Weego’s portable jumpstart Power Packs are used by tow operators, who make up 60 percent of all fallen first responders, according to a press release.
The Spirit Ride promotes public awareness of Move Over laws to recognize tow operators and other first responders including law enforcement, firefighters, EMT and utility workers who gave their lives in the line of duty.
“This was a natural sponsorship for us,” said Gerry Toscani, CEO of Weego. “We work closely with the towing industry, who many don’t know are also considered first responders. They’re facing the dangers of the road on a daily basis, just as police, fire and emergency personnel do. It’s important to us at Weego that we’re not only providing a valuable product, but that we do so with safety in mind. The Spirit Ride embodies an important mission, and we’re happy to be on board.”
The Ride began June 1, 2017, in Haverhill, Massachusetts and was founded by American Towman magazine and industry manufacturer and distributor B/A Products Co. It seeks to inform the public of the Move Over law created to protect all first responders working on the roadside.
According to the National Safety Commission, 71 percent of Americans are not aware of the law, and more first responders are killed while outside of their vehicles than by any other means, as indicated in reports by the U.S. Department of Justice.
A main attraction of the Spirit Ride is the ceremonial casket, Spirit, a symbol that honors fallen first responders, the release noted. This year’s Spirit Ride will see the Spirit casket-”accompanied by processions of fire trucks, tow trucks, EMS and police vehicles-visit more than 180 cities across the United States, including the West Coast for the first time.
It is estimated that nearly 20 million Americans have seen the Spirit Ride’s message: Slow Down, Move Over.
