TowNews

State lawmaker hopes to address concerns over ‘dangerous’ conditions for tow truck drivers In November of 2021, tow truck drivers issued a plea to state lawmakers for more protection on Washington roadways. Republican State Sen. Jeff Wilson is hoping to answer those calls with a pair of bills this legislative session. Washington tow truck drivers beg state lawmakers for more protection on roads Washington already has what’s known as the “Slow Down, Move Over” law, which requires drivers to move over a lane when passing any emergency or construction zone. That zone extends for 200 feet on either side of the area. If you can’t safely get over, you are required to slow your speed to 10 miles an hour below the posted speed limit. Violators can be fined $214 if ticketed. Despite that, tow truck drivers have pointed to numerous incidents over the past year where their colleagues have been killed by drivers of other vehicles violating that law. In one incident last April, tow truck operator Art Anderson had pulled over to the side of I-5 near Kelso to help a family with its disabled car. While he was providing assistance, a suspected drunk driver slammed into them, killing Anderson and two members of the family. “The last year, our driving behavior has resulted in record fatalities,” Sen. Wilson told KIRO Newsradio’s Dave Ross. “We know things are getting more dangerous out there.” One of Wilson’s bills — SB 5907 — would address this issue by requiring new driver training curriculum that emphasizes the state’s “Slow Down, Move Over” law, while adding signage and electronic display boards along freeways to further inform the public of the law’s requirements. It also would have the Department of Licensing collaborate with the Washington Traffic Safety Commission to “develop a statewide public awareness campaign.” WSDOT head says vaccine mandate had no impact on recent pass closures “My bill has an educational component that’s going to require us to look at ways to re-educate people that seek a driver’s license,” Wilson said. “They need to understand what this law means — that alone may prevent something, just by being aware of one of the laws already on the books.” Another common refrain from tow truck drivers involves the ability to use different colored lights to make their vehicles more visible. Currently, they can only use red or yellow lights, but some have argued that blue lights would stand out more. Wilson’s other bill — SB 5635 — would allow tow trucks to begin using rear-facing blue lights while stopped at the scene of an emergency or accident. Listen to Seattle’s Morning News with Dave Ross and Colleen O’Brien weekday mornings from 5 – 9 a.m. on KIRO Newsradio, 97.3 FM. Subscribe to the podcast here. Resource Link

Tow truck driver critically injured in hit and run on I-40 A tow driver was cleaning up a crash on foot when he was struck by a driver that fled the scene on Friday morning on Interstate 40 near Tramway.... Rebecca Atkins, an Albuquerque police spokeswoman, said the tow truck driver is in critical condition and the driver that struck him has not been found. She said officers were called around 9:20 a.m. to the incident on I-40 just east of Tramway. Atkins said investigators learned a driver passed the tow truck before they “swerved into the driver,” who was on foot. “This investigation remains ongoing,” she said. Resource Link

Wichita Falls, Texas, January 17, 2001

Troopers pursue driver who hit tow truck on I-95 HAMPDEN, Maine (WGAN) State police say a driver accused of a striking a tow truck and leading police on a chase on I-95 will face criminal charges. Shannon Moss with the Maine Department of Public Safety says the driver hit a tow truck at the scene of a crash on the interstate in Hampden on Tuesday afternoon. She says the driver didn’t stop, and continued heading north even after going over spike mats. The driver at one point spun out and started driving the wrong way on the interstate. A Trooper was eventually able to stop the vehicle. The driver, who police were still trying to identify on Tuesday afternoon, was taken to the hospital to be evaluated while police investigate. No members of the public were injured, including the tow truck driver. Resource LInk

Arlington Fire Dept. investigating parking garage fire that killed tow truck operator The Arlington Fire Department says the flames inside a parking garage on Mitchell Street Friday morning burned nine vehicles and killed a tow truck operator. While, initially, crews say the fire seemed accidental, the man's family is looking for proof. Original Report: https://www.fox4news.com/news/man-critically-burned-in-parking-garage-fire-near-ut-arlington Updated information on Tow Truck Driver died as a result of the fire or was there more. The family want to know. https://www.fox4news.com/news/arlington-fire-dept-investigating-parking-garage-fire-that-killed-tow-truck-operator

