(Apologies - I could figure out how to do multiple attributed quotes in one message)
The ruling by Justice of the Peace James Ziegler determined that all car crashes are emergencies and that when tow-trucks arrive before police, fire or paramedics they must be considered emergency personnel.
A lot of weird rulings come out of POA court. Many, like this, should be appealed but MAG just lets them lie. Thankfully, they create no precedence.
I’m reminded a little of S. Korea. Tow trucks there have light bars, sirens . . .
So does Missouri if you have a permit from the State Police. I believe Saskatchewan recently allowed tow trucks to display blue lights.
"Slow Down, Move Over": If you see an emergency vehicle or a tow truck with its amber lights flashing stopped facing the same direction you are going, slow down and pass with caution.
I actually don't have a problem with this. The shoulder of a freeway is a scary place. I try to pull left for any vehicle on the shoulder; doesn't matter if it's a family watering the dog. What I have a problem with is the driving habits going to the scene. My (former) Force actually broadcasts 'first available tow' on their radio since they know they all have scanners. I long argued, unsuccessfully, that this is not only a violation of their radio licence but is perpetuating the problem.
I was in a very serious collision two months ago. After a few minutes of calling 911 and checking on the injured, I looked up to see two trucks of a company I've never seen before. Later, the investigating officer suggested 'do I know any other company?' so it seems it is infecting our little rural part of the world too. Their 'emergency response' was limited to wandering around eyeing up how they could hook up the vehicles.
The industry needs much stronger regulation. Ontario made baby steps a couple of years ago but much is still unregulated and/or left to local bylaws.
When I became a new Constable in 1980 my annual salary was $19,000 dollars. I thought I was a millionaire.
Ya, no kidding. I made ~$9500 in 1973 and felt like Scrooge McDuck.
It adds up. For example, in 2019, a Toronto Police constable was paid $295,256.93
Paid duties are extremely lucrative in places like Toronto, and a CRA ruling a few years back pretty much forced the employer to run payments through their payroll system so it shows up on T4s. Prior to that it was considered a matter between the copper and the paying company and the copper was expected to report the income. It seems many (most/all) didn't.
Also, Toronto used to schedule court for off duty time to maintain street coverage, so gobs of o/t. I don't know what it does now.
