Social media has been abuzz this past week with allegations of unethical business practices by unnamed tow truck contractors arriving on the scene of collisions.
The initial post, found on Reddit and since widely shared on local social media groups, alleges that the ploy revolves around unnamed tow truck companies that respond to collisions without being called.
The poster alleged that these tow truck drivers listen to fire department radio channels or chase fire trucks to arrive first and offer affordable towing services. However, they typically take vehicles to their holding yards, where exorbitant fees are charged for later release, often leading to significant costs for the motorist.
However, when Mounties were asked if any such occurrences had happened in or around Airdrie, the RCMP wrote in an email, "Airdrie has not had issues brought to our attention at this time..."
"However, we are always educating community members about safety in all aspects and to always call when something doesn’t seem right or safe."
In a written comment, Airdrie's Fire Department also stated they've had no challenges with tow operators in the municipality.
"... It is the responsibility of the RCMP to bring tow trucks on the scene for the removal of vehicles after collisions," officials wrote.
Steven Franks, the owner of ATR Logistics, a well-known tow truck company in Airdrie, said that while they had witnessed a few unsolicited tow truck companies showing up on a scene last winter, he noted that the most recent allegations are something he has also seen on social media but not yet encountered - though he noted the winter season is yet to begin on the roads.
"We have witnessed [it] when we have major storms, where these one-truck operators are coming up the highway and approaching people unsolicited when we're already working or scheduled to work with the RCMP and with Airdrie Fire Department," he said. "And we get on scene, and there's another operator not from our area, trying to tow vehicles."
Tyler Reed, the Operations Manager with ATR, added that the first red flag for any motorist should be that a company shows up without being called. Reed said that most legitimate tow truck companies will have established relationships with local first responders, such as fire and police, who can recommend vetted towing providers.
"Companies arriving on the scene before police or fire and looking for consent to tow... that behaviour is predatory," he said. "If it's your first time in an accident, I would say, ask the police or fire who they would recommend or who they use to deal with scenes regularly, and then I would go with their provider, as they would already be vetted, or go with your gut instincts."
Reed added trusted tow truck operators will have equipment marked with business logos and insignia and will be dressed the part. Franks also noted that if you are cornered by an unsolicited tow truck driver arriving at the scene, it is crucial to remain in control of your keys, as giving the keys may be used as implied consent by predatory companies. He also advised you to communicate clearly that you are not interested in their services and to mention that you have already called another tow truck.
"If you've been in a motor vehicle collision, stop and wait for police. They are there to help you."
When asked if these companies' predatory practices frustrate Franks, he said they are disappointing, as his local business has worked long and hard to develop long-lasting relationships with local first responders.
"But bottom line, we do this daily and know how frustrating it can be. But, listen to your 'spidey' sense," he added.
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