The 28th APDQ Annual Congress, hosted by l’Association des professionnels du dépannage du Québec (APDQ), took place in Drummondville, Quebec, on October 13 and 14, 2023. This event was held in collaboration with the event’s official sponsor, NRC Industries.
Attendees had the privilege of hearing from Eric Ducharme, general manager of the Quebec Automobile Insurance Corporation. Mr. Ducharme discussed issues that had been resolved and those still underway. The symposium also featured representatives from the Quebec Provincial Police, Québec Highway Control, the Ministry of Transportation, and the Montréal City Police Service (SPVM), along with over 40 suppliers directly involved in roadside assistance business management and operations. Towing company managers from across Quebec visited the exhibitors’ showroom, participated in workshops, and met representatives of automobile clubs and roadside assistance services, including CAA Quebec.
APDQ President and CEO Réjean Breton has indicated that he would like to conduct regional visits in Quebec. This will not be the association’s first regional tour: a previous one occurred between 2008 and 2010, following a mandate from the Quebec Provincial Police and the Commission for Standards, Health and Safety at Work (CNESST) to present the guide entitled “Safe Interventions in Roadside Assistance.”
“Year after year, the association offers its members increasingly interesting training and information workshops adapted to new operational realities and legal changes,” explains Réjean Breton, president and CEO of the APDQ. Electric vehicles are on the road more and more, and the ways and means of operating are important when this type of vehicle is stuck or involved in an accident. They can no longer be secured or towed as in the past. An intervention manual is currently being prepared in collaboration with Auto Prévention to provide tow truck operators with relevant information. To find out more about towing electric or hybrid vehicles, you can also consult the guide prepared for this purpose by Auto Prévention, at www.autoprevention.org.
Green Lights Authorized for Tow Trucks in Quebec in 2024
Starting in 2024, tow trucks providing emergency services on the road network will be authorized to use flashing green lights in addition to the existing amber ones. This enhancement aims to increase visibility, distinguishing tow trucks with the unique combination of amber and green lights.
Despite the Safety Corridor Act being in effect since 2012, incidents like texting while driving have surged, which prompted the APDQ to request improved safety measures for tow truck operators in 2021 from the Minister of Transportation. Consequently, the introduction of green lights on tow trucks will soon become a reality.
Here are some of the characteristics of the likely use of flashing green lights for a tow truck providing roadside assistance.
- The activation of green lights will be permitted when a tow truck is requested by an emergency service and must be used in conjunction with flashing amber lights.
- The purpose of these lights is to signal a need for courtesy from road users, like yielding the way.
- While these lights do not grant tow trucks the status of “emergency vehicles,” they do allow for the use of the shoulder and parking in any location when safe and necessary.
The APDQ continues its active role in government representation, participating in consultation tables or direct engagement with government authorities. Current issues being addressed include the special permit for 4-axle and 5-axle rotating-mast tow trucks, the retention charge (CSR), and unclaimed vehicles.
The APDQ can count on the support of a robust board of directors. Réjean Breton, president and CEO, is supported by industry veterans Mike Burstall and Jean-Paul Larouche, vice-presidents; Pierre Laberge, treasurer; Karl Dionne, secretary; and directors Serge Landry, Bruno Loyer, Stéphane Fortier, Richard Verreault, and Eric Lamarche. 🍁