TOO CLOSE FOR COMFORT!!! CLOSE CALL FOR THE NEW STAR!! SLOW DOWN!! MOVE OVER!!

[@dustinlyth7989]

Ron, you are almost always the safety guru! Shocked to see you do this job with nothing. Cones at the minimum. Maybe light bar as soon as range permits.

[@RonPratt]

You are right. I got ahead of myself on this one. I thought the cones and safety lights had been put in the truck, but I failed to check before I excitedly took off in the shiny new truck to help a customer. Plain and simple, I should have checked to make certain the truck was fully stocked or called for traffic control. No excuses.....I messed up and thankfully, it didn't cost me or someone else their lives. As soon as I returned to the shop, I went and bought some "puck" lights. The store we normally buy traffic cones from was out of stock. I also had Oscar install Feniex QSMs on the wireless light bar. So, now I can do like I've done in the past, stop behind the broken down truck and trailer, install the light bar and turn on it's emergency lights, set out cones if necessary, and then move my truck in front of the breakdown. We have since, also installed the new HAAS Alert Safety Cloud system which transmits a signal from our truck to alert drivers there is a "tow truck ahead". Again, I messed up and I am owning my mistake. Hopefully others can learn from it as I did. This will not happen to me again. Thanks for watching out for me. God bless.

[@dustinlyth7989]

Ok.. And may God Bless and protect us at all times. I was a commercial truck driver for a few years. I have watched you since I believe the beginning of your youtube fame. We all have a bad day.

[@wssides]

And Ethan was out all night with no cones etc. Wish he had left an"out of service" note with the keys.

[@RonPratt]

@@wssides Thankfully, Ethan's overnight jobs were tractor-swapout tows from safe parking lots. Thanks for watching and God bless.

[@jays106]

@@RonPratt first i have heard of the HAAS system that is a great idea is it just on tow trucks or for all emergency vehicles?

[@colinhoward74]

Seeing the situation , I was quite surprised you did not have a traffic control vehicle with you from the start , some of those drivers are lunatics

[@lastdaystrumpet5608]

Vacks injury is real! #automatons is what many are!

[@JV-pu8kx]

I would dispatch Traffic Control with just about every highway-side job. Have it be a larger sized truck, with a "truck mounted attenuator," the crash bumpers used by DOT crews. You would have the extra protection, and extra hands to get hooked up, and out of there, faster. I would also employ an orange sign with the words "SLOW DOWN, MOVE OVER," made to DOT specs (size, reflectivity, etc.).

[@kevinmeyer8068]

or cones

[@jeffclark2725]

Most drivers are not looking very far ahead anymore, and do not see him till they are right there, need that county sheriff there for traffic control

[@jimmyssnowremoval1075]

I know, I’d make it so any highway call was the tow vehicle and traffic control

[@CraigGrant-sh3in]

All of those "Professional" truck drivers not caring about anyone else on the road

[@UCanCallMeMrHeavyDuty]

As a fellow Heavy Tow driver I definitely understand that frustration with being on the side of the road trying to do my job and ppl are blowing by at ungodly speeds. Thankfully I haven’t had any incidents where either myself or my truck was hit. I greatly appreciate the good Lord for watching over me. Stay safe out there Ron I’m praying for you and all those who do what we do. Stay safe brother.

[@patrickchambers5999]

I'll say it for both you and Ron. Some people shouldn't be allowed to drive on the interstate no matter who the think they are. They are just purely unsafe to people working on the roadside.

[@patriciadurfey4398]

P

[@muleman1701]

Ron, videos like this prove why the tow truck driver is the unsung hero of the highway. Folks need to pay attention. So glad you are safe because watching your videos every Friday has been my weekly tradition for years now. Can you put strobes on the new star's tow lightbar like the Tator has? Those seem to help. Also, another idea is a portable arrow board. Think scene light but its an arrow. Set it behind the trailer. You'd have to build it as I have never seen any in production. Stay safe, watch your six always. God Bless

[@MikeOHaraYQM]

Gotta love it when Ron pulls out the "I wasn't asking" bar.

