TowZone

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"These workers, when you consider their workspace right on the side of the road, are put in danger everyday because drivers aren't slowing down and moving over, which is law in New York State" Buffalo, N.Y. (WBEN) - Doing roadside work, like operating a tow truck on the side of a busy highway, is much more dangerous than one would think. On average, two emergency responders, including tow workers, are struck and killed every month by a driver who fails to obey the law by moving over to an adjacent lane and allowing the roadside rescuers the space to operate, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics. "These workers, when you consider their workspace right on the side of the road, are put in danger everyday because drivers aren't slowing down and moving over, which is law in New York State," said Western and Central New York AAA's Elizabeth Carey. "It says you must slow down. If it's safe, move over if you see a tow truck worker, police officer or maintenance worker on the side of the road." The AAA Foundation surveyed tow workers, emergency responders, and road maintenance workers on their experiences with roadside jobs. Of those surveyed, 60% had experienced a near miss while working at the roadside, while an alarming 15% had survived being hit by a passing vehicle. Carey mentions that 71% of of Americans are saying they're unaware that these laws, like the move over law, even exist. "We had roadside workers that have been struck. We've even had roadside workers that have lost their lives," Carey said. "We have a driver named Marty Taylor, who died in Central New York several years ago, when a driver failed to slow down and move over. So this is a life threatening situation. People need to pay attention, put the phones down, and make sure they obey the law." In addition to polling roadside workers, the AAA Foundation has studied several countermeasures, including an electronic vehicle-mounted variable message sign (VMS) which has been reported to be highly effective. The odds of a vehicle moving over were 95% higher when these signs were used. "What we do right now is we use guardian angel lights, where the drivers actually put lights right on their body," Carey explains. "So people see that we use blue lights, where they're allowed, we use flashing lights and we put signs up saying that we're on the side of the road. We're just asking everyone to try and make them aware of this so that they know that this is a danger, and they could be putting other people at risk and we're hoping that education will help save lives." RESOURCE LINK

EAST SYRACUSE, N.Y. (WSYR-TV) — Tow truck drivers deal with dangers on a regular basis and way too often drivers aren’t paying attention to them. Many of those drivers are failing to slow down and move over, not obeying the law. A tow truck driver is considered one of the nation’s most deadly jobs. AAA reporting on average two emergency responders, including two truck drivers are struck and killed every month by a driver who doesn’t follow the Slow Down, Move Over Law. Chris Quonce has been behind the wheel of a tow truck for almost 30 years. Quonce currently works at Oakes Towing Service on James Street in East Syracuse. He says it’s a risky job. “It’s pretty dangerous out there, being on the highway. I’ve had times where I’ve had to jump over the guard rail, people not paying attention,” said Quonce. But the job is also rewarding. NewsChannel 9 asked him what he enjoyed the most about the job. Quonce added, “helping people the most.” Helping people… it’s what Quonce does every day. “We always take priority with people that are broke down on the side of the road over for instance you’re broke down in your driveway. I am going to get the person that’s on the highway first, because being a stranded motorist I’ve been there myself,” said Quonce. Oakes Towing Service gets about eight to 10 calls a day. Most of those calls include taking drivers like Quonce to the side of the highway, requiring him to put his life on the line and protecting himself as much as he can. “We wear reflective clothing, bright clothing a little more visible. We have cones that we set up if we’re going to be out there for a period of time,” said Quonce. Conner Rosso, manager of Oakes Towing Service says drivers go through training each year, but this is something you can’t exactly train for. “It’s kind of hard to train for a slow down move over situation because again its life or death what’s instant quick but our drivers go through rec master classes and learn how to tow,” said Rosso. Mover Over laws are in all 50 states, however, AAA says motorist awareness and compliance are inconsistent, with 71% of Americans unaware of their state’s laws according to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration. RESOURCE LINK

