TowNews

May 27, 2022 Research firm’s analysts say they are less confident that supply chain issues will subside enough for truck makers to fully meet customer demand this year and into 2023. Meanwhile, used truck sales took a tumble in April, ACT also reported. Scott Achelpohl Semiconductor shortages are still interfering with efforts by OEMs to manufacture enough trucks to fulfill customer order commitments—and truck makers may not be able to meet demand until well into next year, ACT Research reported in the latest release of its Commercial Vehicle Dealer Digest. “Recent commentary from leaders in the semiconductor industry point to a more cautious outlook for longer,” said Kenny Vieth, ACT’s president and senior analyst. “ASML, a key supplier of semiconductor production equipment, recently called out a ‘significant shortage of semiconductor manufacturing capacity this year and next.’ In light of this and other industry commentary, we believe lower-for-longer chip availability is likely to restrain the industry’s ability to meet otherwise-strong customer demand.” The ACT commercial vehicle dealer report, which combines ACT’s proprietary analysis from a variety of industry sources, paints a comprehensive picture of trends impacting transportation and commercial vehicle markets. The monthly report includes a high-level forecast summary, complete with transportation insights for use by commercial vehicle dealer executives, reviewing top-level considerations such as for-hire indices, freight, heavy and medium duty segments, the total U.S. trailer market, used truck sales information, and a review of the U.S. macro economy, according to ACT. Vieth noted that half the global supply of neon, which is a critical material in chip production, is concentrated in Odessa, Ukraine, where manufacturing has been shut down since February because of the run-up to and eventual invasion of Ukraine by Russian forces. “The gases that were purified in Ukraine were generated by Russian steel manufacturers. A scramble to re-source is on and inventories are limited,” he also noted. But ACT does continue to expect higher build, despite these production challenges. Asked why, Vieth said, “Carrier profitability is robust, [and] we expect any recession to be shallow and short-lived at this point, and our Class 8 models are indicating pent-up demand, as well as prebuying potential in advance of [the California Air Resources Board’s] costly Clean Truck mandate.” Used Class 8 sales volumes, average price down Normally, when new commercial vehicle manufacturing and deliveries are constrained (as they have been for many months), used truck sales are higher. That wasn’t the case in April, when retail sales of the heaviest used trucks declined along with their average price, ACT reported May 26 in an update of another report, the State of the Industry: U.S. Classes 3-8 Used Trucks. Used Class 8 retail volumes (same dealer sales) were 24% lower month-over-month in April. Longer term, volumes are down 40% year-over-year, ACT also reported. Average prices were down 1% in April compared to March, but used trucks were 75% more expensive than last April. Average miles and age were up slightly from March, at plus 3% and plus 4%, respectively, with miles up 6% year-over-year and age 7% higher than last April. “Same dealer retail sales of used Class 8 trucks took a bit of a tumble in April. While normal seasonality predicted an 8% decline, lumpy new truck sales and the lack of used truck inventory are the more likely culprits in April’s slowing,” said Steve Tam, VP at ACT Research. He continued, “Waning April new truck sales portend more weakness ahead in the secondary market, though March’s uptick has yet to make its way through the inventory maze. The April deficit marks the 10th straight month of shrinking year-over-year sales, which have been hamstrung by the curtailed flow of units into used truck inventory. A peek ahead at near-term expectations suggests sales are usually below average in May, then return to normal in June and July before picking up in August.” Asked about the supply chain impact on the U.S. used truck market, Tam added, “While the OEMs aspire to higher new truck production and sales, which would presumably benefit the used truck market, the relief they seek on the supply chain front has proven elusive.” About current demand, he added: “Inflation persists in taking its toll on consumer confidence and spending. While the spot-freight markets have borne the brunt of the initial slowing, contract markets are not expected to escape unscathed. Collectively, lower demand for trucks at the same time capacity additions are still occurring are having the predicted and understandable effect of driving prices for both freight hauling and used trucks lower.” Resource Link

Connecticut tow truck operators will be prohibited from requiring motorists to sign an agreement for storage before the towing job is complete, under a law signed by Gov. Ned Lamont on Tuesday. As proposed, the legislation, Senate Bill 332, would have allowed operators to require a storage agreement of up to 24 hours as part of the tow job. SB 332 was amended to restrict wrecker operators from requiring motorists to sign agreements for storage of any duration. Proponents, including insurance industry representatives, said the bill was designed to protect consumers from being coerced into signing a contract as a condition of getting their vehicle towed. The original bill had been criticized as an attempt to give insurers a 24-hour window to pressure their customers to bring their damaged vehicles to a direct repair program (DRP) facility. The bill was also amended to make clear that the prohibitions “do not limit the owner and the wrecker from entering into contracts after the tow job is complete.” The new law, an amendment of Section 14-66(b) of Chapter 246, regulating tow truck operators, will take effect Oct. 1, 2022. Existing law already prohibits tow truck operators from requiring vehicle owners to sign a repair contract before towing, or a repair order or authorization to estimate repairs until the tow job is complete. The amended bill was approved by the House and Senate in votes of 149-0 and 36-0, respectively. During a March 9 public hearing before the joint Transportation Committee, attorney Peter Bowman said the bill was “simply a blatant attempt by the insurance industry to circumvent the anti-steering law that has been on the books for decades in Connecticut.” Bowman argued that the bill conflicted with Section 38A-354 of the state’s general statutes, which guarantees consumers the right to be able to choose where their vehicle will be repaired. “The consumer, if they can’t have the car touched for 24 hours, now has an extra day of rental, an extra day of storage, and really for no purpose, because there is no public screaming for this bill,” Bowman said. Brooke Foley, general counsel for the Insurance Association of Connecticut (IAC), said during the same public hearing that AIC was requesting a change in the language of SB 332 “to prohibit a tow vendor from requesting a vehicle owner to sign anything, whether a consent to tow or a repair order, at the scene of an accident or within 24 hours of an accident.” Foley said it’s “common” for collision repair shops, under such contracts, “to begin repairs on a vehicle in many cases that’s an obvious total loss. Frequently, the repairs include scans which are completely unnecessary.” The Transportation Committee approved the bill in a 25-10 roll call vote on March 24, although at least two committee members agreed that the language would need more work when it reaches the assembly floor. The Towing and Recovery Professionals of Connecticut did not testify on SB 332 as filed but objected to a similar bill, SB 921, filed last year. That bill, which also would have allowed tow truck operators to require up to 24 hours of storage, failed to make it out of committee. SB 332, as filed, had written support from AIC and the American Property Casualty Insurance Association, and was opposed by the owner of Farmington Motor Sports, an auto repair and towing business located in Farmington. Resource Link