[@jeffc6832]

I had the benefit of parents who taught me what to pay attention to on the roads, but it still always amazes me how situationally unaware people can be. I'm always scanning far ahead and keeping an eye out for vehicles on the shoulder. I don't care if there is an emergency vehicle on scene or if the car is abandoned with no one around...I'm moving over well in advance of getting to the car and leaving space for others to get over as well.

[@roncoleman6693]

Driver not have safety triangles out? I have had to pull my trk off the road and wasn't there 5 mins in traffic when an officer stopped and reamed my butt for not having them out yet!!!!! I think they need to make ALL SHOULDERS 10'-12' WIDE + for this reason!! Great job as always sir! Stay safe out there Ron! 😎👍🙏🙏🙏🙏🙏

[@NotDasekeanymore]

Regulations say you have 10 minutes to deploy triangles. If a driver breaks down and can't make it to an exit ramp shoulder, triangles are the 1st thing that should be put out...

[@joeyhoulihan2135]

I'll tow that 😂!!! YES YES YES!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

[@dustinlyth7989]

I was a driver twenty years ago. I was told if I broke down immediately.Put out at least three triangles. Even if it's not the law, It's common friggin sense.

[@iamReddington]

Tbh safety triangles are useless. No one is looking down at the road while driving.

[@Samanthareneeheart1]

Your right about one thing Ron. Some people have. No business driving.

[@sharonlockhart5960]

As a trucker myself, when the tow/repair truck is in front of the broken down vehicle it is very hard to see the emergency lights. Stay safe out there Ron.

[@tbrown10]

I guess I personally don’t understand why it matters if you see the tow truck or not just move over. The truck driver could be working on the truck and walk around the front of it

[@spud435]

​@@tbrown10no cones, triangles, flares behind the broken down truck.

[@Veyronp87]

man all the respect to those tow operators who work on the side of the interstate...incredibly dangerous job

[@squelchstuff]

Truly heart pounding stuff Ron. The apalling "Professional" driving standards are not just where you are. We have the same disregard on display over here in Britain. My dear old Grandfather drove heavy goods vehicles man and boy, and I'm so grateful he impressed so much of his patience, respect and situational awareness on me that I'm sure I'd always be in the other lane well before passing you. People just seem to zone out these days. Please stay safe, and thank you for sharing your days with us.

[@christopherjohnson5236]

As someone who worked for the highway department and now for the Public Works, I know the feeling of working on the side of a road

[@lerkzor]

Ron, allow me to finish what you refrained from saying: Some people should not have a driver license, and other people should CERTAINLY not have a CDL. I can not believe how many people went flying by just inches from disaster. I see in a comment you made that you have a plan to avoid this situation in the future, and I am glad - I was so tense the entire time you were hooking up! God bless you and keep you!

[@colindavis2166]

I used to work as a volunteer firefighter/emt. When people ask me what it was like going into a burning building, I would say that working on the side of the highway was more dangerous. Because we have the tools to control fire and get out if we need to. We can't control what other people do. We've had instances where folks hit our trucks or our DOT help trucks. It's insane. Please slow down and move over. It's the law. Please let us all go home at the end of the day. I now drive daycabs on the road, I'm a trainer as well, I will always try to get over and if I can't. I slow to a safe speed.

[@KurtBuddemeyer-td9si]

I took an old load scale box that's weather proof and put green strobe lights on the front, Dewalt battery adapter on the back and magnets on the bottom. Put it on the dot bumper those green for some reason works wonders

[@tedtriche407]

This was too much like WORK. You don't just have a job. That was much for one man to cover in a short time. Thankls for sharing!

[@djtobygaming]

Can’t wait for her first code call!

[@alanstant9356]

That highway should be another arc nemesis since it's as dangerous as power lines Ron. That would be considered by far the most dangerous place to be for you guys. God Bless you guys and stay safe out there.

[@razy7609]

I’ve always preferred work near powerlines over the highway. Electricity is predictable and doesn’t do something for no reason. Where as people on the other hand…

[@markbaudhuin5193]

You need an arrow board on the back of the trailer to give them addl. to move over.

[@susanbender6029]

with a recording camera they can see.

[@amtraktraveler9118]

As Ron has stated before they still don't pay attention!

[@maxg6581]

I’m only 23 years old and learned from one of the first years of driving to get over for anystopped vehicle. And relative to these semis, I drive a ram 2500. God bless you for doing this dangerous work. One rock flung up at the right timing from one of those tires can lead to a very bad day.

