Move Over’ Rally to Honor Fallen Towman, Raise Awareness

The Michigan Towing Association will host a “Move Over” rally this Friday at 6 p.m. in the Grand Traverse Mall parking lot, honoring the life of 25-year-old Keagan Spencer while calling attention to the daily dangers tow truck drivers face.  The Mall is located at 3200 W South Airport Road West, Traverse City, Michigan.

Spencer, of Hastings, was killed in December 2023 while assisting a disabled vehicle on the roadside. He was engaged to be married and had dreams of raising a family. His father, Todd Spencer, also a tow truck driver, said working on the side of the road is “a scary situation.”

According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) and OSHA, the motor vehicle towing industry records approximately 26 fatal injuries per year nationwide. Despite Michigan’s Move Over law requiring drivers to slow down and change lanes when they see emergency flashing lights, many still speed by, endangering lives.

“You know when we’re under these trucks pulling the driveshafts on the big ones or we’re hooking up our chains or our straps to the cars, we can’t see for a while, we lose visibility of oncoming traffic,” said tower Todd Roush. “So, your mind is wondering as you’re trying to do your job, as cars are literally feet or inches away from your vehicle.”

The rally aims to raise awareness, honor Keagan, and urge drivers to slow down and move over. Source: https://www.newsbreak.com