking all state associations, and individual members, to do their part in promoting move over law awareness within their communities. The best time of year to do this is during the annual National Response Incident Awareness Week in November which coordinates the efforts of all incident management partners for maximum exposure. However, there's never a bad time to promote move over law awareness so do your part whenever you can!
• Legislative Action Workshop & Hill Day- To really make an impact consider registering for TRAA's Legislative Action Workshop in DC which will give you the opportunity to meet directly with your legislators to discuss LODDs and move over law awareness. Registration closes February 5th, so act quickly.

Like a duck, stoic on the surface and paddling below the waterline, TRAA is working energetically behind the scenes. We appreciate all of your support as we work together to make positive changes for every tow operator out there on the roadways.