[@borancoskun2811]

Ain’t nothing better to start a Friday, keep doing you Ron. God bless!

[@Hendog1001]

ron first off your videos are always a highlight of my week. secondly it seems that unit #18 is becoming the go to truck for most (normal jobs) i.e. tows from the side of the road and simple tows from one lot to the shop or the other way around. you said this truck is filling a gap is that gap a role the tator previously had to fill because it was the only other true heavy besides the original star? i feel like parking the two stars next to each other for a comparison video between the two would be something your audience would enjoy. please stay safe out on the road and god bless

[@Jacksonboyeroutdoors]

Yea, i agree, we also haven’t seen the old star in a while, and where is the 20 ton? It’s been forever.

[@Simon-ho6ly]

there was a previous large truck similar to this, you can find it in the earlier videos but it was sold on for some reason, possibly towards this truck so there has been a gap until this was delivered. im not 100% sure on what went on with that

[@davidclauson5256]

And that’s why I stand with the driver and watch his back while he’s hooking up to me!!! Stay safe!!

[@rigo7595]

I watching your videos and I have my bells on your videos and I'm subscribed to your videos and 👍 ☝

[@tonithomas6143]

This was the scariest tow I’ve seen you do. I had multiple heart skipping moments. Thank God he was watching over you.

[@CraigGrant-sh3in]

New York changed it's get over law to , you have to get over for all vehicles on the side of the road whether they are emergency vehicles or not

[@tallman11282]

Minnesota did as well. I hope it helps make being on the roadside a little bit safer.

[@tractorsold1]

Maryland did similar. You must slow down or pull over for ANY stopped vehicle that is displaying flashing lights or flares. From first hand experience, it is often ignored.

[@MooseBurke8881]

That should be mandatory for every state in my opinion cause I do it myself

[@zeropoint3518]

If you go far enough north in New York you get to a place where there’s very few police and none of them care enough to pull people over! Then you don’t have to worry about people on the shoulder they won’t be there in the first place

[@adamt4742]

same in MN

[@fredohnemus7685]

It is always said that working on the flight deck of an aircraft carrier is one of the most dangerous jobs. It was, I done it, I know. I'd take my chances doing it again any day before I'd attempt your job. On a carrier, it was controlled chaos. Out where you work, just chaos headed at you. God bless and protect all you unsung heroes of our highways and byways.

[@sarukmaktao225]

Definitely more than a few close calls there. And half of them don't seem to be looking very far ahead, but have lots of opportunity to move to the left lane. It's a terrifying thing, being on the side of a busy highway like that.

[@hamshackleton]

Probably cruise control on - brain off!

[@m9ovich785]

Thanks Much Ron. Here is another Light idea to add to the ones suggested. a very bright amber Spot light on the top corner of the Mirror bracket facing rearward. It is high up and would be seen. I have seen guys around here do it. as well as a tip out light at the back of the truck that leans out a bit so It can be seen.

[@catman256able]

I like how you done that pushed him right on off into that cab. Out of your way. 🙏✌️🎏👍🤠

[@-ray-h]

Thank you, Ron, for getting the necessary safety equipment for when you're out on the major highways... Don't know what we'd do if something ever happened to you...!!!

[@debbieharrison1911]

GOD BLESS YOU RON AT ALL TIMES

[@pathartsock9161]

I think I was holding my breath most of this video while those cars were passing so close and fast by you! I am glad you were not hurt during this tow. Oh, the wind sock worked great on the camera because I didn't hear any wind at all. Thank you for the video. I say a little prayer for you and your fellow workers.

[@Oatmealism]

Ron, I got mad respect for you and know you're a professional and do what you think is needed and right - but really think you should called for traffic control on this one, was a white knuckle ride that had me biting my nails most the video.

[@cjthompson1521]

HI, IM GLAD YOU HAVE A NEW TRUK, BUT IM IN LOVE WITH YOUR TRUCK NUMBER 11 SHE IS MY DREAM TRUCK EVEN THOW IM A 78 YEAR OLD WOMEN I KNOW A AWSOME TRUCK WHWN I SEE ONE. LOTS OF LOVE AND GOOD WISHES TO YOU YOUR FAMILY AND ALL YOUR WORKERS AND THERE FAMILYS. FROM CAROL IN QUEENSLAND AUSTRALIA.🙏❤

[@annadavis1332]

I am right there with you! I love Tator, truck number 11. I fell in love with her first time I saw her.

