It always seems to me that the lights on top are more distracting than helpful. Sure, it means I realize the tow truck is there sooner, but it means I have to look away from it because flashing lights do strange things to my eyes/head. No other large trucks have flashing lights (unless if they're really large). Why tow trucks? Just wondering if anyone else had any thoughts or comments!
2007-02-12 14:38:05 · 15 answers · asked by rachel2131 1 in Cars & Transportation ➔ Other - Cars & Transportation
number one reason is for safety. any vehicles that do public work must have these lights because they get in and out of the vehicle all the time facing moving vehicles. so these light is to make sure all drivers see them before the run them over.
2007-02-12 14:42:55 · answer #1 · answered by LEXUSRY 5 · 1⤊ 3⤋
Tow Truck Lights
2016-09-29 01:04:20 · answer #2 · answered by ? 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Safety. They have to have the flashing lights on while they are towing another vehicle. This lets you know that there may be another car behind it that has no lights. Otherwise, you might think you're a safe distance behind it and still hit the towed vehicle. Even flatbed tow trucks put their lights on, because the vehicle on it is only held on be a few chains and straps, and damaged parts of it could fly off in the air, or the car could come loose. Also, when towing another vehicle, a tow truck is often moving much slower than the traffic around it - something other motorists need to be warns about.
However, they all should always turn them off when they do not have a vehicle in tow (but some forget.)
2007-02-13 03:42:31 · answer #3 · answered by Me 6 · 0⤊ 1⤋
There are two sides of the story. Tow trucks are required to have these lights as a warning for other drivers around them. Since the tow trucks carry cars as their haul, a lot of caution is needed. When the truck turns (unless it's a flatbed) the car may move to the other side and hit something in the way. Also, if the car wasn't properly secured, it has a chance of rolling off or falling off (if the tow people do a crappy job) or if it was in an accident, debris may fly from the car and hit another car or may cause a road hazard. Also, tow truck drivers are on the go and need to rush to get to their destination very quick as possible. They may need to move a car in an accident or assist someone if their car isn't working properly. Now, here is another story of why......(It's very true)
In some cities downtown in the ghetto and all, tow trucks actually need the lights. Why?????? The tow people usually go and do their normal routine, but not in these parts of the cities. They have to hurry up so they don't get killed. That's right, they'll at least get beaten up or shot. I heard about a man who had a nice Cadillac with some nice rims and all. A tow truck driver is about to tow it and hooks it to the car. As he is about to push the switch to pull the car in and have it locked in, the owner comes with a bat and a loaded gun. To tell you the truth, these people won't give up their cars without a fight. So he comes with the gun and points in at the face and whacks the driver with the bat beating him up. Then he actually steals the truck with the car attach and runs off. An example that they need the lights to get out fast and hurry up, so no neighbor comes and argues with violence. Now I thought that this was a fake story, but when I asked some people downtown when I visited, they told me it was true and that about every neighbor would of done worse. I was shocked at how these people would react. Well, can't blame them if some guy tows your Cadillac with some 22's or 24's and a nice finish.
2007-02-12 15:08:09 · answer #4 · answered by Drift King 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
They have flashing lights to warn other motorists of there presence. At least in most states they are not emergency vehicles. However a lot of times when they respond to a wreck they turn they're lights on right before the scene to try and get motorists to move so they can open the lanes up again. You'd think it would be common sense when you see emergency vehicles up ahead with lights on and traffic is backed up that someone would pullover for a wrecker. Well truth is a lot of people don't notice that kind of stuff most places behind them unless they have a siren. Most places it's strictly Amber lights. Other places I've heard use green as well. All depends on the state
2015-08-12 03:08:13 · answer #5 · answered by ? 1 · 1⤊ 0⤋
They have flashing lights so passing cars are aware of them. I just wish tow truck drivers would remember to turn the lighs off again when they are driving. They are blinding and probably cause a lot of accidents. Of course, this means more business to tow truck drivers so what do they care?
2007-02-12 14:46:41 · answer #6 · answered by Bob 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
So that when they are on the side of the road helping you people know that the tow truck is there. It is important to be seen. Just like cops have lights so they can be seen or they would just have their siren. But i have a feeling the lights are really bright at night if you are drunk. Hope that explains it well enough
2007-02-12 14:43:18 · answer #7 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 1⤋
the flashing lights help you to see that there is a problem ahead,, some people think that just because 36 years in the same pair of pants,,Think that thay know every thing,,,,,,,,,,,,,, [But thay don't],, I have drove a Tow truck for 159 years ,,ha ha
If you see flashing yellows,, Just try to move over out of the way
Some day,, It might be you broke down ,, Those flashing yellow just might save your life
2007-02-12 15:38:41 · answer #8 · answered by bill_ray56 3 · 0⤊ 1⤋
so you dont run in to them when they are tryeing to pick a car up off the street or highway. why do police have flashing lights to get your attention or firetrucks for that matter. where i live people actually pull over for a firetruck or ambulance . tow trucks are not the same but the only time they turn them on is to get your attention for their safety and yours most likely. they should not be running them just going down the road to my knowledge.
2007-02-12 14:45:46 · answer #9 · answered by justin s 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
i own a shop and they have these to warn on coming drivers they are in route to a accident or in tow of a vehicle,its supposed to keep people from doing stupid things like pulling in front of them or trying to pass them in bad spots,but it doesn't work all the time,but these vehicle have about the same rights as a fire truck does ,as far as getting to the scene of an accident ,sometimes its them that helps save a few lives ,when people see them most of they time they don't pay much attention to them,but really we should,good luck i hope this help,s.
2007-02-12 14:48:02 · answer #10 · answered by dodge man 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Because...they are trying to drum up business. You see the pretty flashing lights...they distract you...you crash (or bump someone else)...they get to play tow-man and drive you to the nearest dump or truck garage. Mucho dinero, free entertainment, stories to tell the kids...
lol
sounded good, anyway!
2007-02-12 14:43:27 · answer #11 · answered by longleggedfirecracker 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