Local association has its trucks in tow
Towing services in George vehemently deny participation in illegal activities on the Outeniqua Pass or other roads in our area.
This comes after various accidents in the pass have led to rumours that tow truck drivers pour oil on the road to make it slippery.
According to Kobus Smit, chairman of the Outeniqua Towing Association and owner of J&B Towing, all accredited towing services in George are strictly regulated.
"All the emergency services have access to a timetable that shows who is on duty. If an accident occurs and a tow truck is required, the emergency services will contact the person on duty. We are also used by insurance companies and belong to associations like the United Towing Association of South Africa, South African Towing and Recovering Association and the AA," he said.
Besides that, he says, it's not only about being a reputable company. They have their own friends and family to think of. "What if a family member drives there? I really don't know who would consider such an atrocious and selfish thing. Deliberately pouring oil on the road is a criminal offence. Someone could die."
Strictly regulated
Smit also says that not every Tom, Dick and Harry is allowed near a crash scene. When a tow truck is needed, emergency services will notify the onduty towing service. If the accident victim is able to, he or she will contact either the insurance or the towing service of their choice.
If an insurance company is contacted, they will immediately send the preferred towing service an authorisation number via SMS which gives them, and only them, the right to tow the vehicle.
Accredited towing services in George
Smit told the George Herald that there are only six accredited towing services in George: J&B Auto Spares & Towing Services, Star Truck & Car, Dynamic, Keanons, Crash Towing and BAT towing.
"I doubt very strongly that any of them will deliberately endanger others. We all work closely together and will immediately notify each other of an accident. We see these rumours in a very serious light and fully distance ourselves from them. If anyone sees or knows of suspicious activity regarding tow trucks on the Outeniqua Pass, they are welcome to contact me."
All the emergency services have access to a timetable that shows who is on duty.