Weston man accused of fatally hitting tow truck driver with car on Route 15 to be sentenced today A Weston man accused of driving under the influence and killing a tow driver on the Merritt Parkway in 2020 will be sentenced today. Police say Dean Robert hit tow truck driver Corey Iodice as Iodice was loading a car onto his flatbed on the Merritt Parkway in Trumbull back in April of 2020. Following the incident, Robert was charged with second degree manslaughter with a motor vehicle, reckless driving, operating under the influence, and failure to reduce speed and move over for an emergency vehicle. Iodice is a third-generation tow truck driver who worked for his family's company, Iodice Family Transport of Fairfield. Iodice's sister has started a non-profit in an effort to reduce crashes like the one that killed her brother. A press conference is planned for after the sentencing to raise awareness to the state's 'Move over Law' which requires a motorist approaching one or more emergency vehicles located on the travel lane, breakdown lane, or shoulder of a highway to immediately slow down. Resource Link

Press Conference June 2 After Historic Sentencing Hearing in Corey J. Iodice Case ● Flagman Founder Cindy Iodice Holds Press Conference June 2, Scheduled After Historic Sentencing in Slow Down Move Over (SDMO) Case ● U.S. Senator Richard Blumenthal Joins to Discuss Congressional Efforts to Promote Road Safety Flagman Logo Flagman Logo BRIDGEPORT, Conn. – June 1, 2022 – (Newswire.com) After Bridgeport Superior Court concludes the sentencing hearing at 2 p.m. ET tomorrow in the State of Connecticut vs. Dean Robert case, Cindy Iodice, founder of FlagmanTM, will hold a press conference on the courthouse steps at approximately 3:30 p.m. about the sentencing of the drunk driver who killed her brother Corey J. Iodice on April 22, 2020. The sentencing is a historic and landmark case in Connecticut, which will be the very first time that Connecticut courts apply the language of the SLOW DOWN MOVE OVER (SDMO) law, enacted in 2009. U.S. Senator Richard Blumenthal (D-CT) will join the press conference to discuss Congressional efforts to raise awareness of Slow Down, Move Over (SDMO) laws to promote road safety. Tow truck driver Corey John Iodice, 58, of Seffner, Florida, was killed in the line of duty on April 22, 2020. Born Aug. 31, 1961, in Bridgeport, Connecticut, Corey was a lifelong towing and recovery specialist who was well-respected for his abilities to execute any recovery. An anomaly in the towing industry and a consummate professional, Corey was also known as the guy who made safety his priority. Corey took pride in working with his brother Chris and father Russ during countless emergencies for the Fairfield Police and Fire Services. In 1991, Corey, Chris and their father were awarded a Civilian Service Medal from Fairfield for saving the life of a victim of a horrific crash on Interstate 95. Corey loved his family, his dog Dude, and spending his free time camping, hiking, and biking. Due to this tragedy, Cindy Iodice, Corey’s sister, founded Flagman TM, the new national non-profit to help save lives. Flagman’s TM mission is to champion a national public awareness/educational outreach program to reduce struck-by-vehicle injuries and fatalities nationwide. “I believe the solution to this problem is educating our children and the driving public of the dangers our first responders and highway workers face daily. When my brother Corey was killed, FlagmanTM for SDMO was born.” FlagmanTM is bringing national awareness to the public about SDMO with the recent mention of Corey’s death by Senator Richard Blumenthal to U.S. Secretary of Transportation Pete Buttigieg in a committee hearing on May 3, 2022, in D.C. Since its inception earlier this year, FlagmanTM has received overwhelming support from all facets of transportation, emergency services, police, fire, and major media. The national organizations that have stepped up to support FlagmanTM include MADD, AAA, and Department of Transportation. Connecticut partners and advocates include AAA New England, AMR, CRCOG, CT Fire Police, CT State Police, Fairfield CT Fire Dept., and Fairfield CT Police Dept., Fire Fighter Union CT, HASS Alert, Intl. Assoc. of Firefighters, TRPC, Iodice Family Transport, Mickey’s Towing, Strollo Bros. Towing, Chippy’s Service Station, Farmington Motors, Westport Fire and Police Department. In neighboring states, FlagmanTM supporters include ERSCA, International Towing and Recovery Hall of Fame, Wall of the Fallen, Survivors Fund, Miller Industries, Tow Times, MA Fire Fighters Union, and RI Fire Fighters Union. On average, an Emergency First Responder is struck and killed every 4.65 days working on America’s roadways, with 65 deaths in 2021. MEDIA Contact: Janet M. Kelley FlagmanTM Communications Director/Mana Means Communications Direct 808-285-7712 Email janet@manameans.com FLAGMAN PSA VIDEO LINK HERE www.flagmansafety.com Attachments include Media Release and Partnership 1-Sheet Related Files Flagman One Sheet – both sides (1).pdf FLAGMAN Media Advisory and Family Bios-FINAL 531 JK.pdf Press Release Service by Newswire.com Original Source: Press Conference June 2 After Historic Sentencing Hearing in Corey J. Iodice Case Read more: https://www.digitaljournal.com/pr/press-conference-june-2-after-historic-sentencing-hearing-in-corey-j-iodice-case#ixzz7Uz99USk4

