Roadside assistance professionals carry out an activity that is essential for road safety, but they remain exposed to high-risk situations every time they step out of their vehicles to deal with a breakdown or an accident. In view of the recent amendment to the Reglamento General de Circulación (General Traffic Regulations), the National Roadside Assistance Alliance is calling for this reality to be recognised and for specific measures to be adopted to protect those who work on foot on the carriageway.
A reform focused on vulnerable road users
On 24 September, the Dirección General de Tráfico (DGT) presented the new features of the new Reglamento General de Circulación concerning the protection of vulnerable road users. The reform introduces a specific definition of “vulnerable road user” and establishes new protection measures for pedestrians, cyclists, motorcyclists and users of personal mobility vehicles.
The National Roadside Assistance Alliance took part in the presentation event and conveyed to the DGT its concern about the situation of tow-truck operators. These are professionals who, during a job, must leave the assistance vehicle and carry out part of their work directly on the road, often on high-speed roads and alongside the flow of traffic.
This circumstance turns every assistance operation into a situation that calls for maximum protective measures and awareness among other drivers.
Roadside assistance is part of road safety itself. Removing a broken-down or crashed vehicle clears obstacles from the carriageway, restores the flow of traffic and reduces the risks arising from an immobilised vehicle.
However, in order to provide this service, the operator must physically expose themselves to traffic. Getting out of the tow truck, setting up warning signs, securing the vehicle, carrying out certain assistance operations or preparing its removal are tasks that may force the professional to work just a few metres from vehicles travelling at high speed.
This direct exposure makes roadside assistance operators a group that needs specific protection while carrying out their duties, especially on high-capacity roads and in conditions of reduced visibility.
| Situation |
Risk to the operator |
Protection needed |
| Working next to the carriageway |
Direct exposure to traffic while carrying out assistance tasks. |
Reduce speed and increase the safety distance when approaching. |
| High-speed roads |
Less margin for reaction to vehicles approaching at high speed. |
Greater vigilance, signage and separation from the work zone. |
| Immobilised vehicle |
The obstacle may prompt unexpected manoeuvres by other drivers. |
Anticipation, speed reduction and changing lanes where possible. |
The importance of reliable data
The Alliance has also highlighted the need for accurate information on accidents affecting roadside assistance operators. According to the organisation, there are discrepancies between the official figures and the data compiled by companies and the media regarding these professionals being struck by vehicles and killed.
Having consistent and reliable statistics is essential for understanding the true scale of the problem, identifying the highest-risk scenarios and designing prevention measures tailored to the reality of roadside jobs.
An activity already integrated into the road safety system
The protection of roadside assistance operators is not starting from scratch. The sector's specific regulations already include measures aimed at improving the safety of these operations, including requirements for assistance vehicles, specific signage, communication of vehicle locations and working conditions for professionals.
These tools represent an important step forward, but the sector is calling for further measures that take into account the direct exposure of professionals working on the road.
Prevention also depends on behaviour behind the wheel
The safety of a job does not depend solely on the resources available to roadside assistance companies. The behaviour of other road users is equally decisive.
When approaching a roadside assistance tow truck and an immobilised vehicle, reducing speed, keeping an appropriate distance and changing lanes when road conditions allow are essential behaviours for reducing the risk of operators being struck and making the professionals' work easier.
In this regard, the Alliance is calling for a specific road awareness campaign to convey the reality of these jobs to all drivers and to strengthen a culture of respect towards those who work on the road.
