Press Room

Morse bill to prevent future tow-truck fatalities signed into law

Tuesday, June 7 2011

Bill named for slain Colorado Springs tow-truck driver improves safety for drivers in the field

COLORADO SPRINGS— Today, Governor John Hickenlooper signed Senate Bill 260, the “Allen Rose Tow-Truck Safety Act,” which will protect tow-truck drivers and help prevent fatalities.  Senate Majority Leader John Morse (D-Colorado Springs) carried the legislation, named after Allen Rose, a Colorado Springs tow-truck driver who was killed while performing his job. The bill was sponsored in the House by Representative Pete Lee (D-Colorado Springs).

Senator Morse offered the following comment on the signing of the “Allen Rose Tow-Truck Safety Act,” today:

“The idea for this legislation came from people in the community. As a legislator, one of the most rewarding things I get to do is to listen to constituents and bring their ideas to the Capitol. After witnessing what happened to Allen Rose, so many Coloradans wanted to find a way to prevent such tragedies in the future. I want to thank everyone who worked to pass this legislation to help ensure that tow-truck drivers are safe while on the job.”

On February 23, 2011, Allen Rose was working to tow a car in Colorado Springs.  As he worked, the owner got into the car and started to drive away.  Rose’s legs were caught up in one of the tow cables and he was dragged behind the car for over a mile.  He was eventually freed, but died a short time later at the hospital.

The idea for this legislation came from two Colorado Springs residents, Mike Baier, who had the original idea for using a warning sign, and Ron Archuleta, who suggested the provision to require passing vehicles to yield to tow-truck drivers.

The Allen Rose Tow-Truck Safety Act allows tow-truck operators to place a warning sign on the driver-side door to alert the owner that their vehicle is being towed. The bill also makes it illegal for a person to remove this sign from the door once it has been placed there by the tow-truck operator.  Finally, the bill requires that other drivers on the road yield the right of way to stationary tow-trucks.