A request from the Oklahoma Wrecker Owners Association: We have received bad news from a long time member. The owner of Steddum Wrecker of Chouteau,Ok has lost his daughter. She passed away on Sunday Morning. The family has requested a Wrecker Procession in her honor. The Funeral will be Friday , June 3rd , 2022 at the United Church 700 E Cherokee St Wagoner, OK 74467. More information below: *Viewing and Funeral information* The viewing is on Thursday June 2nd from 6pm-8pm at Stephen’s-Key Funeral Home in Pryor-1525 NE First St Pryor, OK 74361 The funeral is on Friday June 3rd at 10am at United Church in Wagoner 700 E Cherokee St Wagoner, OK 74467 Please do not wear black. Tiffany loved bright colors and wanted everyone to be comfortable. -- Thank you, Doyle Woods (Woody) Shop Manager

Mourners pay respects at murdered tow truck driver's funeral DEKALB COUNTY, Ga. - Family and friends gathered to celebrate the life of an entrepreneur who was murdered at a DeKalb County gas station. The funeral for tow truck business owner and father Christopher Harrold at East Lake United Methodist Church on Tuesday ended with a fitting tribute: a convoy of tow trucks, including one that carried his casket. Harrold's casket was strapped onto the back of a truck, surrounded by mourners. "Chris was full of life," Maya Harrold, Christopher Harrold's widow said. "He loved his family, he loved people. … He just gave." Maya Harrold pleaded for gun violence to stop. Harrold wasn't involved in the argument that led to the deadly gunfire. She said he was training a new driver, who got into an argument with another man before the shooting broke out. The shooting happened on Memorial Drive at a Chevron station. Police said officers arrested Victor Richardson, 25, and charged him with felony murder and aggravated assault. Harrold's family described him as a giving man, who was loved by many. Granddaughter Mariah Green said Harrold will be "our angel forever." Resource Link with Video

Tow truck driver, passengers alive after shots were fired on I-20/59 BESSEMER, Ala. (WIAT) – A tow truck driver, his colleague, and their passenger who needed a lift, are still alive after someone shot at them from another car while driving along I-20/59 in Bessemer. The three tell CBS 42 that the incident happened Saturday night. Jeff DeShazo, of McCalla, said that while he was getting a ride home on a Rich’s Collision Repair tow truck after his car would not start, someone opened fire on the truck. Jonathan Pickle, the driver of the truck, said that a man pulled up beside them in the left lane to pass around and then started shooting at them. “We stayed in the center so traffic could pass us,” DeShazo said. “What his motive was for shooting the truck was, I don’t know. I could only guess that we weren’t going fast enough, but who knows.” Over the phone, Pickle told CBS 42 that they had just driven past a wreck that slowed down traffic. “When we switched lanes another car flew by and started shooting,” Pickle said. That’s when Pickle said he got shot in the left leg. At first DeShazo said he didn’t realize what was happening, but the gunfire was loud even with the windows up. “When it happened I gotta tell you just candidly, just keeping it real,” DeShazo said. “Extremely calm, extremely peaceful. I just attribute that to the presence of the Lord, the peace of God for me.” He is hopeful that the person responsible can find peace and come forward. “I just encourage him to turn himself in, and let’s just give some grace and peace to him, too, and take the anger out of his life,” DeShazo said. Pickle said he got out of the hospital Monday afternoon. He said he does not need surgery right now, but doctors will be reassessing him next week to see if it will be necessary. CBS 42 reached out to Bessemer police for more information and has not heard back yet. Resource Link

I65 NORTH Traffic ALERT (Multi-Vehicle Crash) WHITE HOUSE: (Smokey Barn News) Crews are cleaning up following a multi-vehicle crash on I65 North at Mile Marker 110 near White House. We have no reports of injury- but it will take time to investigate and clear the scene. We recommend drivers seek an alternative route if possible. Resource Link

Emergency response worker hit on I-85 in Spartanburg Co.; concerns rise for roadside safety SPARTANBURG COUNTY, S.C. (WSPA) – A State Highway Emergency Program (SHEP) worker is recovering after being hit by a car on Interstate 85 in Spartanburg County Wednesday morning. According to South Carolina Highway Patrol, the worker was standing outside of his work vehicle around 7:30 a.m. Wednesday when he was struck by a vehicle. Trooper said it happened on I-85 southbound near mile marker 75, which is the Boiling Springs exit. According to SCDOT, the workers’ duties consist of helping people whose vehicles are experiencing mechanical issues, provide assistance during incidents, even stop to clean up road debris. Law enforcement agencies said incidents like this, unfortunately, are not uncommon. They said it’s a major concern for first responders and those who work in roadside assistance. “Sometimes we have our minds set and our focus on the person that we are dealing with and it becomes what we call tunnel vision,” said Chief Shandrell Holcombe with the Duncan Police Department. Chief Holcombe has spent years in law enforcement. He told 7NEWS there have been too many close calls. “There are cars coming by you to the point where you can feel the vibration of a vehicle when it goes by,” said Holcombe. “Many people don’t really pay attention. They don’t think they are doing anything wrong.” He said it’s a concern for all roadside responders. “It’s very alarming and it’s very concerning,” said Holcombe. “Often times people don’t look at the whole picture. Emergency vehicles being a police car, an ambulance, a fire truck, also even tow truck drivers; they are emergency vehicles also with their flashing light on. You are to move over. It’s a law and you are required to move over to another lane if you have a lane and the ability to.” Under current state law, drivers are required to move over when passing emergency vehicles. If they are unable to, they must slow down. “When there is a vehicle on the side of the road that is having some work done on it, or there is an emergency unit working on someone, or police have someone pulled over, or fire is pulling over to put out a fire, then that speed needs to be reduced to about half to allow yourself to safely pass that,” Holcombe said. The crash is leaving roadside workers hoping people will listen. “You never want to hear of anyone being hurt while they work,” said Holcombe. “We hope and pray that he is going to be okay.” Highway Patrol said the worker was taken to the hospital following the crash. The crash caused a lengthy backup and was cleared shortly before 11:00 a.m. The crash remains under investigation by South Carolina Highway Patrol’s Multi-disciplinary Accident Investigation Team. Resource Link

