Trucks, Training, and Trial Attorneys: A Tower's Tale

When safety laws exist but aren't enforced, what's the real value of having them? This pressing question emerges during our enlightening conversation with Jared Varnado, fourth-generation tower and president of the Towing and Recovery Professionals of Louisiana.The harsh reality facing roadside workers becomes clear as Jared reveals disturbing statistics – only 56 Move Over citations issued in his area this year despite multiple industry workers being struck on roadsides. This enforcement gap represents a widespread problem facing first responders nationwide, where laws exist on paper but offer little real-world protection to those working vulnerable roadside positions.Louisiana towers face additional challenges with crushing insurance costs reaching $40,000-$70,000 per truck annually, driven largely by predatory lawsuit practices and insurance companies that find settlement cheaper than defense. These astronomical premiums, combined with regulated non-consensual towing rates, create a nearly impossible business environment where companies cannot pass costs to consumers through appropriate rate adjustments.Yet amid these challenges, signs of adaptation and progress emerge. The state association has strategically partnered with Traxero for paperwork processing, freeing resources for advocacy work. Jared's company demonstrates forward-thinking investment with a new twin-steer 50-ton rotator and refurbished 25-ton truck, positioning themselves for expanded opportunities as Baton Rouge police shift to a rotation system after 20 years of single-company service.Throughout our conversation runs a consistent thread – the critical importance of ongoing training in an evolving industry. With vehicles and equipment changing rapidly, even experienced operators need regular education to maintain safety and effectiveness. The upcoming ATRI training sessions in Lake Charles this November represent the industry's commitment to professionalism despite difficult circumstances.What challenges does your towing operation face with road safety enforcement? Share your experiences and join the conversation about how we can better protect those who protect our roadways.