[@henryg683]

Ahh service brake is why didn’t know about that feature today!!! I can say I learned something new today!!!

[@glennjukes5581]

Sure helps when it's loaded or a panic stop.....

[@susanowens6393]

Another great job done by you Ron. You're the best.

[@SteveNicoson-u1i]

Thanks for another great video Ron. It was most interesting and informative. Wow. You fought the traffic on that one. People would not move over for you and did not slow down a bit. You had a very dangerous situation on your hands there. But the professional you are, you got it done and remained safe doing it. Couple of those other semis were pretty close to you-wow. You got a workout on this one. Thanks Ron. The retired Air Force veteran.

[@fredrupp8479]

Morning Ron, and the Midwest crew, You mentioned early on in the video about calling for traffic control, all I can say is "trust your gut" The number of close calls and failures to move over after that thought was truly mind blowing. Some type of traffic control was needed, even though you completed the tow safely, having to constantly watch your back had to be nerve racking. Your towing and recovery knowledge is top notch, there is no doubt of that in my mind, but sometimes those little voices in our heads are correct and should be listened to.

[@Dan-uv5lw]

Good morning from New Hampshire. Ron, why are you alone and where has Mike been? I recommend calling for Traffic control truck or MPD.

[@carljohnson2467]

What you need is a light weight portable arrow board on wheels that you can drop in the lane upon arrival to divert traffic and when you're ready to depart, just attach to the back of what you're towing leaving the arrow lit up.

[@dwightupton4520]

Perhaps your light bar should have been employed right away. Your truck lights are mostly hidden by the trailer. A few cones would also help.

[@jaquigreenlees]

If you go back to some of the older vids Ron has done both, neither have really helped until the light system they got on the 'tator with the red & blues as well. The lack of response by drivers on the road was why the traffic control truck was setup.

[@calebthomas5411]

Did you watch the video with the sound off ?

[@13thcolony57]

No because they still wouldn't pay attention. Yet sometimes a driver may not be able to move over. STAY SAFE OUT THERE RON AND TEAM.

[@Deathbird_Mitch]

He answered this in the first pinned comment. The truck didn't have any at that time.

[@mikem2736]

Some 30 min road flares as well...

[@digdugdonkey8237]

Stay safe out there sir!

[@janeweldon8874]

Wow, close calls. I would have liked to see traffic control out there with you. Stay safe.

[@jamesjscorpio34]

Ron, I am glad you and the driver are alright. I was worried about you and the other driver for the entire video. Please have trooper support or someone else with you when you are on the interstate or major highway.

[@beavis3508943]

The entire time that you were working on that truck I was holding my breath for you I've been watching your show for a long time and never in my life have I seen people that wouldn't get over for you just doesn't make any sense if you see emergency lights you're supposed to slow down and move into the other lane but some people don't understand that God bless you my friend and please stay safe

[@carlaustin7398]

Your professionalism and understanding of your job is outstanding. Thank you for continuing to provide us an inside look at the ground crews job importance. I can't wait until your next video.

[@victorb145]

Thankfully, I can remind myself that as i'm seeing this video, you're safe and sound. If I were the customer, I would be so. nervous about your safety.

[@jonathanbuck6526]

Geez Ron, they were far too close for comfort. Two thoughts after watching this video. Strobe lights mounted on the inside of designated side doors, left open when attaching chains etc with strobe lights warning oncoming traffic. 2nd is a promo, ratchet straps with Midwest Trucking in the weave of the strap that you leave attached as part of the hook up service on rigs. One less job to worry about. Big fan guys. Chrs bucky

[@jaredstrehlein5605]

Bless you that is some dangerous work.

[@jmshay1s]

There was a car with heavy front end damage on that interstate a couple of days ago and was maybe doing 15 Mph. Incredibly dangerous I got stuck behind them hoping they would pull off at the next exit and they didn't. I was staying behind them with hazards on but wasn't going to keep myself in that dangerous situation if they weren't pulling off immediately. It gets wild out there. Stay safe my friend.