HERO: A passing tow truck driver helped a motorist from his burning car on the New Jersey Turnpike seconds before it was engulfed in flames. John Tashian of Nick's Towing Service Photo Credit: Nick Testa (Nick's Towing Service) Nick's Towing Service driver John Tashian of Paramus was returning from a job in Newark when he saw the burning vehicle just off the road in Kearny at 2:15 a.m. Sunday, said his boss, Nicholas F. Testa. Tashian called a Nick's Towing Service dispatcher who, in turn, notified the Turnpike Authority. He then ran to the car to help get the driver out. They had gotten a safe distance away when it went up in flames, Testa said. Kearny firefighters doused the blaze. New Jersey State Police didn't have to call a tow truck, of course. Tashian brought it to Testa's tow yard in Rutherford. Resource LInk

Note, This may not be recent. Does anyone know when this incident occurred? Drunk Driver Smashes Into Back of Tow Truck A drunk driver smashed into the back end of a AAA tow truck that was assisting a motorist on the right shoulder of the 210 freeway in Los Angeles. The tow truck was in the process of hooking a Volvo for a tow, when a drunk driver in a black Chevy Lumina drifted out of freeway lanes and clipped the Volvo, then plowed into the rear end of the tow truck. Another driver then hit the Lumina from behind. The DUI driver suffered moderate injuries in the crash, but was combative with the Good Samaritan motorists who tried to help him, prior to the arrival of authorities on scene. LA City Fire Rescue Paramedics responded to the traffic accident crash scene and treated & transported the drunk driver to an area hospital. The tow truck and two cars sustained major damage in the crash impact. Listen the soundbites from the Good Samaritan who tried to help the drunk driver. And. the tow truck driver.

Not to distract from this Tower Down Notification in which Timothy Perkins a Tow Truck Driver with All American Towing in Houston, TX has tragically lost his life. Not even 48 hours since that tragic loss of life a Houston Sheriffs Deputy has also lost his life in a Hit & Run incident. We are sadden by any loss of life in the line of duty be it Tow Truck Operator, Law Enforcement or anyone just doing a hazardous job.

AAA independent tow truck driver killed in hit-and-run on HWY 290 in NW Houston, company confirms HOUSTON – A tow truck operator was hit and killed while helping a stranded driver on the side of Highway 290 near Pinemont in northwest Houston on Saturday morning. According to a spokesperson from AAA, one of their independent operators was hit around 2 a.m. as he stood on the highway, loading the stranded driver’s vehicle onto his tow truck. Law enforcement officers said the driver that hit the operator left the scene immediately afterward. Authorities have not released any information on that person. The stranded driver was not injured during the incident. AAA released the following statement, saying in part: “Deaths like these can be avoided if drivers slow down and move over to give tow truck operators the room they need to work safely. We can’t stress enough how important it is for drivers to pay attention so they have time to change lanes when they see AAA, an emergency responder, or simply anybody stopped along the side of the road.” We now know the name of the Tow Truck Operator Struck and Killed on Saturday. The Drivers name is Timothy Perkins and he worked for All American Towing Houston, TX.

NEWPORT NEWS, Va. - Police are investigating a crash that took place in the Monitor Merrimac Bridge Tunnel Saturday evening. The three-vehicle crash happened around 6:15 p.m., on Interstate 664 southbound, inside the Monitor Merrimac Memorial Bridge Tunnel. According to officials, the crash resulted in serious, possibly fatal injuries. The crash is still under investigation. A woman driving a Dodge Durango with her four children inside was speeding in the left lane of the southbound tunnel, Virginia State Police said. A black Mercedes was also traveling in the left lane at approximately 60 MPH and in the path of the Dodge. The Durango driver attempted to change lanes inside the tunnel and around the slower-moving Mercedes but struck the rear of a tow truck that was traveling in the right lane. This caused the Dodge to be pushed back into the left lane of travel, striking the Mercedes and then pinballing between both the tunnel walls for about 70 yards, police say. The front right passenger door of the Dodge was ripped off, causing the unseat-belted female driver to be ejected out of the front passenger door. Officials say she is suffering major life-threatening injuries and all four children were taken to Norfolk General Hospital. As of Saturday evening, the southbound lanes of the MMMBT are now open. The crash investigation is still ongoing at this time. Resource Link