Drunk driver, 28, charged in death of tow operator on LIE in Queens: DA NEW YORK (1010 WINS) -- A drunk driver was charged in a multi-vehicle accident that caused the death of a tow operator on a Queens expressway last October, authorities announced Thursday. Denzel Porter, 28, was arraigned on an indictment charging him with vehicular assault in the first and second degree, assault in the second degree, vehicular manslaughter in second degree, criminally negligent homicide, operating a motor vehicle while under the influence of alcohol and operating or driving an unregistered motor vehicle, Queens District Attorney Melinda Katz said. Porter allegedly caused a chain of collisions on the Long Island Expressway that resulted in the death of a tow operator and serious injury to a motorist. According to the charges, at approximately 3:30 a.m. on October 8, Porter was driving with two female passengers at an extremely high speed in a Dodge Durango on the westbound side of the Long Island Expressway near Woodhaven Boulevard. Carlos Santiago, a 47-year-old tow truck operator, was also outside his Ram truck on the right shoulder of the roadway, helping 27-year-old motorist Rakiem Ali with his disabled Nissan sedan, officials said. Porter’s Dodge Durango slammed into a silver Volkswagen SUV driven by 66-year-old Peter Park and both the Dodge and Volkswagen then collided into the Nissan sedan, striking Santiago and Ali, who were standing nearby. Santiago was thrown towards the service road parallel to the expressway and suffered severe lower body trauma, including the loss of one of his legs. The Nissan owner and tow operator were both taken to a local hospital. Santiago died as a result of his injuries, police said. Ali required intensive surgical care for his injuries. Both passengers of the Dodge Durango and the Volkswagen driver were also taken to a local hospital for treatment of non-critical injuries. Investigators responding to the scene of the accident observed the defendant exhibiting signs of intoxication. Porter is set to return to court on May 2. If convicted, Porter faces up to seven years in prison. "There's nothing more selfish than getting behind the wheel and driving under the influence," Katz said. "Everyone with whom we share the road deserves our respect and consideration and has every right to reach their destination safely. The defendant is alleged to have been driving while intoxicated and will be held to account for the tragic consequences of that decision." RESOURCE LINK