[@waynerogers2196]

Good morning from Ohio. You and your guys stay safe out there

[@dieselfixr]

Good morning. Those towhooks are still very clean.

[@MikeOHaraYQM]

Brand new, brand new truck too.

[@tinwizard6447]

I've been watching you for many years but seeing and hearing you dodging that traffic on this one just wore me out! Great job!

[@jimmccabe801]

I retired from the fire service years ago. I believe traffic control is one of the most dangerous jobs. I've had more close calls with drivers not paying attention to signage and lots of bright red lights and big red fire engines. Stay safe.

[@andrebaron1387]

My son turns 16 in a month and is very excited to learn to drive. You can be sure that he will be taught to ALWAYS move over when there's a disabled vehicle on the shoulder. It's just safer for everyone.

[@lancebillingsley199]

Just watching this video Ron it’s amazing that people do not repeat. Do not change lanes when they see something on the side the road I’m a bus driver and every time I see a truck or car on the side the road I change over to the left lane. It’s unbelievable in the state of Washington. It is a law and we can get cited. Good job Ron love watching your videos.

[@jamesparcell8556]

your right some shouldn't be driving if they can't pay attention.......Move out of the way if you see someone on the side of the road common courtesy and drivers book teaches you that......

[@jeffc6832]

I hope you remembered your light bar on the trailer!

[@Random_Ritchie]

I was nervous the entire time for you Ron. Watching this video. Stay safe out there. Thank you for all that you do.

[@adairwilkinson6916]

Good evening from the UK, Ron. It looked very scary for you at the side of the road. I guess a lot of approaching drivers just thought they saw parked semi and didn’t see you until the last minute. You really should have had a buddy looking out for you. Incidentally, the clouds you get out there are amazing. Nothing like that in the UK.!! Stay very safe. Best Wishes ROY W UK.

[@andrewsolberg1892]

Ron you should have bought help an to shut down to help you so that you are safe doing this job

[@mfc4591]

Mr. Pratt sir, thank you for the video...yes some people should not have a license. Keep safe out there, it was scary to watch those heavy trucks rush past so close.

[@BobOBob]

You are absolutely right about the traffic being insufficiently observant. That said, I would put on the light bar FIRST not last, and in an all-flash mode until ready to roll. If legal where you are, maybe even blue/red mode.

[@OSUfan757]

Having been a medium duty Tow driver, and helped our heavy guy on occasion, I would highly recommend a creeper for dealing with the driveshaft, caging brakes, connecting air, etc. Obviously only works on pavement, but saves on straining yourself or laying on pavement that gets to be well over 100 degrees at times.

[@ThomasPerry-ki3wt]

Mr. Pratt we love your channel. This episode got me thinking. In my line of work, Industrial Maintenance Technician, we have a saying, There isn't a spot on your paycheck for hero. Please be careful Sir. Your family needs you tomorrow so be careful today. Prayers for you and your family.

[@philippenaluna2312]

Unfortunately, some of those vehicles had nowhere to go as the left lane was blocked by other traffic. Perhaps they should have stopped until it was safe to pull over. I too was a little surprised that you didn't call in traffic control back up PD or someone from the shop. All in all, a dangerous situation negotiated as only you and your team can - safely!! Greetings from the UK. God bless.

[@cherrydowns7745]

So where was the highway Patrol? My God some of those vehicles were close! Glad you made it through that hazard! So glad you could get a new truck! It's a beauty!

[@davidtaylor7174]

I've been watching a long time and this was the most dangerous hook up I've seen on your channel. People have got to start paying attention and moving over. I can only imagine what trying that at night would have been like. I'm guilty too, so today I got a wake up call. Slick new tool for remote brake operation. I think that would be real useful in the mountains. To quote Mr. Hal, stay safe.

[@ychunks3710]

Damn that was insanely close calls you has Ron sir. This should have been 2 man job. So many brainless people driving blind and can't see ahead. Thank God you are safe sir.

[@DEADLY12GUN]

Holy cow I'm glad you're safe those drivers are crazy, but thats an unfortunate case for everywhere now a days. Good work keeping it together.

