A tow truck driver was outside of his vehicle when he was struck by a car late Friday morning, according to Emergency Medical Services.
The collision happened at about 11:40 a.m. on northbound Deerfoot Trail at the Peigan Trail overpass.
Initially it was believed the man, in his 50s, had suffered potentially life-threatening head injuries.
But EMS later determined he was in stable condition.
A spokesperson with City Wide Towing said the man has fractures to his leg, his cheek and his skull. He also has a collapsed lung.
But Jeff Hribnak said the driver is expected to make a full recovery.
Hribnak said the driver was getting out of his vehicle to fix a strap when he was struck. He said the tow truck was pulled over safely and had its beacon lights on.
Slow Down
EMS reminds motorists to slow down and always give emergency responders room to work.
That advice was echoed by the Alberta Motor Association (AMA) in a statement.
“The recent cold snap, snow and icy conditions have led to a significant number of breakdowns across the province,” said Randy Loyk, a spokesperson for AMA.
“It’s critical that when drivers see the flashing lights of a tow truck, they slow down.”
“It’s not just a tow truck at the side of the road; it’s a person who deserves to go home to their family after work,” Loyk said.
“If drivers take that extra bit of caution, we can help keep everyone safe.”
Alberta law requires all motorists to reduce their speed to 60 km/hr (or slower if the limit is less) in the adjacent lane when passing emergency vehicles or tow trucks with their lights on.
The AMA suggests moving over one lane, if possible, to give them room to work safely.
In addition, the association points out fines are doubled when drivers speed by an emergency vehicle or tow trucks at work.
Note: The tow truck driver struck Friday was not a member of AMA’s fleet.
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