Central NY driver who killed tow truck operator was on 4 drugs; he will get no jail time Syracuse, N.Y. — A businessman whose vehicle struck and killed a tow truck driver on the Onondaga Lake Parkway was on four drugs when he was charged with driving while impaired. The charges against the businessman - Richard Congel, 76, of Clay - are now being dropped and he will receive no jail time, according to an Onondaga County prosecutor. He will only receive a ticket for failing to move over to avoid the tow truck. Irael Martinez, the 48-year-old owner of Martinez Towing, was loading a vehicle onto his truck on Feb. 24, 2022 when he was struck and died. Congel’s toxicology report was positive for an amphetamine, opiate, benzodiazepine and marijuana, according to documents obtained by Syracuse.com | The Post-Standard. The charges are being dropped because it can’t be proven the drugs impaired his driving, Assistant District Attorney Matthew Bloss said. Bloss said the complication is that after the crash it was determined Congel had a brain tumor. His toxicology report was sent by prosecutors to Dr. Arthur Grant, a neurologist at SUNY Downstate, who said it was unclear if the crash was caused because of the drugs Congel was on or if it was because of the tumor, Bloss said. A poison control expert was also consulted, he said. All of the drugs in Congel’s system at the time were prescription except for the marijuana, Bloss said. The marijuana was at a “very low level,” he said. At the time of the accident, Congel was arrested and charged with driving while ability impaired, vehicular assault and second-degree assault. Those charges will be dropped and Congel will plead guilty to failure to move over, Bloss said. That’s a violation and does not come with jail time, he said. Congel’s driver’s license was revoked, according to the state Department of Motor Vehicle. It is unclear how long the revocation will last. In a DMV hearing on his license, Congel admitted to being on all four drugs at the time of the crash, according to a transcript. Congel admitted to being treated for anxiety, depression, back pain and high blood pressure in his DMV hearing. He told a lawyer that he was not being treated for any medical condition that would affect his driving. When asked if he remembered the accident Congel said no. “I have a vague memory of a noise at the side of my car and a state trooper saying that I had no emotion,” Congel said during his DMV hearing. According to a police report, Congel told an officer he saw the tow truck driver in the left lane and his vehicle struck him. Police said the truck was in the right lane. After the crash, an officer wrote in a report that Congel handed the officer a credit card when asked for his identification, his lawyer said in the DMV hearing. Four days later Congel was hospitalized at St. Joseph’s Hospital because “I was confused and didn’t really know where I was,” he said. A tumor was found on the left side of his brain, he said. Congel underwent treatment in Washington D.C. because there were no beds available in Syracuse, he said. The tumor was removed by surgery, he said. Dr. Robert Knapp, a doctor who examined Congel in November and testified during the DMV hearing, said it appeared he had a seizure during the accident. Knapp said that the drugs in Congel’s system would not have affected his judgment or ability to drive. A toxicologist, Dr. Oliver Brown, also said the drug levels were therapeutic, the lawyer said in the hearing. Congel, who owns R C Congel Auto and Boat Sales, said in the hearing that he feels remorse for the death of the tow truck driver. “I have terrible remorse, I pray for him every day,” Congel said. “I met with a pastor to pray for his soul and I am devastated by it.” Martinez was a Cuban immigrant who started Martinez Towing in 2014. The day of the accident he had spoken to his daughter that morning. “He always said I love you after we talked on the phone and I would say it too,” his daughter Leidis Martinez said at his funeral procession. “So I’m thankful that he got to hear that and I got to tell him one last time even though we didn’t know it would be the last.” “He always had so many dreams and he got to accomplish a lot,” said Leidis Martinez, who graduated from Syracuse University last May. “The first one was the move to the U.S. The other was to start his business which he absolutely loved.” His dreams were so he could provide for his daughter. “He was a family man, always worked so hard so that he could provide for us and for his family back in Cuba,” Leidis Martinez said. “He worked so hard. Most people have no idea how much.” “He was my hero even if it may sound cliché, it’s the truth,” she said. Martinez also touched the Central New York towing community. He would always put his lights on, honk his horn or wave to other tow truck drivers when he passed on the road, said Angela Stefanowski, owner of American Towing. Martinez would work all the time, she said. Although most truck drivers work long hours, Martinez would go above and beyond, she said. He worked hard to provide for his family and was caring and happy, she said. The towing community rallied around Martinez while he was in critical condition at Upstate University Hospital and then after his death. After his funeral over 100 tow trucks drove in a procession led by his daughter to the spot where he was struck on the parkway. Michael Epolito parked a tow truck from Midstate and Syracuse Towing on the shoulder of the parkway for several days. “It is just a very close-knit towing industry here in Syracuse,” Stefanowski said. “When it happens to one of your own it just hits you hard. Now a big black cross with a photo of Martinez sits on the parkway, a few feet away from where he was struck. The words “move over” are on it. The DMV hearing closed with a statement from John Cherundolo, a lawyer for Martinez’s estate as well as his widow, Yudiset Ferreiro Hernandez. She has brought a wrongful death lawsuit against Congel in Onondaga County Court. “Recognize what’s been lost,” Cherundolo said, reminding the DMV judge that Martinez’s wife and daughter have been placed in “economic harm.” Cherundolo said Congel’s lawyer is “trying to create a one-in-a-million type of event” to explain what happened. More Syracuse.com | The Post-Standard coverage Tow truck driver hit by car while loading vehicle on Onondaga Lake Parkway Driver charged with assault, DWAI after hitting tow truck driver on Onondaga Lake Parkway Tow truck driver hit by SUV came from Cuba to start business and provide for his family Tow truck parked on parkway as reminder to move over: “Lights on for Martinez” Central NY tow truck driver hit by SUV remains in critical condition Tow truck driver hit on Onondaga Lake Parkway dies Tow truck drivers gather to remember driver who was struck on parkway, killed 100+ tow trucks to pay tribute to Syracuse tow truck driver killed doing his job

Suspect riding bike steals tow truck, crashes it into auto parts warehouse in Detroit

Tow truck drivers speak out after customer is hit by driver who didn't move over or slow down

COMPTON, Calif. - One person is dead and another injured following a car-to-car shooting in Compton Wednesday morning. According to the Los Angeles County Sheriff's Department, the two people shot allegedly stole a Mustang from a tow yard in the area near 2100 E. Del Amo Boulevard in Compton. That's when the tow truck driver followed the car and fired shots at the Mustang, hitting the two people inside. The Mustang was able to drive off for a distance but ended up crashing in the area near Avalon and 73rd in South Los Angeles. RESOURCE LINK

