Being stuck on the side of the road is an unpleasant and sometimes scary situation for anyone.<\/p>\n
This can be even worse if you are stuck because of a crash. It is advisable for all motorists to be aware of their rights, and in control of events, in such a situation.<\/p>
\u201cWe hear too often of motorists who are involved in crashes and they have their vehicles towed away from the scene without their permission, or where their vehicles are taken and then towed and stored at excessive daily rates.<\/p>\n
\u201cThere is no need for this to happen; motorists have rights and they must enforce these if they are able to,\u201d said the Automobile Association of South Africa (AA).<\/p>
It is important to note that not all tow truck operators are unscrupulous and that there are more professional, ethical operators out there than those who aren\u2019t.<\/p>\n
There are accredited service providers who adhere to strict rules and ethics.<\/p>\n
It is also important to recognise that tow trucks provide a valuable service to motorists who are stranded on the side of the road due to mechanical breakdowns or as a result of crashes.<\/p>\n
Among the tips to motorists in relation to towing services are:<\/strong><\/p>\n \u2022 If you are involved in an incident and are able to do so, contact your insurer first; don\u2019t let someone else contact them on your behalf,<\/p>\n \u2022 It is your right to choose a tow truck driver, not anyone else\u2019s. This only applies if you are able to contact them. If you are incapacitated, police or emergency personnel on the scene will make a decision on who should tow your vehicle,<\/p>\n \u2022 Always check and read any documentation carefully before signing anything,<\/p>\n \u2022 If you are insured, contact your insurance provider for advice,<\/p>\n \u2022 If your insurance includes cover for towing, contact the emergency number provided with your cover,<\/p>\n \u2022 Get all the relevant information from the tow truck operator before allowing him to move your vehicle.<\/p>\n This should include their name, company name, company registration or association registration number, contact number and physical address (and address of their storage yard if it is different to their physical address), and the registration number of the vehicle.<\/p>\n \u2022 Establish upfront, and in writing if possible, how much the service is going to cost (including per kilometre rates), and how much any storage costs will be, especially if you do not have any cover,<\/p>\n \u2022 Remove all valuables from your vehicle before it is towed (remember to check everywhere), and,<\/p>\n \u201cIt is important for motorists to understand they are in charge of the vehicles, and that they do not have to be intimidated into doing anything they don\u2019t want to do.<\/p>\n \u201cBeing covered by insurance is the best option, but even without it, no-one has the right to take your vehicle without your consent,\u201d said the AA.<\/p>\n Have a story?<\/strong><\/p>\n Contact the newsroom by emailing: Melissa Hart (Editor)\u00a0<\/span>germistoncitynews@caxton.co.za<\/a><\/strong>or Leigh Hodgson (News Editor)\u00a0<\/span>leighh@caxton.co.za<\/a>\u00a0<\/strong>or\u00a0Kgotsofalang Mashilo (journalist)\u00a0kgotsofalangm@caxton.co.za<\/strong><\/a><\/p>\n Remember to visit the Germiston City News on the following social media platforms:<\/p>\n Facebook<\/a><\/strong><\/p>\n Twitter<\/a><\/strong><\/p>\n Instagram<\/a><\/strong><\/p>\n YouTube\u00a0<\/a><\/strong><\/p>\n Or add the GCN on\u00a0<\/b><\/span>WhatsApp 079 406 1181<\/strong>\u00a0<\/span>or\u00a0BBM (BBM Pin: 7F102137)<\/strong>\u00a0<\/b><\/span>today, to get all the latest news.<\/p>\n Catch-up on more local news with our sister newspapers\u00a0<\/span>Bedfordview Edenvale News<\/a><\/strong>,\u00a0<\/span>Alberton Record<\/a><\/strong>\u00a0and\u00a0<\/span>Kempton Express<\/a><\/strong>.<\/p>\n