Why is it?

Question

Why is it that tow trucks get to the scene of an accident before emergency vehicles.

Sorry, maybe I'm just a little pissed, right outside my window here at work there was just a car accident, I heard the bangs. The woman in one car is hurt and the ambulance was called right away. So far the ambulance and police are not here, but 4 tow trucks have shown up. Personally I think that's ridiculous, I hope she's going to be okay.

Okay, finally just to let you know the police, ambulance and firetruck is there, but I still can't beleive they took longer than the tow trucks.

Answer 1

It's a shame that in a world of "me" stuff, we seldom think of others. Kudos to you on your caring!

Answer 2

open your yellow pager and look up "tow trucks" I'll bet there are at least 20 or 30 companies. Each company probably has a fleet of trucks and drivers, where as ambulances only have a hand full of stations and vehicles. The tow truck drivers all have scanners so they can hear the emergency channels and be at the crash site before the competition.

Answer 3

My ex drove a tow truck for emergencies - 911 contacts them on a rotating basis. It is very possible the truck was close to the scene of the accident. He showed up before emergency vehicles sometimes too. Usually just a coincidence and location though. Plus if a tow truck was driving by, they can just stop and ask if they want to use them.

Answer 4

Oh man I thought I was the only one that gets disgusted with these tow trucks. I have to take I95 to get to work, and theres always at least two tow trucks sitting in the middle of the two sides (you know, where cops usually hide?). I think it's absolutely disgusting. They just sit there during the busiest time of day and wait for accidents. I cant stand it.

Answer 5

Tow truck drivers are actually driving around waiting for this to happen, ambulances and fire trucks are parked at stations waiting for a call. Tow trucks are just closer.

Answer 6

Because they get paid to be there, hehe. Seriously though, do keep in mind that the vast majority of the time, this is completely untrue, and depending on the location of the accident, the simple geographics of the area may make it easier for a tow truck to get there faster.

Answer 7

What a great question. I hope you don't mind, but I'll take it to the next level.

How many lawyers were circling behind the tow trucks??

Seriously, I hope that all involved in the accident are okay. Continue to be pissed about these things. Once you lose your concern, you're hardened to those around you.

Answer 8

Most towing companies(in larger cities) are actively cruising the streets with thier scanners tuned for accident reports where the police are either "working" another incident or need to be dispatched.

Same for ambulances,they need to be dispatched.

Answer 9

well i dont think this is the case for most accidents. but tow trucks are dispatched by where they are located and maybe they were closer to the accident at the time or were already going that way??

Answer 10

That is usually not the case - at least not where i live.

often times though a passing tow truck will stop before the authorities arive. he's only trying to earn some cash.

Answer 11

In southern California, tow trucks drive the freeways during rush hours so there is always one nearby...

Emergency vehicles stay at their stations until they are dispatched.