The nation’s deadliest profession is not pitching back and forth on a crab boat on the Bering Sea.
The deadliest profession the U.S—by far—is trying to tow disabled cars from the side of the freeway.
It’s true.
An analysis conducted by researchers at the Center for Disease Control shows that the towing industry is 15 times deadlier than all other private industries COMBINED.As both a traffic safety advocacy group and emergency roadside service provider, AAA Washington is fighting to drastically reduce that shocking number — by teaming up with other first responders at risk working alongside traffic AAA Washington, local tow companies, WSP, WSDOT, and Clark County Fire District 6 are coming together to raise awareness. The message is simple, and it’s also the law: “Slow Down and Move Over”.
On Wednesday, May 5th, the afore mentioned agencies will gather to shoot a Public Service Announcement reminding drivers of their responsibilities on the road. They’ll be gathering at Clark County Fire District 6’s Station 63 in Salmon Creek. They’ll be promoting the law “Slow Down and Move Over.” It requires drivers who see an emergency vehicle and/or tow operator to move a lane over, or at least slow down.
We need your help to spread the word.
Representatives from AAA-Washington, WSP, WSDOT, and various local towing companies will be available to discus freeway dangers as well as the law that many motorists ignore.
Unfortunately, we have a timely example of those dangers. Late last month, a tow truck driver and two people were killed along I-5 north of Kelso after they were struck by a motorist. Earlier this year a Vancouver tow truck operator lost his leg after being struck by a driver. David Rios will be part of the PSA and will be available for interviews. The PSA is expected to air in Washington, Oregon, and Idaho will help remind motorists to “Slow Down and Move Over”.
Media is invited to the PSA shoot, held at Clark County Fire District Station 63, Wednesday, May 5th, at 11 a.m. 1303 NE 136 Street 98685
For more information contact:
Kelly Just
Public Relations & Traffic Safety Program Manager
AAA Washington
KellyJust@aaawa.com
(M) 425.647.1594
(W) AAA.com, Twitter @AAA_Washington
Ambra Peters
Operations Manager
Chappelle's Towing, LLC
ra@chappellestow.com" target="_blank">ambra@chappellestow.com
Direct Line - 360-210-1086
Office - 360-696-1710
Cell - 503-504-1983
David Schmitke
Public Information Officer/Public Education Coordinator
8800 NE Hazel Dell Avenue
Vancouver, WA 98665
(360) 576-1195
Those who live or work in SW Washington can now make same day appointments for a COVID vaccination at the Clark County Fairgrounds Shot Clinic—there’s just that much vaccine available.
Including a 15 minute safety “cool down” in their car, the average total time for recipients to get the vaccine is 20 minutes, say Department of Health workers.
The Fairgrounds site is open from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. today and 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. tomorrow., and anyone over 16 years of age is eligible for the free shot.
Sign up and get more information here:
https://www.doh.wa.gov/Emergencies/COVID19/VaccineInformation/MassVaccinationSites
As promised, attached are photos of the African Serval who was rescued from an earlier housefire in Felida this afternoon. Apologies as the quality of the photos isn't great. As an update, the firefighter who was bit by the cat while fighting the fire on NW 38th Avenue was not seriously injured, and the cat wasn't hurt during the fire. The Clark County Fire Marshal is still determining the fire's cause and damage estimate.
Clark County Fire District 6
Dave Schmitke/PIO
Clark County Fire District 6 Firefighters today battled a subborn house fire in the Felida area. Neighbors first saw flames coming from the back of a single story home on NW 38th Avenue. The homeowner was trying to extinguish flames at the rear of the house when first units arrived. The blaze had spread to the attic of the home, making the fire more difficult to fight.
Assisted by firefighters with Vancouver, crews were able to bring the fire under control in 25 minutes.
In addidtion to four engines, one truck, one squad and one Battalion Chief, animal control was called to the home to manage a 60-70 pound African Cerval, who at this time appears to be unharmed, just a little freaked out. One firefighter was injured after the cat bit his fingers. Since the fire is out the decision was made to close up the house until animal control and the homeowner can contain the big cat.
I don't have any images of the cat or the fire yet but if I do I'll send in a follow up news release. PIO is not on scene but is monitering.