Police Blotter: Tow Truck Operator Hooks Up Man’s Car While He’s Asleep Inside (Images for reference purposes only) Friday, May 27, 2022 A man at the Walmart at 490 Greenway View Dr. called police to complain that American Tow Co. had towed his vehicle from the Walmart parking lot last night. The man said he had not seen the no parking signs and that the tow company hooked up his vehicle while he was asleep inside. Resource Link

The city of Wichita struck a compromise with three towing companies on Wednesday that avoids rate increases for people whose cars are impounded by police. The City Council also approved an ordinance that would allow economically disadvantaged people to get their cars out of impound without breaking the bank. Under the repayment plan, the city would carry the cost — up to $600 — of returning vehicles to their owners. The vehicle owner could then pay back the city $25 a month until the debt is paid off. The plan also offers a one-time waiver of up to $600 for people who are registered with the city as homeless. Resource Link

Limited Information is available on this one. The report stated: Wednesday night at around 9pm on Interstate 86 between the Chemung and Wilawana exit heading east the rollback was struck by a tractor trailer. The bed was down and the vehicle was loaded. The tech was just starting to strap the van down and the customer had just retrieved something from the drivers seat and walked around the backside of the vehicle when it all happened. A tractor trailer drifted off the roadway and up the driver side of the rollback bed like it was a ramp. The van on the bed was struck with the trailer hitting the headache rack and the corner of the cab. The driver then proceeded to flee the scene. The tech and the customer were shaken but unharmed. The police caught up to the truck driver at the Wilawana Dandy. He had pulled in and parked trying to hide.

All lanes back open after crash involving tow truck on I-290 at Mill Road CHICAGO (CBS)-- All lanes have reopened after a crash involving a tow truck on I-290 at Mill Road. Illinois State Police said the a tow truck, hauling another vehicle, lost control and slammed into the Mill Road Bridge. ISP said the driver was taken to a local hospital with non life threatening injuries. Resource Link

Man crashes into tow truck on the side of Highway 14 late Wednesday May 26—DOVER TOWNSHIP — A car crashed into a tow truck on the side of U.S. Highway 14 in Dover Township just before 12 a.m. Thursday, May 26, 2022. A 2006 Nissan Sentra was eastbound on Highway 14 when it collided with a 2007 International tow truck as it assisted with a stalled car on the side of the highway, according to a Minnesota State Patrol report. The driver of the Nissan, 28-year-old Logan Paul Bergstrom Conley of Austin, was transported to Mayo Clinic Hospital-Saint Marys with non-life threatening injuries. The state patrol report notes that drugs or alcohol may have been a factor in the crash. The tow truck driver, 20-year-old Devon Gunner Parkin of Rochester, was uninjured in the crash. The St. Charles Police Department, Olmsted County Sheriff's Office, Dover Fire Department and Eyota Ambulance also responded. Resource LInk

Mohave County Sheriff's Office

CHICAGO (WLS) -- Tow truck companies accused of hiking prices - AFTER they take your car! Now after hundreds of tow company complaints the ABC7 I-TEAM joins city investigators - looking for unlicensed, rogue towers. What we uncover Tonight at 10 p.m. https://abc7chicago.com/11897059/

Austin man injured in Olmsted County crash An Austin man was injured Wednesday late evening in an Olmsted County crash. According to a Minnesota State Patrol Report Logan Paul Bergstrom Conley, 28, was traveling eastbound when collided with an International Tow Truck driven by Devon Gunner Parkin, 20, who was assisting a stalled vehicle on the side of Highway 14 in Olmsted at just before midnight. Conley was transported to St. Marys Hospital in Rochester with non-life threatening injuries. The report also stated that alcohol was involved. Road conditions were also listed as wet. Parkin was uninjured. Resource: Austin Daily Herald

News Video in link below: CLOVIS, Calif. (KFSN) -- A Clovis man landed in the hospital after a confrontation with a tow truck driver, and now he's suing over what he calls a hit and run collision.Jeremy Ralls showed up just a little too late to stop the tow truck driver from taking off with his sister's car. Surveillance video from the West Coast Towing truck shows the truck pulling away.But Ralls didn't give up.He popped out onto the driveway on the other side of the trailer park and stood in the truck's pathway.A jury will decide what happened next, but Ralls says the truck hit him.He got up and chased it, but landed in the hospital a little while later."When my adrenaline started to calm down, yeah, it was hurting," Ralls said. "It was hard for me to breathe, real sharp pain on my left side."A CT scan revealed a fractured rib and a bruise on his heart. He's now suing the tow truck company for damages.In a deposition, the driver denied hitting Ralls.Attorneys for the company says Ralls was the aggressor and the video disproves his version of what happened.They say it was a legal tow and they have no liability.Legal analyst Tony Capozzi says it could be a case of comparative negligence."The question in this case is "Who's at fault?" said Capozzi. "My impression is both are at fault. But who's more at fault? The plaintiff who's standing in the middle of the street or the truck driver coming at him?" In addition to the video, Ralls' attorney says they have two witnesses - one of whom said the tow truck driver aimed directly at Ralls.He says the other witness said Ralls was foolish to stand in the driveway, but the tow truck driver must've known he hit Ralls.Clovis Police declined to file a hit and run criminal case.Attorney Jeremy Dobbins said it was "merciless and shocking" to see the collision and watch the driver just smile and drive away."They can try to make it about towing the car or comparative negligence, but at the end of the day he was in a giant tow truck and struck a man," he said.The case is now set for trial coming up in July. Resource Link with Video

