Ky. Lawmakers Reintroduce Bill to Protect Tow Operators

A Kentucky bill aimed at improving safety for roadside assistance workers is gaining traction in the legislature.

House Bill 115, known as Troy’s Law, was reintroduced Sept. 23 by Reps. Richard White (R-Morehead) and Patrick Flannery (R-Olive Hill). The measure would allow tow trucks to display rear-facing blue flashing lights when stationary, alerting drivers to slow down and move over. Lawmakers said the change is designed to prevent tragedies like the 2024 death of tow operator Troy Caldwell, who was struck by a commercial vehicle while working roadside.

Caldwell’s employer, Bubba Johnson of Bubba’s Towing, called him “Mr. Safety,” noting that despite his vigilance, distracted driving claimed his life. Authorities later said the driver involved was watching YouTube at the time of the crash.

Tow operators say the bill offers a critical layer of protection. “We’re still going to be coming to your rescue,” Johnson said. “We just hope everybody will be there for us too.”

If passed, Kentucky would join other states allowing blue safety lights to reduce roadside worker fatalities. Source: https://www.workerscompensation.com