Over the years these people have been sworn at for being a nuisance and arrogant and sometimes praised for being helpful, even offer first aid assistance. The fact of the matter is, that they are necessary and do perform an absolute vital task.

Unfortunately some unscrupulous operators are the cause that the public generalize and label them as a menace on the road. We all know that once they know about an accident they drive recklessly and at high speeds, even sometimes land up in an accident themselves, all in an effort to get to the accident scene first to hook up the damaged vehicles. It is also known that some of them may intimidate you and get aggressive if you do not allow them to hook up your vehicle. There are reports that they will offer to call your call centre on their cellphone to get towing authorization for you, which turns out to be a fictitious number to someone who will tell you that the tow is authorized. The result is that your vehicle is being towed to an unknown destination at an astronomical cost to get it released once you find it.

Our advice to the public is to carry in your purse or wallet the name and telephone number of your insurance call centre or broker or your prefered auto body repair shop (panelbeater). Give them a call, tell them where you are and if possible where you want your vehicle to go to. Anyone of these will be able to assist or advise you what, where and how.

Above all try and STAY CALM AND DO NOT BE INTIMIDATED by the tow operators or anybody else to tow your vehicle away. You are stressed as it is and you do not need to tolerate intimidation.

Alternatively: You may be hurt or unable to take any decision. Try and get a windscreen sticker from your insurance company, broker or panel beater with name and telephone number and instruction who are allowed to tow your vehicle.

In summary, like them or hate them, they are there to deliver a service, but you are still in control and you have the right to decide where your vehicle is going or not going. If at all possible get a signed document from the tow operator of the cost involved and the address where your vehicle is going to.