This is a repost of a Tower Down from August 5, 2016: Tow truck Driver Struck & Killed on I-81 Dies (PA) Driver was responding to an earlier bus crashSOUTH ABBINGTON, LACKAWANNA COUNTY (WBRE/WYOU) - The driver of a tow truck was seriously injured Friday morning when a big rig slammed into the back of his truck while he was responding to an earlier accident. The driver, as yet unidentified, was one of two tow trucks responding to an earlier accident involving a bus about 4:00 a.m. Friday. The initial accident involved a Greyhound bus with 49 passengers on board. The driver tells Eyewitness News his bus was struck by a pickup truck while in the southbound lanes of Interstate 81 near South Abbington. He says the pickup blew a tire, and hit the side of the bus before flipping over. Two people inside that pickup were taken to the hospital with non-life threatening injuries. Two Duchniks tow trucks responded to the initial accident and that's when the operator of one of the trucks was seriously injured when a big rig truck slammed into the back of his flat-bed tow truck. A Pennsylvania State Patrol trooper tells us when they arrived they found the driver of the tow truck underneath the big rig. He was taken to the hospital with serious injuries. RESOURCE LINK SOUTH ABINGTON TWP. — A tow truck operator is in critical condition after being struck during a multi-vehicle crash Friday on Interstate 81. David Duchnik was taken to Geisinger Community Medical Center, where he remained Friday, hospital spokeswoman Denise Rader said. Mr. Duchnik was on I-81 South in South Abington Twp. at 5:30 a.m. helping clear an earlier crash, state police at Dunmore said. A tractor trailer, driven by Johnny Coelho, of Framingham, Massachusetts, veered into the crash scene and struck a pickup truck, pushing the truck into Mr. Duchnik, state police said. State police are investigating. RESOURCE LINK SOUTH ABINGTON TOWNSHIP -- As a tow truck driver was trying to clear wreckage from a crash Friday morning in Lackawanna County, he was hit by an oncoming tractor trailer in the exact same area. The first crash happened when a pickup truck and Greyhound bus crashed in the southbound lanes near the Clarks Summit exit of Interstate 81. About an hour later, a tractor trailer slammed into two tow trucks that were called to the first crash. One of the drivers is seriously hurt. The tower who was hit is David Duchnik of Scott Township. He's a newlywed and runs the towing business with his dad. His family says he is in critical condition following the crash Friday morning. It's a situation that also hits home for others in the towing business. Towers get all kinds of calls at all kinds of hours. The call Mike Milewski got early in the morning is the worst kind. "The incident this morning, you know, it's one of your friends, and you just want to do the right thing. You want to get there and make sure he's OK." Milewski heard from a father who had just watched a tractor trailer pin his son against the family's tow truck. David Duchnik Jr. was severely injured while he and his dad were responding to an earlier crash on Interstate 81 near Clarks Summit. Duchnik's father pulled him from the wreckage. It's a fear realized by the network of towing companies in Lackawanna County. "When you see them, you got to get over, and these people don't do it," said Ken Rohland of Moletsky's Towing. "I've personally had experiences where I've almost been blown off my feet on (Interstate) 81 and it's scary. My heart goes to the Duchnik family, and I wish them all the best in this time of need." We first met David Duchnik earlier this year when he talked to us about a crash he responded to. State police say this time, David and his dad did everything they could to protect themselves. There were lights on their trucks and they were wearing reflective gear. Michael Milewski sits on the board for the Pennsylvania Towing Association. He says close calls happen all the time on highways, and it is against the law. "People aren't aware of the 'slow down, move over law,' and it's very important that we get that out there. It affects fire, police, ambulance, tow trucks, PennDOT, and everyone just needs to make that aware." According to state police, the tractor trailer that hit David Duchnik was far enough away from the crash scene but then drifted toward the tow truck for an unknown reason. There is no word yet on whether the driver from Massachusetts will face charges. RESOURCE LINK with News Video UPDATE ADDED: 08/08/16 Update: The tow-truck driver injured on the scene of a crash on Interstate 81 Friday died this morning in the Trauma Unit at Geisinger Community Medical Center, according to a release issued by Lackawanna County Coroner Timothy Rowland. David L. Duchnik, Age 29 of Scott Twp, was fatally injured when a tractor-trailer veered into the crash scene in South Abington Twp., striking a pickup and pushing it into the young tow-truck operator, according to state police. Previous Report: David Duchnik, 29, had celebrated his birthday the night before he got a call to clean up a crash on Interstate 81 before dawn Friday morning. About 5:30 a.m., a tractor-trailer veered into the crash scene in South Abington Twp., striking a pickup and pushing it into the young tow-truck operator, according to state police. Geisinger Community Medical Center on Sunday night reported Mr. Duchnik remained in critical condition. However, as an organ donor, doctors were using machines to preserve his internal organs, according to his father, also named David Duchnik. Friends and family waited in agony, knowing that, although he was still clinically alive, he was never coming back. A third-generation tow-truck operator, who was in line to one day take over the Duchniks’ family business, the younger Mr. Duchnik was to celebrate his second wedding anniversary with his wife, Marisa, later this month. The two had just built a new home in Scott Twp., and were planning to move in within the next few weeks. “He’s never going to see the house that he designed, that he was so proud of,” his father said. Over the telephone his voice sounded frail and exhausted Sunday afternoon. At that point, he had been at the hospital three days watching every minute pass in grief. He had been at the crash site and watched his son get hit and listened to what doctors explained to be a severe spinal injury, he said. The elder Mr. Duchnik knew at that moment out on the highway that his boy was gone. Speaking from the hospital waiting room, he said about 100 friends and family had stayed close by, sleeping on chairs and on the floor. “We’ve never seen anything like this,” hospital staffers told him. “Usually, by now, everyone would have picked up and left.” State police are investigating what led the Framingham, Massachusetts, truck driver Johnny Coelho, 64, to cross into a closed lane on I-81 south and plow into the scene striking four vehicles in its path. Troopers had parked cruisers with lights flashing in the closed lane and had been directing traffic away from the scene, state police said. It was unclear Sunday night whether Mr. Coelho would be charged. Mr. Duchnik said news of his son’s injury spread quickly, especially among the tight-knit, interstate community of tow truck operators. “Everybody knows who he is. He was well liked,“ Mr. Duchnik said of his son. “When somebody gets killed in a towing accident, they come from all over the country.” RESOURCE LINK Edstowing said: My buddy had to lift the truck off of the operator with his rotator this morning. Such a tragedy... I understand that the State Police left the scene before the original pick up was recovered? That sucks.... Our thoughts & prayers are with the Duchnik family. Hook206 said: They say that Operators of the Big Rigs are supposed to be professional drivers!! well why is that these so called Professional Drivers are the ones that are hitting our Tow Truck Operators on the side of the roads? When I was a Tow Truck Operator who used to pickup those broke down big rigs, The operators would say to me that they always slow down and move over for us Tow Truck Operators working along the side of highways. Well if they are slowing down and moving over, Then why are these accidents still happening? HF IN BC VANCOUVER ISLAND CANADA W/M CERTIFIED OPERATOR Michael McGovern said: Notice the time: 4:00 a.m. Statistically, a much higher percentage of drivers are distracted or impaired between 10 p.m. and 6 a.m. Tow truck drivers working roadside should take extra precautions during those hours.With regard to the MOSD laws, I continue to be dubious about whether they have any beneficial effect. This incident is a case in point. Pennsylvania has a MOSD law. Truck drivers who are drugged, sleep-deprived, or otherwise impaired, could care less about complying with a MOSD law. Don't rely on the MOSD laws to protect you. Protect yourself. Use digital message boards and cones on EVERY roadside job, especially from dusk to dawn. I pray for a speedy recovery for this tow truck driver. Michael McGovern mooresbp said: Our thoughts and prayers to the driver, family and friends wycorvetteguy said: Semi drivers in the past were professional drivers. Now most of them are just steering wheel holders and nothing more. They are putting these folks on the road 2 weeks out of school with. NO real life experience. Just book training and a few hours behind the wheel. This is the reason behind so many accidents. I know a bunch of True professional truck drivers, however they are getting hard to find. The MOSD laws are beneficial, but like any other laws you have to watch for the self involved morons that don't have a clue and feel they are above them. Prayers go out to the family of the tow operator, and the owners of the company involved. Maybe the driver of the semi truck will slow down any pay attention from now on. God forbid if they ever let them drive truck again. jamesaroach said: I was on interstate 40 last night around mile mark 173 in Arkansas working a flat call. Those big 18 wheeler are mostly a bunch of chumps.. there are a few goods one who will slow down and move over. I was warning the trucker on channel 19, to move over and slow down around mile mark 173 and one trucker replied, I am going the speed limit, not understanding slow down mean slow down below speed limit and move over to pass an emergency vehicle. On Arkansas highways hardly anyone slowdown and move over per the law, I wish state troopers whould hand out ticket till people learn it is the law Notice from David Duchnik August 6, 2016: My son did not make it today miss him dearly is going to be an organ donor or maybe he can save six or seven more life thank you for all the prayers EdsTowing said: I was just posting that I was told Dave passed this morning. NJringleader said: Very Sad, My thoughts and prayers go out to his family and friends. TowMonster said: My thoughts and prayers go out to the families involved. rreschran said: To Duchnik Towing and the Duchnik family, we're sending to you our prayers and condolences to you in your loss of David. Tow_Zone said: I had a call last night, the person who is not a member was angry with me because he thought it was insensitive that I would keep the topic "Be Extra Care on the Roadways this Weekend!" which I had made just hours before the tragic loss of a towers life. I explained: "It takes a piece of me every time a tow operator is stuck and killed. I often think about your safety, their safety as well as my own. Someone asked just how I knew there would be a tragedy in the industry this weekend just hours before the collision in PA. To be honest I had just gotten done running the numbers and it isn't a good weekend." The numbers show another tower being struck before this next week is out, or within days. Once again as our Thoughts and Prayers go out to the Duchnik family in a time of loss. I ask that each and everyone, use extra precautions. We cannot prevent every incident but we can effect the numbers and we have this year. Look at how many towers we have lost this year in comparison to years past. Do not let this tragic loss of a young life taken way to soon go without full recognition. Make sure every tower you know is aware the industry lost a professional member doing everything right and even working along side his dad. Feel their pain and sadness, don't let it be another number or another name to place on the wall. I am sure knowing the area, tow trucks will come for miles and miles more than 100 trucks that will be in the parade next month in Chattanooga as we Celebrate 100 years of towing. Lets see so many tow trucks of all sizes that this one tragic event makes the national news. If it impacts one driver and one driver takes notice. By the numbers that may have been the one driver that would have taken another life of a fellow tow truck operator. Send all the trucks you can spare and even those you cannot spare. Spread the word far and near. We are a caring industry and we come together in times of tragedy. We are all a strong towing family at this time, as well as strong competitors most of the time. Gods Speed Lest we forget them on the long road home The tow operator stood and faced his Maker, which must always come to air. He hoped his chains were left behind and he hadn't brought them on to bare. "Step forward now, wrecker driver how shall I deal with you?" Have you always rendered aid? To your Maker, have you been true? The tower, with dirt on his hands, said "No sir, I guess I ain't. Because those of us who drive wreckers can't always be a saint. I've had to work most Sundays and at times my talk was rough, and sometimes I've taken people cars, because life is just that tough. But I never took a penny, that wasn't mine to keep. Though I logged a lot of hours when the bills just got too deep. And I never passed by a cry for help though at times I had little to gain, and sometimes, please forgive me, I could do little more than feel their pain. I know I don't deserve a place among the people here. They only wanted me around in their worst of moments there. But if you have a place for me here, well...it need not be too grand. I never expected or had too much so if you don't...I'll understand." There was silence all around the room where the saints respectfully stood. As the tow operator waited quietly, for the judgment...bad or good. "Step forward now, wrecker driver, you've borne your burdens well. Come tow on heaven streets, You've done your time in hell." EdsTowing said: Ron there isn't anything wrong with your post. It's reality...the numbers don't lie. The timing is just the "Irony of Life" I always say... Jefftow said: I agree with Ed, Ron there's nothing wrong with that post and I know you agree with that or you'd have taken it down by now. Matter of fact, with your permission I'd like to copy it to my Facebook page. RIP David and Godspeed to the Duchnik family and not to forget those who had to work his scene in attempts to save his life. Michael McGovern said: This news breaks my heart. I am with Ron: "It takes a piece of me every time a tow operator is struck and killed." Pray for the family and donate to the Survivor Fund. This news also frustrates me because I grow weary of reading about these tragic incidents. More and more I am becoming convinced that enacting "move over" laws and trying to educate the motoring public is absolutely futile. Statistically, the move over laws have not resulted in any reduction in roadside fatalities since the first one was enacted over 10 years ago. No, the answer seems to be in educating the towing industry in safer roadside practices. I do not know anything about the Duchnik situation and I am in no way suggesting that he did not take all necessary precautions; however, I am aware of numerous other roadside incidents in which better training in roadside protocol might have avoided injury. I worked roadside in a tow truck for many years. I appreciate the danger and risk out there. When I read these news stories I can't help but think, "There but for the Grace of God go I." I will look forward to the day when there are no more such news stories and the Wall of the Fallen becomes an historical artifact. Michael McGovern LEMAR said: Our thoughts & prayers are with the Duchnik family. Boltz said: Our thoughts and prayers to the family and friends and those involved. 5towman said: My thoughts and prayers go out to the Duchnik family. No one should have to go through what they are right now. Canadiantowman said: Thoughts and prayers to family and friends, co-workers. In Memory of NationalAutotow who said: Nothing at all wrong with the post. One comment I will make is that I will bet a lot of people do not realize that TowZone (Ron) actually serves on the Board of the ITRHFM and more especially the Survivors Fund. When he talks about running the numbers,he doesn't do it because he enjoys it. That position is a voluntary one. Just an FYI, Ron will expend considerable personal funds to be able to serve this industry in that capacity. My bet is that most people that read this already know what I have stated. I have met Ron several times and I can honesty say he is a very selfless person. TowZone said: Thanks, I am a past I.T.R.H.F.M. board member. I was encouraged to run again, but lacked to number of votes to secure another 2 year term. I enjoyed being a part of the Museum Board, this was my second term the first lasted 3 years and the second for 2 terms. I try to encourage industry members to run for the position. Even if you don't have the number of votes to get elected at least you made the effort. I applaud even though who have considered taking the time of of their busy schedule to be more active in the industry. I have never served on the survivor fund committee, I have honored a continuing pledge. Blkwill said: At a loss for words This is happing to often My thoughts and prayer to the family and friends Scott Burrows said: With apologies to Elvis and all the others who recorded "Mansion over the Hilltop" I would edit the words like this, for our too-soon departed fellow tow operator: I'm satisfied with just a couple of tows A little silver and not much gold But in that city where the rollbacks will shine I want a gold one that's dad’s and mine! I've got a wrecker, just over the hilltop In that bright land where we'll never grow old And some day yonder we will never more wander But DRIVE on streets that are purest gold tommytowsr said: my thoughts and prayers to the family as well. cdntowguy said: Deepest sympathies and condolences to his family and friends. Steve in Ottawa Wrecker2347 said: Such a young life lost for doing something they loved there is not much to be said to help at this time but just to let you know that the whole brotherhood is thinking about you all....GOD SPEED PEACE.... Roger's Towing 386 Sugar Street Marion, VA 24354 (276)783-2347 nybulldog said: thoughts and prayers for the family and friends and may he rest in peace. @EdsTowing @Michael McGovern @mooresbp @Roach's Roadside @Njringleader @rreschran @LEMAR @Boltz @5towman @Canadiantowman @Blkwill @Scott Burrows @Tommytowsr @cdntowguy @wrecker2347 @nybulldog Updated August 8, 2016: Investigation Continues into Deadly I-81 Crash SOUTH ABINGTON TOWNSHIP -- Investigators are looking at several things when it comes to the deadly crash on Interstate 81 near Clarks Summit Friday. Was there a problem with the truck? The driver? Many questions linger over what led up to the crash that took the life of tow truck operator David Duchnik Jr. Authorities impounded the big rig and at last check were getting a search warrant in order to inspect the vehicle. The tractor trailer's driver would undergo questioning as well as drug and alcohol testing. Some trucking companies, including Road Scholar in Dunmore, would immediately deal with the driver. "If someone were involved in a serious accident you’re going to pull them out of the truck, for sure," said Jim Barrett of Road Scholar. Barrett's Road Scholar trucks travel 8 million miles per year. Barrett insists safety is paramount to the operation and driver logs keep track how long they are behind the wheel. "A driver is restricted. They have an 11 hour limit with 14 hour on duty status. I have no clue how long this fella was on the road," he said. Newswatch 16 reached out to Pocono Logistic, the trucking company involved in Friday's deadly crash on Interstate 81 that killed tow truck operator David Duchnik Junior. A spokesperson for the Stroudsburg area-based company would not comment other than to say it is cooperating with the investigation. One look at the company's federal safety rating and we discovered its out of service rate is slightly above the national average at 21 percent. Records show just within the past year, a Pocono Logistic driver was caught lying on a time-log, two others were caught driving with suspended CDLs. "They will find out what caused that issue, as tragic as it is, your heart has to go out for that family," added Barrett. Pocono Logistic also tells Newswatch 16 the driver of the tractor-trailer was expected to be released from the hospital Monday. State police said the man from Massachusetts complained of chest pain after the wreck Friday. The investigation into the cause of the deadly wreck could take weeks. Resource Link

