The next phase in the revamped Safeclear program is coming to light as HPD is negotiating with local big rig towing companies that can clear disabled 18-wheelers:
Houston will expand its “Safe Clear” towing program to include emergency responses to disabled 18-wheelers. The big trucks have often blocked freeway traffic for hours after jack-knifing or tipping over.
The Houston Police Department has yet to outline details, but Mayor Bill White says a program will be established to include the five or six companies that use heavy-duty wreckers … tow trucks with the ability to move 18-wheelers.
White says, first, he wants the towers’ response time improved beyond the present 30 minutes. Even if a wrecker reaches a scene in that time, the mayor says its too long.
The city also wants to make specific heavy-duty wrecker companies responsible for certain areas of town, just as with the exclusive towing contracts assigned for standard wreckers under Safe Clear.
Since it appears Safeclear isn’t going anywhere, it seems logical to make 18-wheelers subject to the same draconian rules drivers of passenger vehicles live under.
Now, let’s talk about Metro buses…
