Reality TV has turned to the US towing scene for one of its latest shows. “Wreck Chasers”, a new US Discovery Channel show, focuses on the activities of tow truck drivers in Philadelphia. But don’t expect many technical insights or heart-warming stories to feature. The promotional material describes Philadelphia as “the wild west of tow trucking” and the only city in the United States that allows 'wreck chasing'.

This is a multi-million dollar business, in which tow truck drivers compete to claim recovery jobs and collect the cash. It means there are over 200 registered towing companies in the City area with as many as 2,000 trucks. With so many sometimes literally racing to the scene of an accident, disputes and confrontations are the order of the day.

Many US wreckers have expressed concerns about how the industry will be portrayed in the programme and fear it could set the professional image they are trying to develop back many years. It is unclear if it will appear on our screens any time soon, but you can already check out previews on You Tube.