Just drove past your standard 2-car accident, and there are at least six tow trucks lined up on either side of the scene in both directions. Occurred to me that it's always like this - way more wreckers than will be needed.

Why?

money

Worst drivers

Mosquitos and tow truck drivers are in the same life category.

Not sure why you guys are saying that. Some of the nicest people I have met are tow truck drivers.

They are scum for going to where they are needed and trying to get work?

vultures

I absolutely agree that it pisses me off to no end when they line up like that. I think all the extra ones that just stay should be ticketed. Also hate how they park wherever they want and drive as if they are law enforcement or above the rules.

However, it's not all their fault. My wife was in an accident and her car was undriveable. Tow truck driver showed up after about 15 minutes. Per him, he had to wait for the police to get their to confirm her car was in fact undriveable and give him the go ahead to tow her. That was an additional 45 minutes.

plowboy1065 said:

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Counted 16 tow truck parked on the side of 290 in front of my office for a one car accident. They are the lowest forms of life and will damn sure cause a wreck trying to get to one

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They're fishing, and the cluster they form is chum....

I have AAA. I use whoever they dispatch. Keeps it simple.

5 of them flipped coins for the wreck I had years ago. It may be a needed service, but they sure as hell don't allow a free market to negotiate the price. One thing I saw in Europe that made me think it may be a good idea was Police tow trucks. It's a government owned road, let city government provide the towing at a low price as part of a city service.

Texaggie7nine said:

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5 of them flipped coins for the wreck I had years ago. It may be a needed service, but they sure as hell don't allow a free market to negotiate the price. One thing I saw in Europe that made me think it may be a good idea was Police tow trucks. It's a government owned road, let city government provide the towing at a low price as part of a city service.

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Isn't that sort of what safe clear was meant to achieve? Setting aside the scams those guys run trying to charge you.

Also, if you're involved in an accident, isn't insurance covering the tow? If so, why would you want to negotiate it?

htxag09 said:

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If you want something fixed, let the government get involved.

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I'm libertarian, but when it's on city property and they have created an environment for private companies to be predatory, I can't help but think a city ran towing service that is limited with how much it can charge might be better.

Texaggie7nine said:

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5 of them flipped coins for the wreck I had years ago. It may be a needed service, but they sure as hell don't allow a free market to negotiate the price. One thing I saw in Europe that made me think it may be a good idea was Police tow trucks. It's a government owned road, let city government provide the towing at a low price as part of a city service.

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Yes, let the government run everything. They sure as sh-t won't screw it up.

Tom Hagen said:

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Troutslime said:

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They are scum for going to where they are needed and trying to get work?

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Yes. They draw straws to see who gets to extort the owner of the car. The driver should be able to negotiate with them, and choose the one who offers the best price.

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I believe the city sets the rate.

They're all there because in Houston there will be three more wrecks nearby because of the rubbernecking.

Texaggie7nine said:

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htxag09 said:

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If you want something fixed, let the government get involved.

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I'm libertarian, but when it's on city property and they have created an environment for private companies to be predatory, I can't help but think a city ran towing service that is limited with how much it can charge might be better.

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I'm a libertarian also, and you should slap some sense into yourself. This is a horrible idea.

City sets the rate and they carry a dice with them because that's how HPD chooses who gets the tow.

Personally don't blame them, blame HPD for how they do it.

Houston is one of the last cities to do it that way. Other municipalities and cities put tow truck companies on a rotation. When you get the call from the dispatcher, you better show up in a timely manner or you are off the rotation. Much safer for everyone and drivers don't have to camp out underneath overpasses and such.

Tow truck services are always hated mostly because they are showing up when you are most vulnerable.

I remember yrs ago in high school when I got into a wreck on the way to school and my mom showed up, there were a bunch of tow trucks already lined up and my mom just said sorry guys but who ever is AAA is towing.

Some officers like this system, at least at night, because all those tow trucks with flashing lights get the attention of other drivers approaching the scene.

Because idiots drive

MouthBQ98 said:

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I have AAA. I use whoever they dispatch. Keeps it simple.

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This, they all show up and hope the driver doesn't have AAA or specific coverage through insurance. Then its first come first serve....

hodgesco said:

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I've seen them roll dice on the asphalt.

Tow truck drivers are by and large pure scum.

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Wait, this is a real thing?

I've had three real experiences with two truck drivers
One where the guy basically sat in my driveway in college every day til I asked the police to tell him to stop, then he paid the kids at subway to call him if anyone parked in the wrong spot. He was a creepy mcCreeperson.

Then when I got in a wreck outside of Calvert by myself with my two dogs. He gave me a ride to where I was supposed to meet up with a ride and stayed wiyh me til they got there and was incredibly kind

Third towed my car half a mile to a gas station. He only charged like 20 bucks and was really nice.