Not Towing Related, but is this Judge for real. Under the Influence of Drugs and Not Guilty! Really “The court’s verdict is as follows: under count one, for the charges of vehicular manslaughter in the second degree, the court’s verdict is not guilty. Under count two, which charges driving while ability impaired by drugs, the court’s verdict is guilty,” he said. Family members cried in disbelief. It was not what they hoped for or expected. https://www.post-journal.com/news/page-one/2022/01/judge-rules-driver-not-guilty-of-vehicular-manslaughter-in-fatal-crash/

Members of Ottawa's towing community gather to honour colleague struck while helping driver A tow truck driver struck and killed by the driver of a snowplow near Arnprior during Monday's storm is being remembered as a loving father and hard worker who would do anything for anybody. Phillip Smith, 33, had been trying to help a driver stuck along the side of Highway 417 just west of Ottawa when he was struck. Ontario Provincial Police said the fatal collision happened just before 12:30 p.m. underneath the White Lake Road overpass after most of the almost 50 centimetres of snow had fallen in the capital region. On Thursday, about 100 members of Ottawa's towing community gathered to remember Smith and remind motorists to slow down and move over for tow trucks and emergency vehicles. The group gathered outside Ottawa's baseball stadium on Coventry Road before travelling in a convoy down Highway 417 to the other end of the city at the Canadian Tire Centre in a memorial "Ride for Phil." Phillip Smith's mother Tryna Smith, left, comforts Duheme before the memorial 'Ride for Phil' began in Ottawa. (Jean Delisle/CBC) "It's unbelievable, I cannot believe all the support for my son," said Tryna Smith, who attended the ride with her other son Sabastian. "I wasn't expecting it to turn out this many people, but I guess they're family right," Sabastian said. Smith's mother said the family appreciated all the support describing how much it would mean to her son. "We love you Phillip and we miss you and we're all going to take care of everybody, including all your kids," said Tryna Smith. Phillip Smith leaves behind two young children, who were also at the event, and their mother Amanda Duheme. "Not a single day will go by where I won't think of you. I'll make sure your kids remember you and how much you loved us, I promise you that," Duheme posted on her Facebook page after Smith's death. A group of tow truck drivers gathered Thursday to remember fellow driver Phillip Smith, who was killed Monday while helping a stranded motorist. His mother, Tryna Smith, and his brother, Sabastian Smith, say he was the kind of person who would help anyone. 1:23 Slow down and move over Smith worked for Canadian Towing Service and members of the towing community who attended the ride said, although companies compete for business, they come together when a tragedy happens. "We work for different companies, but at the end of the day, we have to stick together out here, watch out for each other's backs for this exact reason," said Junior Marc Latreille, who organized the ride. Latreille, the owner of 613 Wrecked, said he hopes the ride not only pays tribute to Smith, but also raises awareness. "Just take your time, switch lanes, slow down, give us a space to work. We want to go home to our families at the end of the day," Latreille said. Wayne Harris, who knew Smith from his time as a tow truck operator, said when the community loses a driver, it impacts everyone. "You're out there helping the people and you're putting your life on the line, you don't know if you're coming home … just shouldn't have happened," Harris said. OPP said the collision investigation continues. The Ministry of Labour was contacted and is also investigating. Resource Link