There are few details on this one. Feb. 7—A motorist remains in critical condition following a Monday morning collision in Elkridge involving a tow truck, according to the Howard County Police Department. Police spokesperson Lori Boone said the man was taken to Shock Trauma in critical condition following the 8:30 a.m. crash on U.S. Route 1 near Bonnie View Lane. No charges have been filed, Boone said Tuesday. The man was operating a Volkswagen Passat and traveling southbound on Route 1 when his vehicle veered into the northbound lane for unknown reasons, striking a tow truck head-on, Boone said. The driver of the tow truck was not seriously injured, Boone said. Howard County Police are investigating the crash, which closed a section of Route 1 for several hours. RESOURCE LINK

Follow up information on 79 year old that died of injuries sustained after losing control and striking a Heavy Tow Truck. The tragic accident also caused minor injury to the trooper who was talking to the Tow Truck Operator who was not reported as injured. RESOURCE LINK

Fatal crash west of Laramie LARAMIE, Wyo. (KIFI) - On Saturday at approximately 2:20 p.m., a Laramie Trooper and a large tow truck were parked on Interstate 80 at milepost 288 with emergency lights activated, investigating a prior crash involving a commercial vehicle. A 2017 Ford Transit van was traveling westbound when the driver lost control and collided with the back of the large tow truck at the initial collision scene. The trooper was speaking with the tow truck driver at the time of the crash and sustained minor injuries. The driver of the Ford has been identified as 79-year-old Nantucket, Massachusetts, resident Charles Cirigliano. Cirigliano was wearing his seatbelt and succumbed to injuries sustained at the crash scene. This is the 16th fatality on Wyoming’s roadways in 2023 compared to 4 in 2022, 14 in 2021, and 5 in 2020. RESOURCE LINK

We are just now finding information concerning a Tow Truck Driver who was shot on January 31st. Michael "Mike" Robert Comp February 19, 1982 - January 31, 2023 Michael “Mike” Comp, 40, of Topeka was taken away suddenly on January 31st, 2023. He was born February 19th, 1982 to Billy & Mary Comp in Topeka. Mike later attended 501 schools. Mike worked as a tow truck driver in Topeka, and also as a car detailer at Auto Acceptance Center. Mike will be remembered for his love of music and drawing. A self taught mechanic, Mike enjoyed dirtbikes, and fixing cars. He was known as an excellent cook. Above all, Mike will be remembered for being a hardworker with a heart of gold. Family, friends, and strangers recall countless times where Mike would stop to help. Mike was known for his caring spirit, not only helping anyone who needed it, but was a loving father to his two daughters, as well as loving his family and dogs. Preceding Mike in passing are his grandparents and maternal uncles. He is survived by his long time companion of over 23 years, Michelle Pierce of Topeka and their two daughters; Taylor Marie Comp of Topeka, KS & Mariah Renae Comp (Ulises) of Fort Collins, Colorado. Also surviving Mike are his Parents & Sister Mindy Warren (Jake). Mike leaves behind his niece & nephew; Aubrey & Jacob Warren, as well as Aunts, Uncles, & Cousins. Visitation will be held on Friday, February 10th, from 5:30-7:30 at Davidson Funeral Home, 1035 N Kansas Ave, Topeka. Memorial Contributions can be made to the family memorial fund. https://www.davidsonfuneral.com/obituary/michael-mike-comp Feb. 1st, 2023: TOPEKA, Kan. (WIBW) - A 47-year-old man in Topeka is behind bars and a victim has been identified for the Capital City’s seventh murder of 2023. The Topeka Police Department says that Wesley T. Rayton, 47, of Topeka has been arrested in connection to a homicide that occurred Tuesday, Jan. 31 in the area of SE 34th St. and SE Virginia Ave. The victim was identified as Michael R. Comp, 40, of Topeka Around 12:40 p.m. on Tuesday, TPD officials responded to reports of a shooting in the 900 block of SE 34th St. When they arrived, they found an unidentified victim with life-threatening injuries. He was pronounced dead at the scene. TPD indicates that Rayton was booked into the Shawnee Co. Dept. of Corrections on murder in the 1st degree, aggravated assault and criminal discharge of a deadly weapon. RESOURCE LINK with video Feb. 7th, 2023: Murder charge filed in Topeka shooting case TOPEKA (KSNT) – Criminal charges have been filed against a man accused of shooting and killing a man in Southeast Topeka in January. Wesley Rayton Sr.(Shawnee Co. Department of Corrections) Booking photo taken September 2022 in relation to a stolen motorcycle. Resource Link The Shawnee County District Attorney’s Office filed the charges against Wesley T. Rayton Sr. in relation to the shooting death of Michael R. Comp on Jan. 31. Rayton has been charged with the following: - First degree murder - Criminal discharge of a firearm at an occupied vehicle - of a firearm - Aggravated assault Police were sent to the area of the 900 block of Southeast 34th St. after receiving a call about a man shooting at a tow truck, according to the DA’s Office. Another caller also reported about the situation and told law enforcement that a tow truck had crashed into a nearby home and that its driver had been shot. The DA’s Office said the shooter fled the area in a vehicle but responding police were able to spot it and took the driver, later identified as Rayton, into custody. The tow truck was located in the 900 block of Southeast 33rd Terrace. Police found the driver of the tow truck was suffering from a single gunshot wound that had entered the vehicle through the back glass and seat, hitting Comp and killing him. RESOURCE LINK

