Michigan: Tow truck drivers have a dangerous job

Tow truck drivers have a dangerous job. It can be a dangerous job. Tow truck operators put their lives in danger every day -- helping people who are stranded along roads and highways. With our first snowfall expected this weekend, the risk they face will increase. Even with good weather, those who pick up disabled or damaged cars are in harms way.

"The rumble strips on the side of the highway -- most people associate them with getting a little too far over to the right and they need to get back in their lane. When I hear those bumps I see my life flash before my eyes, because that's the sound of a car coming straight at me," said tow truck operator Jason Kring.

Kring has seen first-hand fellow tow truck operators die while working.

"The company and said there was an accident. Me and a fellow operator Keith, who is also a close friend of mine, were the first ones there. And when we got there, Mark was laying there literally in two pieces and still breathing," says Kring.

The biggest danger -- people driving too fast or not moving to the other lane when tow trucks are on the side of the road.

"It brings tears to my eyes. I've got goosebumps now just thinking about it. It could've easily been me or anybody else and people just have got to move over, slow down. They have to for my brothers and sisters are losing their lives on the highway," says Kring.

Kring says there's a misconception that tow truck operators are the bad guys who repossess cars. They're also the ones who are Triple A drivers, and the ones who change your flat tire. Paying attention to tow trucks will protect both the operators and you.

"If the lights are flashing, get over a lane, slow down. It's not always that we're worried that you're going to hit us. You could be headed toward a chunk of ice if you're traveling 50 or 60 miles an hour. You could pick that up and it hits me in the head or the body. It can be just as bad as your car," says Kring.