Every day, thousands of roadside assistance tow-truck operators work on our roads helping drivers who have broken down or been in an accident. However, these professionals face a constant danger: the risk of being struck by a vehicle while doing their job. To tackle this worrying reality, IMA IBERICA has launched a new campaign under the slogan “Safety starts with being informed”, aimed at improving the safety of both operators and drivers.
A necessary initiative in an alarming situation
Accidents in which roadside assistance operators are struck by vehicles have risen worryingly in recent years. In this context, the National Roadside Assistance Alliance, of which REAC is a member, has for some time been promoting measures such as reflective markings, beacon lights and improved visibility of tow trucks. It also maintains an ongoing dialogue with insurers, assistance platforms and motoring clubs to raise awareness among everyone involved in this essential service.
Against this backdrop, IMA IBERICA's involvement is a further step towards protecting those who look after our safety on the road.
Practical infographics to save lives
IMA IBERICA's campaign is based on the dissemination of two infographics and various articles published in its corporate magazine and on its website. Its aim is clear: to raise awareness and teach good practices that can make the difference between safety and danger.
Some of the essential recommendations included in the campaign are:
✅ Make yourself visible before starting any work.
✅ Always wear an approved reflective vest.
✅ Signal the operators' presence with lights or beacons visible from a distance.
✅ Place warning triangles or beacons if conditions allow.
✅ Park the tow truck as far as possible from the traffic lane, with the wheels turned towards the hard shoulder.
✅ Take extra care in adverse weather conditions.
✅ Assess the surroundings and the traffic before getting out of the vehicle.
✅ Avoid standing with your back to the traffic and do not assume that drivers have seen you.
✅ Always report any incident to the control centre and request support if the situation is risky.
✅ Put safety before speed of intervention.
Shared safety
Xavier Martí, spokesperson for the Roadside Assistance Alliance, expressed his gratitude for this initiative, stressing that they hope it will serve as an example for other platforms, insurers and motoring clubs. The safety of roadside assistance operators is everyone's commitment, and campaigns such as IMA IBERICA's help to raise awareness and educate in order to drastically reduce the risks these professionals face every day.
In IMA IBERICA's words, safety starts with being informed. And in the case of roadside assistance tow-truck operators, that information can mean saving lives.
The Board of Directors and all REAC members express their gratitude for this initiative, hoping that all platforms, insurers and motoring clubs will join in. The safety of roadside assistance operators is everyone's commitment, and campaigns such as IMA IBERICA's help to raise awareness and educate in order to drastically reduce the risks these professionals face every day.