Tow truck operators face some of the highest fatality rates of any industry in the U.S., with an average of 43 deaths per 100,000 workers each year—over 15 times the national average for private industries. Many of these deaths are caused by struck-by incidents, where operators are hit by passing vehicles while working on the roadside. With funding from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH), this project aims to reduce struck-by injuries and fatalities by identifying key risk factors and developing effective safety strategies.

We are always looking for stakeholders and research participants to share their experiences and perspectives with our team. Your input helps guide our research and ensures it reflects the realities faced by those on the ground.

We welcome your voice in building safer transportation systems—and in helping to protect those who assist us on the road, including tow truck operators, law enforcement officers, firefighters, and EMTs. If you are interested in contributing to our work, please contact Dr. Jun Liu (Project Lead PI/PD), jliu@eng.ua.edu.

Together, we can create a safer future for all.