q&A
In PlaIn SIght
caa’s tiberio pereira works to get people back
on the road; don’t put his safety at risk
By carly PeTers
Sometimes, that’s not
enough either. One time,
during a –30 C winter
storm, the secondary truck
was nearly rear-ended—
twice!
Though he’s a mechanic by
trade, Tiberio Pereira’s more
apt title would be roadside
problem solver—helping
members with flat tires,
dead batteries and busted
door locks.
While customers are
always happy to see him,
other drivers often fail to
see him. Stormy weather
and poor visibility increase
the hazards to roadside
mechanics and tow oper-
ators. But even in good
conditions, drivers cut it a
little close for the comfort
for workers just trying to
do their jobs.
What should motorists do
if they see a service truck
on the road?
I usually get about six
battery service calls, three
or four car lockouts, and
some tire calls. When you
respond to a battery call,
you test the battery and
give it a boost, if necessary.
If a member needs a new
battery, they can get one
right off the truck. If a
tire has a nail or screw
puncture, we have patch
kits that can fix things up
and away they go.
Is there any special
training required for
lockouts?
I trained with a seasoned
lock technician. To keep
learning, I sometimes go
to wreck yards to work on
various old cars to figure
out different techniques
and ways to get them open.
12
Winter 2018
How do you stay safe while
working at the roadside?
We wear vests and safety
gear, and our trucks have
lights. We keep members
safe too, by asking them
to stand on the curb or
stay in the car while we do
the repairs. But that’s not
enough.
Even though I’m working
with my hands, I look up
at the road often. A lot of
people don’t pay attention
and can get really close.
cAA MAnitOBA
Many roadside assistants
have been hit in the arm
by a passing car’s mirror
or had their truck mirror
taken off by people driving
too fast and too close.
Any other steps you take
to stay safe?
In really hazardous weather
conditions, we will ask
dispatch to send another
truck. That tow operator
parks farther back with
their flashing lights on.
In spite of the hazards,
why do you keep working
as a tow operator?
I just love driving around,
meeting interesting people
and helping them. Members
are so happy to see us.
Even if they need to get
towed, they are still glad
we showed up.
What’s a typical day like
for you?
Slow down and move over
a lane—just like you would
if you see an ambulance or
fire truck.
CAA lobbied the provin-
cial government to help
better protect people who
work on the sides of roads
and highways, like mechan-
ics and tow-truck operators.
Manitoba’s Highway Traffic
Act requires drivers to slow
down and move over when
they see a vehicle pulled
over at the side of the road
with its emergency lights
flashing.
If the posted speed limit is
less than 80 km/h motorists
are required to slow down
to 40 km/h. If the limit is
80 km/h or higher, they’re
required to slow to 60 km/h.
Drivers who fail to
comply with these rules can
be fined and lose demerits.