A Multidisciplinary Approach for Tow Truck Operator Safety

University Of Alabama In Tuscaloosa, Tuscaloosa AL

Investigators

Abstract

PROJECT SUMMARY The automobile towing industry has an alarming average annual mortality rate of 43 fatalities per 100,000 workers, which is 15 times higher than the combined annual fatality rate of all other private industries. The high fatality and injury rates in the towing industry were acknowledged at the National Occupational Injury Research Symposium, emphasizing the need for research and prevention efforts. Struck-by incidents, particularly when tow truck operators are on the side of the road and are hit by passing vehicles, are the leading cause of fatalities and injuries among tow truck operators. Therefore, the overarching goal of the proposed research is to identify interventions to reduce struck-by injuries and fatalities among tow truck operators. This goal aligns with the National Institute of Occupational Safety and Health FY 2019-2026 strategic plan “Improve workplace safety to reduce traumatic injuries”. The objective of this project is to develop a comprehensive understanding of the underlying factors that contribute to struck-by incidents, informing the development of actionable countermeasures and mitigation strategies. The central hypothesis is that the behaviors of tow truck operators and passing drivers significantly contribute to struck-by incidents, influenced by factors such as laws and regulations, law enforcement, and immediate road and traffic conditions. Our rationale is grounded in the evidence that human behavior accounts for over 90% of traffic crashes, and therefore, it is likely the same for struck-by incidents involving tow truck operators. The end goal will be achieved through three specific aims: 1) assess state-level safety standards designed to protect tow truck operators; 2) investigate behaviors of tow truck operators to identify factors affecting their vulnerability to vehicle strikes; and 3) explore behaviors of passing drivers to identify factors contributing to struck-by incidents. The innovation of the project includes: 1) a multi-method approach utilizing both quantitative and qualitative data collection techniques; 2) conducting national surveys with law enforcement officers, tow truck operators, and passing drivers to understand and compare their perspectives on tow truck operator safety; 3) comprehensive investigation of behaviors of tow truck operators and passing drivers through field-based neurophysiological assessments and virtual reality- based driving simulator experiments; 4) controlled and experimental methods to evaluate safety intervention effectiveness; and 5) a multi-disciplinary team with experts from engineering, computer science, psychology, policy, and road safety working towards a common goal of advancing tow truck operator safety. The proposed research is a critical step in the systematic study of tow truck operator safety, as very little research has been conducted on this topic to date. The results of this research have the potential to make a significant impact by identifying safety interventions that can be translated into actionable items for policymakers, towing industry leaders, and occupational safety promoters to improve the safety of tow truck operators.