I am the same exact way, I wait for confirmation before proceeding. Same with verifying rail road tracks a dead, any train traffic is halted before removing a vehicle from those tracks. I have heard of tow truck drivers who did not verify and entered into a hazardous situation. Only to learn they had avoided injury or even death this time around and it is the same with entering flood waters. Why Risk It. Thanks for sharing great topic. Younger Tow Truck Drivers learn from or at least take away from these and go on to become Tow Truck Operators.

We have a combination government and cooperate funded program here that operates 6am to 6pm. Sadly, the service is not staffed to respond during the hours of 6pm to 6am. Many tow operators place themselves in harms way to get the vehicle. The vast majority do not take the time to call. Depending on the situation. Save the local Police Dispatch Number in your phone. Even if you feel safe enough to complete loading the vehicle then it is easy to call them back. Thank them, and advise you no loner require assistance. "DO NOT CALL 911" as it seems we have steering wheel holders and untrained dispatchers that think calling 911 is proper in these situations. If you have multiple law enforcement area. know those areas and even if you call a different one you can have them transfer you to a different department. "DO NOT CALL 911"

Today 02.01.23 Dave Duchnik wrote: waiting to sign the bill to pass for blue lights on the back of tow trucks. It’s been a long road but they got it done in honor of David L Duchnik and several others. Let’s hope this works thank you, we will have a video and update of the ceremony at signing the bill. The Bill was sponsored in early in 2022: HARRISBURG – Legislation legalizing rear-facing blue lights for tow-truck operators will soon head to the governor’s desk, Sen. Doug Mastriano (R-33) said today. “This bill could cut down on roadside accidents and save lives,” Mastriano said. “Multiple studies show blue lights attract more attention and are far more visible in hazardous weather conditions. We can’t let something as simple as failing to use brighter lights lead to more deaths.” Mastriano sponsored Senate Bill 1123 earlier this year after a tow truck driver in his district said other states with blue lights laws reported fewer accidents. Under current law, tow truck operators can only use flashing orange or yellow lights. Studies from the Texas Department of Transportation and the University of Michigan demonstrate that drivers routinely ignore the sight of these lights on the road, often resulting in fatal accidents. “The flashing blue lights will no doubt give drivers more time to react, protecting both tow truck operators and the people in waiting in disabled vehicles on the side of the road,” Mastriano said. “It’s a simple fix and we shouldn’t delay action on it any longer.” The legislation now awaits the governor’s signature. Resource Link Resource Link

@fenderbendr6 your upgrade from Patron II to Patron III has not gone without notice. Your continued support is much appreciated. We strive to maintain the self-proclaimed title as the Center of the Industry with more information then any other social media source along with the most knowledgeable professionals to answer questions. Now, for others I ask for your support so I can stop asking at the end of this month. February has traditionally Patron Appreciation Month. We'll get that topic started soon as a thank you to our Patron Supporters. Note: Sponsor Appreciation is in August of each year.

