Some drivers roll right past flashing lights, not considering those lights belong to someone’s son or daughter, wrenching under the weight of a steer axle in a live lane of traffic. Others pull over in the breakdown lane, unaware that on the other side of that phone call to roadside is a technician rushing into danger — not for a bonus, not for glory, but to get a big rig moving again. But last month, that rush ended in tragedy.

A Life Lost on the Line

One of their own — a mobile technician — was struck and killed while performing a roadside repair. The incident was tragic. It was the result of what this industry doesn’t see in the limelight each day: the unsafe conditions that roadside mechanics face every single day.

The news came with not much exposure — a press release here, a trade article there. But behind the scenes, it sent shockwaves through shops, fleets, and drivers alike. Because this wasn’t just a corporate safety audit — it was a wake-up call.

TA-Petro’s statement made it clear: “We are undertaking a comprehensive safety review of our procedures and training.”

Translation? They’re trying to make sure this never happens again — and if we’re being honest, the rest of the industry should be doing the same.

The Invisible Danger of Roadside Work

When a truck breaks down on I-80, nobody stops to think about what it takes to get it running again. We call a shop, maybe get upset if they’re late, and breathe a sigh of relief when it’s fixed.

But the guy crawling under your trailer at mile marker 212? He’s exposed to everything — traffic flying by at 80 mph, low visibility, weather conditions, mechanical hazards, and in too many cases, not even a trooper behind him to slow the chaos.

And unlike the driver, who’s protected by the cab, that tech is often exposed, kneeling or lying on the asphalt while vehicles whiz by just feet away.

So when TA-Petro hit pause, it wasn’t just about them.

It was about drawing a line in the sand.

Because right now, there are still countless independent shops, dealers, and service providers sending techs into these same conditions — often with no escort, no safety protocol, and a promise of “get it done fast.”

Let’s Talk About Safety — Not Just Speed

If you’re a fleet owner, this is the time to rethink how you manage roadside events:

• Are you sending your drivers to safe pull-off areas whenever possible?

• Do you coach them to ensure they are as visible as possible to approaching traffic?

• Do your drivers ensure they are pulling far enough away from the roadway as mechanically and safely possible?

Because here’s the truth: No load is worth a life. That tech isn’t just a vendor. He or she is a human being with a family — and right now, one of those families is grieving.

What About the Techs Themselves?

Let’s flip the lens.

Most roadside techs love what they do. They’re problem solvers. Mechanics. Heroes in a pinch. But some of them are under-trained in terms of roadside safety, some under-supported, and even underpaid.

This tragedy should force every service provider — from mom-and-pop repair outfits to dealership chains — to examine their practices:

• Are your techs trained to work roadside safely?
• Do they have proper lighting, signage, and visibility equipment?
• Do they have authority to say “no” to unsafe conditions — and still get paid?

Because if they don’t, it’s only a matter of time before something happens again.

FAQ: Roadside Safety and the TA Suspension

Q: Why did TA-Petro suspend their roadside service?

A: After the death of a mobile technician during a roadside repair, TA-Petro launched a safety review and paused all emergency roadside assistance to reassess protocols and training.

Q: How long will the suspension last?

A: There’s no official end date. TA stated services are paused “until further notice” while the safety review is ongoing.

Q: Are there alternative providers?

A: Yes, but coverage is regional and prices may vary. Fleets should research local options, national chains, and OEM networks.

Q: What can fleet owners do right now?

A: Review your breakdown procedures, prioritize safety over speed, and work with vendors who value tech safety. Consider road hazard training for your drivers.

Q: Will this impact rates or repair delays?

A: Possibly. With one major player off the map, smaller providers may see increased demand, affecting ETAs and pricing.

Final Thought: It Shouldn’t Take a Death to Change the Industry

It took someone losing their life to make this issue hit home.

Let that sink in.

The conversation around safety can’t just be about drivers anymore — it has to include everyone who supports this industry from the shoulder of a highway.

So as we watch this situation unfold, ask yourself:

What are you doing to protect the next tech, the next driver, the next life?

Because if we don’t make this a turning point, we’ve missed the whole lesson.