AAA will be working to keep impaired drivers off the road for Memorial Day weekend. The Auto Club Group is reactivating its Tow to Go program for the holiday period, providing safe transportation for impaired drivers and their vehicles. • Tow to Go is active from 6 pm Friday, May 27th – to 6 am Tuesday, May 31st • It’s available in selected states/locations (see below) • Should be treated as a last resort AAA Tow to Go has removed more than 25,000 impaired drivers from the road. When called, a tow truck transports the would-be impaired driver and their vehicle to a safe location within a 10-mile radius. The service is free, yet AAA asks that it be treated as a backup plan. Approximately one-third of all traffic crash fatalities in the United States involve drunk drivers. According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, 28 people in the United States die in drunk-driving crashes every day – that’s one person every 52 minutes. “Driving impaired is not worth the risk. It endangers you and the lives of everyone else on the roadway,” said Megan Cooper, spokeswoman for AAA – The Auto Club Group. “AAA urges people to identify a safe ride home before the party, but know that Tow to Go is available as a last resort.” TOW TO GO GUIDELINES • Provided from 6 pm Friday, May 27th – 6 am Tuesday, May 31st. • Free and available to AAA members and non-members. • Confidential local ride for one person and their vehicle to a safe location within a 10-mile radius. • AAA service vehicles are limiting passengers to one (1) per vehicle, in accordance with established COVID-19 safety protocols. Additional passengers need to make other arrangements. • Appointments cannot be scheduled in advance to use Tow to Go. It is designed as a safety net for those that did not plan ahead. Always choose a designated driver before celebrating. • In some situations, AAA may need to make other arrangements to get an impaired individual a safe ride home. • Tow to Go may not be available in rural areas or during severe weather conditions. Are Located in any of these Tow to Go Service Areas?FL, IA, MI, ND, NE, TN, WI, CO (Denver), NC (Charlotte), IN (Fort Wayne/South Bend), and Georgia (excluding Savannah)

