Tow truck drivers want commuters to be mindful of flashing hazard signs

Rain and wind in the forecast have combined for a messy commute on Central Coast highways this winter. Out to handle the mess is the familiar flashing lights of law enforcement and tow truck drivers looking to keep the roads safe.

Doing so, however, requires being in the thick of the danger roads can present, especially if they’re slick from rainfall.

“I’ve been hit by the mirror of a car before,” said tow truck driver Arturo Mendoza. “Someone was trying to speed past my sign and hit me on the arm.”

Mendoza says in his time working for a tow truck company, he’s had to develop a strong sense in knowing when a passing driver is distracted or about to put him in danger.

“Some people respect the lights and some people don’t,” said Mendoza. “It’s just sad because we don’t know what’s gonna happen.”

He urges anyone driving in any area hit by rainfall to take things slow, and if they see flashing hazard lights or signs, to just move over to avoid adding on to a dangerous situation for tow truck drivers or law enforcement.

For some drivers like Mendoza, this is his “bread and butter.” So despite the fear of getting hit by a car again, he knows he’ll have to go back out there to continue working as long as he is capable of doing so.