Debris Cleanup and Removal

By Randall C. Resch 

When vehicles are involved in a crash and settlement is paid between the vehicle’s owner and insurance company, whose property does the vehicle become? In the process of settlement and salvage, a wrecked vehicle may hold some “value” in parts for restoration and rebuild. But, in a typical situation, some towers think all wrecked vehicles are scrap. Not so fast!  

When a bumper cover sticks out from an opened window of a crashed car, I get a bit irritated thinking the tower either wasn’t trained well or they didn’t take time to respect the (damaged) property of others. Usually, it’s the latter! 

Believe it or not, there’s a “proper way” and a “wrong way” when it comes to cleaning accident scenes of debris and parts. Especially true to accident vehicles, there may be scrutiny of a vehicle’s contents, air bags, seatbelts, or other safety systems after the initial crash. 

What's the Big Deal? 

In something as simple as stuffing a bumper cover through a wrecked vehicle’s window, look at the bigger picture of what transpires once a crashed vehicle arrives at the tow facility for storage. Once it goes the route of being claimed, if oil-soaked debris and glass gets shoveled into the vehicle’s interior, a vehicle’s owner will assuredly blame the tow company for ruining their personal belongings or property. 

For example, my company was sued after a newish, slightly wrecked Corvette was transported to our facility having been struck by an uninsured motorist. My driver hurriedly stuffed the other car’s bumper cover through the Corvette’s window and across its leather seats. In doing so, the back of the driver’s seat was heavily scratched while the passenger’s seat had a considerable tear.  

Subsequently, the insurance company made a subrogation claim against my company for nearly $1,800 to R&R both seats. Note: Because the judge was a Corvette “aficionado,” he was sympathetic to the damage caused by my driver. 

Steps to Take 

Accident scene cleanup is generally a tow operator’s responsibility as mandated by state vehicle codes. Per California Vehicle Code, Section 27700, it states;    

(a) Tow trucks shall be equipped with and carry all of the following: (1) One or more brooms, and the driver of the tow truck engaged to remove a disabled vehicle from the scene of an accident shall remove all glass and debris deposited upon the roadway by the disabled vehicle which is to be towed. While debris cleanup isn’t rocket science, removal and disposal is a responsibility in which towers must comply with EPA regulations.  (1) One or more brooms, and the driver of the tow truck engaged to remove a disabled vehicle from the scene of an accident shall remove all glass and debris deposited upon the roadway by the disabled vehicle which is to be towed. While debris cleanup isn’t rocket science, removal and disposal is a responsibility in which towers must comply with EPA regulations.  

What About Pending Danger? 

Take a second to realize that when cleanup is mandated by law, the Vehicle Code places towers in harm's way knowing that debris can likely be deposited for hundreds of feet. When the process of sweeping, debris cleanup and removal commence, remember, never sweep with your back to approaching and remain out of live lanes whenever possible. 

Even under the best conditions where there are flares, cones, light boards and the presence of cops on scene, some distracted motorists are likened to steer into where you might be working. 

You are reminded to know your location and to where a pre-planned escape route may save your life provided you are aware of your surroundings and what “right now happenings” are danger close. 

Steps to Take 

Without going into great detail, consider six “best practices” for handling roadside debris, not considered liquid or haz-mat;  --Progressive tow companies carry heavy plastic trash bags for use at accident scenes, perfect for dry debris, vehicle plastics, clothing, etc. --Progressive tow companies carry heavy plastic trash bags for use at accident scenes, perfect for dry debris, vehicle plastics, clothing, etc. --When glass debris is wet, shovel roadside piles into the tow truck’s trash can or bucket, ultimately stowed in a side box or other location of stowage --When glass debris is wet, shovel roadside piles into the tow truck’s trash can or bucket, ultimately stowed in a side box or other location of stowage --Never toss road sweepings into a vehicle’s interior, anticipating crashed vehicles may be examined for trace evidence, drug paraphernalia, or alcoholic beverage containers at a later date --Never toss road sweepings into a vehicle’s interior, anticipating crashed vehicles may be examined for trace evidence, drug paraphernalia, or alcoholic beverage containers at a later date --Use caution to not deposit road debris that includes red phosphorous flares that may not be completely burned out. A smoldering flare shoveled atop vehicle carpet may smolder and ignite --Use caution to not deposit road debris that includes red phosphorous flares that may not be completely burned out. A smoldering flare shoveled atop vehicle carpet may smolder and ignite --Don’t stuff a bumper cover through the vehicle’s open window. Prior to loading a casualty onto a carrier’s deck, place the loose cover, license plate down and under the winch cable. Slide the bumper cover forward to the winch’s hold down plate before the casualty gets winched into transport position. Doing so will keep the bumper cover from flying  --Don’t stuff a bumper cover through the vehicle’s open window. Prior to loading a casualty onto a carrier’s deck, place the loose cover, license plate down and under the winch cable. Slide the bumper cover forward to the winch’s hold down plate before the casualty gets winched into transport position. Doing so will keep the bumper cover from flying  --For wheel lift style wreckers, a loose bumper cover is placed atop the wrecker’s rear deck and under the boom; to be strapped with Bungee Cords or tied with a hank of rope to keep from blowing --For wheel lift style wreckers, a loose bumper cover is placed atop the wrecker’s rear deck and under the boom; to be strapped with Bungee Cords or tied with a hank of rope to keep from blowing 

When handling crash debris, taking easy and simple steps helps to comply with cleanup responsibility, and to avoid “after the crash” damage caused by neglectful tow operators. 

It’s also the operator’s responsibility to ensure all parts contained “on” or “within” the towed or transported vehicle are tied, taped, or removed to protect from blowing off the vehicle being delivered to the tow facility or final destination.     

Operations Editor Randall C. Resch is a retired California police officer and veteran tow business owner. As consultant and trainer, he authored and teaches a tow truck operator safety course approved by the California Highway Patrol. For 51-years, he has been involved in the towing and recovery industry. In 26-years, he has contributed more than 700-safety focused articles for American Towman Magazine and TowIndustryWeek.com. He was inducted to the International Towing and Recovery Industry Hall of Fame, was the 3rd recipient of the industry's "Dave Jones Leadership Award," and is a member of American Towman’s Safety Committee. Email Randy at rreschran@gmail.com.