Cathy will be missed by many in the Towing & Recovery Industry who knew her. I had the pleasure to speak with her in the early days of Tow411 and met her on several occasions throughout the years Cathy joined Tow411 in 2007 with the screenname bluetrucks. Will we never forget Cathy Tennis... God Bless!

UPDATED 01.31.23 with video in topic above. Northwest Towing released this Reward Statement: Cash Reward for Suspect Wanted: Please Share!!!!! We are offering a cash reward for information leading to the arrest of the hit and run suspect. Please contact us immediately or PPB at mailto:crimetips@police.portlandoregon.gov Case# 23-26728 We are deeply saddened to announce that our team member Arthur Walker was struck by a hit and run “tow truck” driver early yesterday morning. We are looking for a tow truck with passenger side damages that was in the vicinity of I-84 WB between NE 43rd & Cesar Chavez @6:45am 1/29/2023. If you have a business with camera or a residence please check your cameras between 6am & 7:30am. For the suspect to be a tow truck operator is sickening. This individual needs to be brought to justice. The Slow Down Move Over (SDMO) laws are critical to preserving the life of emergency responders. In the towing industry, we preach this endlessly. We spread awareness to help keep our industry safe and to help ensure that we all make it home. We need your help to identify this suspect. What:The Portland Police Bureau was dispatched about 6:45 a.m. Sunday, an officer responded to I-84 West between the Northeast 43rd Street exit and the Northeast Cesar E. Chavez Boulevard overpass. When he arrived, he found a tow truck driver laying injured in front of his truck. The officer learned the tow truck driver had just finished loading a car when he was hit by a tow truck that did not stop! Who: The suspect’s vehicle is believed to be a tow truck. It is described as a Ford tow truck with a wheel lift device on the back, but the color isn’t known. A link to the GoFundMe set up to assist our team member Arthur is below. Please help! https://www.gofundme.com/f/arthur-walker The Fund has already raised nearly $7000.00 in the first 24 hours.

Okay, the plan was to end this tonight. However, as I have already stated we still have number of new members and returning members chiming in. Including the PM's, mostly from established members with 3 years or more in the message board. We will wait a few days longer. At this rate I expect that to be between February 7th to 11th. So there is still time for the reps to get working on getting the responses in here. As well as those holding out to chime in with a reply as well. Again some have asked about adding a supporter status and a couple have asked about renewing their past supporter status. Some of you have started the process and have been invoiced, please follow through with payment. This is much appreciated and Yes I can invoice you thru either the Regular System Here or via PayPal whichever is your preference. I really am not a fan of asking for funding as much. However, without your support it is much more difficult to cover all the expenses the site generates. Also, much thanks to our current Patrons & Sponsors you are much valued. 2023 Invoices are still trickling out. TowForce Supporter Levels Start at - $29.00/yr. for Patron Level I Supporter - click here - $50.00/yr. for Patron Level II Supporter - click here - $75.00/yr. for Patron Level III Supporter - click here - $200.00/yr. for Bronze Supporter - click here Supporters for higher Sponsorship Levels are also needed. Now, we need to work on getting more ranking replies posted.

I did not expect that there was already a box mounted on it. Looks new or close to it, do you recall or have noted the miles on it?

Beauty is in the eye of the beholder. That would be considered stylish in another country. The Problem I have is many of the companies, generally small ones. They will take a box off a full size truck and put it on the back of one like this one. With that size, is this Peterbilt Model Wider this the others? The frame appears to be heavier with larger Wheels & Tires in the image. Could it be just the angle... @EdsTowing

Your English is Znakomity nie to jest Fantastyczny Check your company email - Sprawdź pocztę firmową

Marek, glad you could rejoin us. We are seeing several returning members. Your original Tow41 membership transferred over to the new message board. I can look into merging both the old one and the new one. https://www.towforce.net/profile/757-marek-holservice/

Including the PM's we are very close to 200 and our original goal was 300 submissions. Since that is a goal will likely not be met within the next few days let's get to 200 replies. The 2022 Motor Club Rankings will officially close when we have reached 200 replies. Thanks to everyone who has participated in this long running series. It may not mean something to everyone, but everyone deserves to know where the clubs rank among industry members. If you have not added your reply, what are you waiting for and invitation? This is your final invite!