There are a lot of weird things about Texas.
Like how the schools leave out Thomas Jefferson entirely from the history books.
And like how people park on the wrong side of the road. And how you can pass on the right.
And like how you might find an entire pack of baby wild pigs dead in the middle of the road.
But this story tops them all.
When I first moved here I noticed right away that whenever there was a car broken down on the side of the road, there were usually a half dozen or so tow trucks lined up behind. So strange. It took me awhile to figure out that they were the tow business equivalent of ambulance chasers. When an accident was broadcast over police dispatch, the tow trucks all came running hoping to get a piece of the available business. This is highly illegal in Michigan. When we get into an accident, we call our insurance company and AAA or whatever roadside assistance group we might belong to. Worst case, we come back for the car later. It was no concern of the police, though. Call me sheltered.
I’m still not really used to this insanity, three years later. But what I have always wondered was how exactly the final tow truck was decided. Was it first come, first served? Or did the car wreck owner hold an impromptu bidding war? Rock, paper, scissors? Or what!?!? I just couldn’t figure it out.
Well, folks, the mystery has been solved. My best girlfriend got to witness the whole thing. And it is more hilarious and bizarre than I ever imagined!
So what happens is the cop calls for tow trucks, presumably. They all arrive on the scene. They get out, donning their yellow protective vests and walk over to the cop. The cop TAKES OFF HIS HAT and they all drop in tiny slips of paper which contain God Knows What (too small for a business card – maybe a special ID number?! Do they have a company that specializes in printing these up for them? How does this work?) and the police officer DRAWS FROM THE HAT.
Seriously.
Rock, paper, scissors wasn’t nearly as off the mark as I thought!
I just cannot get over the hilarity of this. This has to be the most unscientific business model on earth. If you are starting your own tow business, how do you even write up a business plan based on that model of chance? Are you allowed to better your odds with colored paper or textured paper? What if its raining?
I’m afraid this is one mystery that just led to more mysteries! But at least the cat is out of the bag and now I know.
I have never seen or heard of that. I don’t think they do that in Dallas. If they do, I have never seen it. Very weird.
Is that what it’s all about? Glad you told me because after two years I still couldn’t figure out why even a small accident would require so many tow trucks! I saw a whole barrage of them on Rayford maybe a week ago and assumed there had been, I don’t know, a 40 car accident they had to clear up. Hey, at least the cops handle it the diplomatic way 🙂
K my friend that lives in Spring was telling me about this craziness! She said they all have police scanners and hear when there is an accident. Didnt know about the drawing though. That is crazy! What if I wanted to decide for myself? Weird!
I know, right? Its possible that maybe the owner of the vehicle wasn’t present so maybe they do a drawing in that case? I would be FURIOUS if the cop picked blindly and I couldn’t choose my own service!
Wait! Are you saying that in Michigan, if you are in a car accident, you don’t call the police at all????? Seriously? Doesn’t your insurance company need a copy of the police report? Oh, I have much to learn.
Haha! No – you do call the police. You just don’t rely on them to negotiate your tow truck.
Shwoo! That makes so much more sense. I figured I must have been misreading something. Yeah, really weird idea for the police to decide on the tow truck.
So bizarre…
My mother-in-law is visiting from Houston and she confirms. How strange!