A few weeks ago, here at Amthor, we received a very humbling email from a gentleman named Chris. He experienced “a life-changing event” and wanted to share his story that has also impacted us. As we read his email, we got a real sense of his emotions, and in his words, with tears in his eyes.
Chris explained he was involved in a horrible accident while driving a 2,000-gallon Matador portable restroom tank truck. He said the truck hydroplaned at 70 mph and losing control; his vehicle flew sideways up a grass freeway embankment, catching air and rolling four times before it rested.
The accident crushed the cab and was a total loss. Remarkably, the tank itself was undamaged. The only damage was a slight bend in the uppermost paper box on the driver side, easily beaten back into shape, along with a slight angle in the license plate bracket.
Miraculously, Chris walked entirely away from this accident without any injuries and was able to go home to his family that night. For that, we are immensely grateful.
The Amthor tank was the only barrier preventing the cab from being crushed with him inside. The tank did not separate from the frame due to the unique tie-down system Butch Amthor designed many years ago. We realize this story could have ended very differently, and we are thankful that Chris is here to share his story with us. It reminds us of the enormous responsibility we have for our customers and the integrity of every tank we manufacture.
In his email, Chris stated,
“Thank you to every single team member who is involved in the process of creating the tanks—from the designer who sketched it, all the way to the person who put the final touch of the tank and everyone in between.”
We are noting that Chris was a fortunate man because he also informed us that he was not wearing a seatbelt.
We are aware it can be tempting to remain unbuckled when your job requires continuously going in and out of the truck—but unfortunately, accidents do happen. It is our deep desire to ensure that our customers go home to their families safely. So, when you’re on the road, wear your seatbelt; if you are a fleet operations manager, scheduler or controller, please remind your drivers to buckle up. For safety and for family.
His story deeply moved us, and we wanted to share it in hopes that it will do the same for you.
Amthor International will introduce The CLAW (patent pending), a series of hydraulic arms to open and close the rear door on vacuum trucks, eliminating the use of wing nuts along the top and sides. The CLAW will be unveiled at the Amthor booth (#4327) at the Pumper & Cleaner Environmental Expo, Indianapolis, IN on Tuesday, Feb 25, 10:00am. Additional demonstrations will also be conducted throughout the trade show.