OBITUARY: Kevin Carlos Rodriguez, 1991-2021 Kevin Carlos Rodriguez entered this world on November 7, 1991 to his parents Carlos and Kelly Rodriguez in Libby, Montana. He departed this life on Sunday night, December 26, 2021 in Willow Creek at the age of 30. Kevin’s life ended suddenly; while working as a tow truck driver assisting a customer, when a random snow-covered tree fell. In an instant the world was forever changed for all who loved and knew Kevin. Kevin and his siblings grew up in Butte, Montana. Kevin and his twin brother Kris were inseparable. Always together whether laughing or arguing; always side by side. Regardless of the fighting and name calling, there was no stronger bond than what they had. With older brother Jeremy and sister Jonna, a lot of the kids in Montana enjoyed “Folfing”. Californians call it Disc Golf, but in Montana it’s “Folfing.” They all liked to play in the snow, shoot guns, and were your typical kids. Kevin had many friends in Butte: Tosha Ward, Brandon Belli, Cody Clarke, Travis Ceartin, and many others. Kevin graduated from Butte High School in 2011. Kevin moved to Willow Creek in 2016 to be near his mother Kelly, brothers Jeremy and Kris, and several other family members. He wanted to make a better life for himself. When he met the love of his life, Cassidy Burchard, his new journey began. Together they created their own family, having Haisley Raelynn join them one year ago. Being a father changed Kevin’s life instantly. Kevin was a kind person, with a caring soul who became an amazing man and father. He briefly worked at the Pizza Factory, The Smoke Shop and Chevron before finding his niche at Buddy’s. Kevin was charismatic, funny, and enjoyed the banter and camaraderie with the Buddy’s tow family. Wearing his favorite color pink gauged lobes, with his mischievous smirk, Kevin would routinely negotiate with the other drivers, who’d take the next tow to the coast, so he could eat lunch at his favorite Mexican restaurant, or order his favorite cheeseburger. Kevin was a hard-working man, and really enjoyed being a tow truck driver. He cared about everyone, and “he was always helping somebody” whether on the job or off the clock. He liked to play video games, but most of all he valued spending time with his two greatest loves, Cassidy and Haisley. He was the happiest man, and father, with his big beautiful smile; there was no mistaking his love. Kevin is survived by his dearest love, Cassidy Burchard, and their one-year old daughter Haisley Raelynn Rodriguez; his mother Kelly Rodriguez and her partner Bill Barber; his father Carlos Rodriguez; his older brother Jeremy Rodriguez and wife Destinie; his twin brother Kristopher Rodriguez, his younger sister Jonna Stuart and husband Rob, and several nieces and nephews. Also his uncles, Tony Allen and Phillip Allen; his aunt Tracy Allen and her son Scott Street; and many cousins. Kevin was preceded in death by his maternal grandmother April Parvi, and his uncle Paul Allen. At noon on Sunday, February 6, 2022, Buddy’s Auto Center is coordinating a Tow Truck procession to honor our hero, Kevin Carlos Rodriguez. The procession will conclude at the Trinity Valley Elementary School. At 2 p.m. on Sunday, February 6, 2022, family and friends are invited to attend a Celebration of Life in the Trinity Valley Elementary School gymnasium, 730 Hwy. 96, in Willow Creek. A reception will follow at The Detail Shop, 135 Mayfair Street, Willow Creek. And yes, the menu includes cheeseburgers. Kevin will be truly missed and never forgotten. His memories will live on through his daughter Haisley, hearing all the stories. We love you Kevin. Contributions can be made to the Haisley Raelynn Rodriguez youth account, at Coast Central Credit Union. Resource Link

Vehicles will depart from the RCGT parking lot on Coventry Road at 1 p.m. and travel to the Canadian Tire Centre and back, in honour of 33-year-old Phil Smith. More than 200 vehicles are expected to take part in a tribute convoy, to honour the life of a tow truck driver killed on Highway 417 this week. Phil Smith, 33 of Ottawa, was struck by a snow plow on the highway, under the White Lake Road overpass in Arnprior, just before 12:30 p.m. on Monday, January 17. Smith had apparently exited his truck to assist someone who was stuck in a ditch when the accident occurred. Vehicles will gather in the RCGT parking lot on Coventry Road and travel to the Canadian Tire Centre and back in his honour, departing from the baseball stadium at 1 p.m. on Thursday, January 20. A GoFundMe page has also been set up to help Smith's family, including two young children, with a fundraising goal of $30,000. "Many of you have generously asked if you can offer a gesture of support," says one of the campaign organizers on the GoFundMe Page. "In lieu of flowers please donate what you can in Phillips memory. All donations will be allocated to his children's future and expenses." https://ottawa.citynews.ca/local-news/convoy-to-honour-ottawa-man-killed-on-417-in-arnprior-4974627

Reports of some towing companies charging excessively high prices for vehicle recovery are common throughout Wyoming and the trucking community. In an industry deregulated by the federal government — and left that way by local and state agencies — there’s a growing debate between those who view this alleged predatory practice as a serious problem and others who deny it completely. In 2021, the Wyoming Highway Patrol received 40 complaints about towing companies, most from commercial trucking outfits, said WHP spokesperson Rodney Miears, who also is the department’s Tow & Recovery Program coordinator. That number is down from previous years, however. The Highway Patrol responds to anywhere from 4,000 to 5,000 calls a year for crashes that need a tow truck. Especially when recovering a semitrailer hauling goods across the state, the bills can quickly add up to tens of thousands of dollars. “(Unfair pricing is) a big issue, not just in Wyoming,” said Sheila Foersch, managing director for the Wyoming Trucking Association, about the practice of padding bills. Tow outfits then hold the trucks and their cargo until the bills are satisfied, which puts companies in a position of having to pay huge fees to get their cargo released and fulfill their shipping contracts, Foersch said. “It’s a big issue in a lot of states,” she said, adding that the Wyoming Trucking Association hears complaints from in- and out-of-state carriers that feel they were charged excessive, unfair rates. The problem seems to be most severe along Interstate 80, she said. “I can track the storms across I-80 by the number of complaints I get,” Foertsch said. For the Rest of the Story Click Here

