Ohio drivers deserve protection
Columbus Dispatch: Ohio has done a poor job of protecting residents and visitors from being preyed upon by dishonest tow-truck operators. Legislators, especially those from big cities, hear the complaints. Tow-truck operators wield a lot of unchecked power over their captive customer base, and the state should do something to keep it from being abused.
Rep. Heather Bishoff, D-Blacklick, said she has heard from local college students who have lost their cars for days because tow lots have made it so difficult to get them back.
So Bishoff and Rep. Mike Duffey, R-Worthington, have introduced House Bill 382 to put a halt to some questionable practices. The ideas sound reasonable and deserve consideration.
One provision requires tow-truck operators to inform people of their rights. Under state law, for example, if a vehicle owner arrives while the truck driver is still hooking up the car, the owner can pay half the typical rate and have it unhooked.
Another provision makes it illegal for companies to charges fees not authorized by state law. The bill also requires that tow companies accept major credit cards from vehicle owners.