Tow truck owner gunned down while training new driver News Video Pending: DEKALB COUNTY, Ga. - DeKalb County police are searching for the gunman who shot and killed a tow truck business operator while teaching a new driver. Victor Richardson, 25, is wanted in connection to the shooting death of Christopher Harrold at the Chevron gas station on Memorial Drive. "It's heartbreaking to see so much Black-on-Black crime and all you hear is ‘Black lives matter," his wife, Maya Harrold said. Mrs. Harrold never imagined that her husband who gave so much to others, would be gunned down while trying to help somebody. Police said a person in Mr. Harrold's tow truck got into an argument with a third man at the gas station and that argument led to gunfire. "He put my husband in harm's way and he was trying to help him and give him a job Chris did not deserve that he just did not deserve that," Mrs. Harrold said. Police said when the bullets started flying, the business owner and father of five was shot, but the passenger was not. Mrs. Harrold said her husband was an innocent bystander who came from humble beginnings, but connected with everyone. "It didn't matter whether you were homeless or the most prominent attorney in Atlanta, it didn't matter or an Entertainer. Everybody loves Chris," she said. The Harrold family said they want the shooter arrested "I think everyone should be arrested. I want justice for Chris because he was innocent," she said. Police have video of the incident but they are still not yet ready to release it. Resource Link with Video

