Mandatory tax on anyone who breaks down? (Houston: lawyers, cost of)

[fnh]

Last week a family's car stalled in the 290 HOV lane. They pulled over to the edge then... got out and started walking! With a toddler! I witnessed the kid break from mom & dad and start running down the middle of the lane, mom & dad chasing behind, with cars coming down the chute up ahead. Crazy stuff, I called 311 who transferred me to the police non-emergency hot line where I got a phone menu and hold until I hung up. Fortunately I didn't hear anything about it later. What is the number to call and report anyway?

I think the Safe Clear program is a terrific idea - for both the unfortunate car owners and for the rest of the commuters. Besides the headache and economic cost of backups it's dangerous to be stalled on the freeway. Fifty bucks is a bargain.

[astrohip]

Originally Posted by ethanw

I did, DID YOU? What if I want to use my own insurance to tow my own car and they're not there in 6 minutes. Crap I drive a pretty expensive car and I won't let anyone touch it.....that's for sure.....

So while you're sitting there in your fancy car, the freeway backs up for miles. Inconveniencing thousands of us. Or it could be towed quickly, reducing the traffic jam.

Actually, you can say "I won't let anyone touch it", but if you try to prevent the SafeClear driver from towing, they will call the police, who will ticket you. Fact.

Originally Posted by ethanw

As for my fancy car, yeap it is mine and you try to tow that away from me....Is my PROPERTY..... And who said the laws and rules are right? I've seen a lot of nonsense and this is just one of them.. Is all about money and finding more ways to take money away from us.... If I am in the emergency line waiting for my tow that is paid and covered by my own insurance, why would I let those vultures touch my car?

Do you even listen to yourself? It's your PROPERTY? Yeah, but you're driving on public streets, so you have to be licensed and your car has to be inspected. Even though it's your PROPERTY. And if your PROPERTY stalls on a freeway in Houston, your PROPERTY will be towed, so I can drive my PROPERTY without sitting in traffic all day. Caused by your PROPERTY breaking down.

And why are the same people who rant about PROPERTY usually the same ones who rant "it's all about money". Geez, it's a $50 tow, waaay below market rates. It keeps our freeways moving, and up till now, has been FREE. Well, not really free, we've been susidizing it. So now the user pays. The way it should have been originally.

[Zhang Fei]

I have a related question on this subject - if you get AAA coverage, does AAA pay the Safeclear fee?

[ethanw]

You don't get it mate. If I am in the emergency line which sole purpose is to allow cars be pulled over safely and don't interfere with traffic, I then expect to take care of my own towing. That's why I have the tow options with my insurance and I won't let any of them towing vultures touch my car, PERIOD.
My car once got towed illegally from downtown even the meter was paid, and guess what, I had $3000 worth of damage to the front. I won't let that happen again.....

Originally Posted by astrohip

So while you're sitting there in your fancy car, the freeway backs up for miles. Inconveniencing thousands of us. Or it could be towed quickly, reducing the traffic jam.

Actually, you can say "I won't let anyone touch it", but if you try to prevent the SafeClear driver from towing, they will call the police, who will ticket you. Fact.


Do you even listen to yourself? It's your PROPERTY? Yeah, but you're driving on public streets, so you have to be licensed and your car has to be inspected. Even though it's your PROPERTY. And if your PROPERTY stalls on a freeway in Houston, your PROPERTY will be towed, so I can drive my PROPERTY without sitting in traffic all day. Caused by your PROPERTY breaking down.

And why are the same people who rant about PROPERTY usually the same ones who rant "it's all about money". Geez, it's a $50 tow, waaay below market rates. It keeps our freeways moving, and up till now, has been FREE. Well, not really free, we've been susidizing it. So now the user pays. The way it should have been originally.

[Malvie]

Originally Posted by ethanw

You don't get it mate. If I am in the emergency line which sole purpose is to allow cars be pulled over safely and don't interfere with traffic, I then expect to take care of my own towing. That's why I have the tow options with my insurance and I won't let any of them towing vultures touch my car, PERIOD.
My car once got towed illegally from downtown even the meter was paid, and guess what, I had $3000 worth of damage to the front. I won't let that happen again.....

What are you going to do, ethan, stand there with a gun when the SafeClear Tow truck comes?

You're driving on our freeways. They're our laws. If your car breaks down ANYWHERE on the freeway, you're getting towed. Now it's going to cost you $50 to get your car back. This law/program has saved countless hours for countless people, and probably quite a few lives.

[Seoid]

Originally Posted by Texascrude

Why was I paying for someone to get their car towed to begin with? Keep in mind, $50 is still a HEAVILY discounted rate -- try calling a tow truck next time you break down somewhere and get a quote.

No kidding. It's usually 75$ and upwards. I once had to tow 2 miles and it was $75. Ouch but hey, it was MY vehicle.

With vehicle ownership comes responsibilities. Yes, it does suck for low income individuals. I used to be one of those individuals with an old car and I still don't see an issue with this. The state or city should not be footing the bill for this and if it helps save time/traffic backups/additional accidents from occurring, I'm all for it.

[Grunn]

They might want to start by reviewing the licences of the muppets who drive these tow trucks and removing some of them.

I see examples of wreckless driving from the morons every day.

That said they are better than the red light running, agressive Metro bus drivers I also see trying to kill people on a daily basis.

I'd bolt gun the lot of them.

[Oildog]

I got towed 2 blocks after a 'police incident', and it cost me $140. $50 is a steal.

[Texascrude]

Originally Posted by ethanw

You don't get it mate. If I am in the emergency line which sole purpose is to allow cars be pulled over safely and don't interfere with traffic, I then expect to take care of my own towing. That's why I have the tow options with my insurance and I won't let any of them towing vultures touch my car, PERIOD.
My car once got towed illegally from downtown even the meter was paid, and guess what, I had $3000 worth of damage to the front. I won't let that happen again.....

Sorry bro, but it sounds like you get too much of your self value from your car. May I suggest re-aligning your priorities?

[Fighter 1]

Originally Posted by Malvie

What are you going to do, ethan, stand there with a gun when the SafeClear Tow truck comes?

You're driving on our freeways. They're our laws. If your car breaks down ANYWHERE on the freeway, you're getting towed. Now it's going to cost you $50 to get your car back. This law/program has saved countless hours for countless people, and probably quite a few lives.

WoW! I have been reading all these post on what is right or wrong and I'am glad so many people think every one should follow the law! Well ! the law ( Constitutional law states that no one can demand payment for services that were not contracted for ). SOOO I would suggest in this case you just let the Tow company tow your car off the road , then demand in writing the release the vehicle ( because they don't have a contract with you )Don't sign for anything ! > And when they do not release the car , you take them to small claims court for the value of the vehicle + the cost of the court action . And before you'all start laughing I have done this as have many others and it works . In one case a Judge told the Tow company if they didn't release the car the owner could and most likely would file in his court a claim for Grand Thief Auto against him. Got to love all them LAWS.