On-Highway Tire Changes? Do They Make Sense?

By Randall C. Resch

A famous quote asserts: “Insanity is doing the same thing over and over again and expecting different results.” That includes providing traffic-side tire service late at night, in bad weather, without a reflective vest, with the jack handle leaning toward traffic, and motorists milling about.

Keyboard warriors argue back and forth about whether it’s “OK” to conduct on-highway tire changes. I watch today’s operators provide tire service even when the flat tire sits just inches from the white line. Haven’t they gotten the message? Tow First!

A 23-year-old Motorist Assistance Patrol (MAP) operator was changing a late-night tire on a Louisiana highway. His truck was reportedly parked on the shoulder with emergency lights activated and cones placed behind it. In a perfect world, these extra steps would help identify the operator’s presence.

In April 2024, another Louisiana tower and his customer were struck and killed while providing tire service on the highway shoulder at 2 a.m. Forever I question, “Why do tow companies provide tire services on the highway?”

Where does it say tow operators are required to put themselves—and their customers—in harm’s way to change a tire? It doesn’t. When towers have the God-given sense to recognize dangerous environments, why disregard the obvious? Is it simply chasing the all-American dollar instead of making a life-saving decision?

In Harm’s Way

Dating back to the 1940s, as many as fifty-two tow operators and club service technicians have been killed while working tire services on high-speed highways.

A Southern California newbie tow operator was killed alongside another technician while servicing an entitled vehicle owner. The customer’s rear driver-side tire required deep-set lugs, and the vehicle sat dangerously on a narrow shoulder. The tower recognized the peril and advised relocating the vehicle to a safer spot. The indignant motorist refused.

Although the towers knew the dangers, they chose to satisfy the customer—a deadly decision. Their refusal to relocate became a primary factor in both being struck by an approaching motorist “lost in the rising sun’s glare.” Would calling CHP have prevented the horrific strike? In most situations—yes.

Consider the realities: a spare buried under groceries, sports gear, or rusted into place under the vehicle. Have you ever crawled under the rear of an SUV trying to crank down a mud-encrusted spare? That’s scary stuff.

Example After Example

Another fatal strike in Southern California involved a tower responding to a flat tire on a vehicle stopped atop the highway’s gore point. The rear driver-side tire was flat, leaving towing options limited. The tower opted to change it.

A DUI driver plowed into him—he was nothing more than a “sitting duck” in the gore point. Would dispatching a carrier or requesting highway patrol have prevented a fatal outcome? That’s why immediate and accurate arrival assessment is critical.

Operators have also been struck while attempting to service commercial trucks. These vehicles often consume the entire shoulder, leaving no safe working space.

Cast Safety Aside

Some providers believe their abilities outweigh the lessons learned. But conducting tire services on high-speed highways is deadly. If you’re going to cast safety aside, at least request highway patrol, DOT, or freeway service patrol support.

Savvy towers know when to request extra emergency lighting, police presence, arrow boards, or rear-end protection. However, even with those assets, protection is never guaranteed—and can create a false sense of security.

My company’s PPM states: Tow operators and service technicians are authorized to refuse tire service when the vehicle is in a dangerous location. Never put yourself in harm’s way—safety comes first. This is a life-saving policy.

Freeway service patrol training guidelines also state: If service takes longer than ten minutes, tow or transport the vehicle to a safe location to complete the service.

Bottom Line

Lessons learned suggest it’s “insanity” to get killed over the price of a tire change. It is far smarter to Tow First than to stand, walk, or work on the dangerous side of traffic.

Operations Editor Randall C. Resch is a retired, veteran, California police officer, former tow business owner and industry advocate. As consultant and trainer, he authored and teaches tow truck operator safety courses approved by the California Highway Patrol. For 52-years, he has been involved in the towing and recovery industry. In 29-years, he has contributed more than 750-safety focused articles for American Towman Magazine, TowIndustryWeek.com and is a frequent seminar presenter and beauty pageant judge at tow shows. In 2014, 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.