Marlon Fleming Charged With Hitting 2 Tow Truck Operators On I-35 WEBSTER TOWNSHIP, Minn. (WCCO) — A man accused of hitting two tow truck employees on a highway in southern Minnesota was turned in to police by his father, charges state. Marlon Fleming is charged with one felony counts of criminal vehicular operation, one a felony and one a misdemeanor, according to Rice County court documents. A criminal complaint states a Minnesota State Patrol trooper was at the scene of a rollover crash on Interstate 35 in Rice County Sunday night when he saw a car drive past “and come within inches of hitting his squad.” The driver continued on, and the trooper said he saw the driver hit two tow truck employees who were clearing the rollover crash. Both men were hospitalized with injuries that were not life-threatening. The driver did not stop after hitting the men, according to the complaint, and left debris from the vehicle at the scene. The trooper identified the car as a Lincoln MKZ based on his squad car’s video. On Monday night, a man called dispatch to report his son — Fleming — was the driver who hit the tow truck operators. Fleming’s father said he had called his son Sunday night and told him to bring the Lincoln home. Fleming was “drunk and belligerent” during the call, the compliant states. Fleming returned home around 1:30 a.m. Monday. When his father saw the damage to the car, Fleming said he was texting and sideswiped another vehicle. Fleming’s father called police, who arrested Fleming. Fleming was impaired when he was arrested, the complaint states, and was taken to a hospital to be medically cleared for jail. While at the hospital, he allegedly denied hitting the tow truck operators before admitting it may have been him. “My father he told me about that story today, about two guys getting hit on 35W, and I was like no that was not me, and then just kinda thinking about it, I was like, oh my god, that probably was me,” he said, according to the complaint. Fleming also allegedly told an officer he was on his phone during the incident. An examination of the Lincoln showed damage consistent with the debris found at the scene, the complaint states. Fleming is in custody. Resource Link