[@TheSherrybaby65]

Hes always safety first... I am always so impressed Ron you are awesome!!!!!

[@ccrider5398]

What a wonderful big, open lot you dropped the trailer off. Too bad you didn't have that much room hooking up! Stay safe.

[@wvunut1]

Being by yourself Ron you should have definitely 100% took a extra couple minutes and walked a few cones behind the truck. Only cpl extra minutes for to be a little more visible... But great work as always.

[@NicoKeus]

It looks that all your Tools, boxes, shackels etc are also brand New. 👌👍❤️

[@catman256able]

Y'all do a great job. Keep up the good work. 🙏✌️🎏👍🤠

[@aaronpainter8911]

You're one brave man. Thank you so much for your service.

[@Littlebrad1077]

wow listen to that turbo spool

[@texaslstar]

I watch every episode, this one had me pray for your safety, God bless

[@luisortiz181]

Great truck, we have to finish equipping it. God bless you. Take care.

[@MRHSDM316SD18186]

Nice seeing the new STAR has air reels.

[@donmcclester9507]

You do something that I appreciate very much. Stay safe.

[@eugeneanderson5716]

As usual a wonderfull job. I always like watching your epizodes.

[@FriedShrimpPoBoy]

I’ve been in situations before where I just can’t get over. Usually coming over a rise or around a bend. I have traffic on my left and can’t safely get over. The next I can do is signal with left turn signal and slow down a little and ease over on the zipper. Other drivers don’t use the CB anymore to give a heads up like we used to. On flat land in SE Missouri on I 55 where you are there’s no excuse not moving over.

[@KJAkk]

I like well organized the new truck's storage system is.

[@tonyforrest6564]

Actually that guy should have had his triangles out to help. So many trucks pull on the side of the road anymore just to park it’s always a good thing to do if it’s an actual breakdown. That would have helped. What a day in the life in the shoes of a tow truck operator!! Be safe!

[@gregulrey1821]

That's a pretty cool Western Star I just got home from the hospital from the hospital out of ICU from my neck surgery

[@collectorguy3919]

Many of these drivers have never been stuck on the side of a highway, and have no sensation of the speeds. I had absolutely no idea before.

[@lonnyscott6231]

This is the perfect time to get the sheriff out there for assistance.

[@susanowens6393]

Another great job done by you Ron.

[@scottperry9581]

Running with the bulls in Spain might be good psychological training for hooking up tows in the breakdown lane of a busy American interstate highway.

[@Badger-w8u]

Ron , You have every right to be angry , they are putting YOUR life in danger , through their lack of attention and moving over . Some are following far too close to the vehicle that DOES move over - albeit late !!!

[@2DogsVlogs]

70MPH towing is pretty impressive. My truck had a max of 54 before I found how to turn off the speed limiter. Now I can do 62. My old Mack topped out at 52 pulling 185000 pounds.

[@jamiekerr5234]

Have a Google TRISS Vans, Scotland. Think you should look into something similar for your Traffic Control. Big van with high visibility livery carrying lots of cones and lights ect, light bars on the roof and a big fold up digital sign board in the middle of the roof, can show arrows and Slow Down messages. Could also get one kitted out as a welfare van inside for towing the Hazmat Trailer, could be a Midwest command post on big jobs and give you all somewhere dry to recharge and rehydrate

[@RobWhite-iy9jm]

That must be very nerve racking for you Ron.

[@dane_amsoilguy4962]

You need a portable tripod with a sandbag and a flashing arrow on top you can set up a couple hundred feet back while you're hooking up to help warn traffic. That was so scary with people not moving over. It seems the new generation of trucker doesn't just automatically move over when they see a vehicle on the shoulder. Add on I am surprised Guardian Angel doesn't make something like that.

[@lindasides2084]

I'd be putting the light bar on first, to heck with your routine. 😊

[@terryroths4254]

It's one of those highway tows where you check to see if back pockets are still there. Good pull Ron.

[@macrayhall6097]

Drive shaft buddy works amazing I’ve never used one till I started at the company I’m with now and love it

[@doughamm5590]

That was crazy. But seen to many times when I was out on the road. Need to get that light bar rigged up like the rotaters. Be safe have a good weekend and God bless