SDMO Spotlight: Charles Bullock's Roadside Incident

In the realm of roadside assistance, every tow truck driver faces potential hazards, often unseen until they strike. Charles Bullock, owner of B&B Wrecker, experienced this firsthand on September 6th, 2023, when a routine stop turned into a life-altering event.

While traveling from North Wilkesboro to Raleigh to deliver a truck, Charles's Dodge truck encountered a fuel sensor issue, leaving him stranded on the side of I-85 just north of Greensboro. He activated all tow indicators and awaited assistance from one of his other trucks stationed over 100 miles away.

As he waited, Charles observed passing vehicles, intending to capture close encounters on film for documentation. However, one moment changed everything when a Nissan Rogue collided with his stationary truck at 75 miles per hour. The driver, distracted by their cellphone, failed to react in time.

The impact caused significant damage to both vehicles, resulting in fractures to Charles's vertebrae and ongoing recovery efforts. Despite the physical and financial challenges, Charles remains committed to his towing company's operation and the safety of his team.

This incident underscores the importance of prioritizing tow truck driver safety. Although Charles was the disabled motorist in this situation, it highlights the same risk faced by tow operators in their course of duty. Every day, these professionals put themselves in harm's way to assist stranded motorists, risking their lives to ensure the safety of others on the road.

Furthermore, it's crucial to recognize that the danger faced by tow truck drivers extends beyond themselves to the motorists they rescue. When a tow truck is on the scene, it's often indicative of a precarious situation on the road—a broken-down vehicle, a collision, or adverse weather conditions. In these scenarios, both tow operators and the motorists they assist are vulnerable to the hazards of passing traffic.

As part of the Tow Operators Safety Coalition, we advocate for measures to raise awareness, improve roadside protocols, and enforce distracted driving laws. Together, we strive to prevent such incidents and support those who risk their lives on the roadside every day.