New electric vehicles launching at Work Truck Week® 2022 Dozens of manufacturers to introduce electric trucks, bodies and other innovations FARMINGTON HILLS, Mich. (Jan. 18, 2022) — Electric trucks, chassis, bodies and related equipment are among the new products launching at Work Truck WeekÒ 2022, North America’s largest work truck event. Work Truck Week is scheduled March 8–11, 2022, at Indiana Convention Center in Indianapolis, Indiana. Green Truck Summit is March 8. Education sessions run March 8–10, and the Work Truck Show exhibit hall is open March 9–11. New electric vehicles are the focus of many of the 27 press conferences scheduled for Work Truck Week. The Shyft Group will reveal an all-new electric vehicle on a purpose-built Class 3 chassis platform, along with a charging station and other elements of the product ecosystem. Bollinger Motors will launch new electric trucks, including Class 3–6 commercial platforms and chassis cabs. Morgan Truck Body will unveil its electric vehicle dry freight and refrigerated truck body concepts. Other companies announcing plans related to electrification include Legend Fleet Solutions, SEA Electric LLC, Vanair Manufacturing, Workhorse, and ZF Group. “Work Truck Week is traditionally the launching pad for new commercial trucks, equipment and technology, so it’s natural that electrification — the hottest global vehicle trend — is a dominant theme this year,” says Steve Carey, NTEA president & CEO. “The industry is at an inflection point where we have traditional OEMs, most of whom have added electric vehicles to their lineups, and emerging dedicated electric vehicle manufacturers. As a result, more than 20 electric vehicle manufacturers are exhibiting alongside dozens of electrification upfitters, modifiers and component/equipment suppliers. This is a great example of how the work truck industry is constantly innovating to design more-efficient, cleaner vehicles that keep the world working.” Many exhibiting companies are showcasing new products ahead of Work Truck Week through the Product Gallery at wts22.mapyourshow.com. Register and create a WTW22 Planner for full access. Work Truck Week 2022 also offers opportunities to see into the future of work trucks. Green Truck Summit on Tuesday, March 8, includes electric product and grant updates, as well as sessions on a variety of clean energy trends in the commercial vehicle industry. Attendees can learn what 13 of the leading commercial vehicle manufacturers have planned at exclusive OEM update sessions offered as part of the educational program March 8–10. During these sessions, company representatives share technical information on their latest chassis specifications and designs, review body and equipment installation options and provide insights into future commercial vehicle plans. Want to take a turn behind the wheel of some of the latest electric, alternative fuel and advanced technology vehicles? Admission to Work Truck Week Ride & Drive is included with registration. Participating companies include Allison Transmission (sponsor), EAVX, Freightliner Custom Chassis, GreenPower Motor Company, International Truck, Kenworth Truck Company, The Lion Electric Co., Motiv Power Systems, Peterbilt Motors Company, SEA Electric LLC, Workhorse and XL Fleet. For more information, including links to register and book hotel rooms, visit worktruckweek.com. Join the conversation at worktruckweek.com/getsocial. About NTEA Established in 1964, NTEA – The Association for the Work Truck Industry, a 501(c)(6) organization, represents more than 2,000 companies that manufacture, distribute, install, sell and repair commercial trucks, truck bodies, truck equipment, trailers and accessories. Buyers of work trucks and the major commercial truck chassis manufacturers also belong to NTEA. The Association provides in-depth technical information, education, and member programs and services, and produces Work Truck Week and Green Truck Summit. The Association maintains its administrative headquarters in suburban Detroit and government relations offices in Washington, DC, and Ottawa, Ontario, Canada.

Tow truck driver struck and killed by snow plow in Arnprior Police have identified a tow truck driver who was struck and killed by a snow plow on Monday in Arnprior as a 33-year-old man from Ottawa. The man was struck on the westbound Highway 417 under the White Lake Road overpass around 12:25 p.m. Police say a westbound snow plow struck the tow truck operator while he was helping another driver. The man was pronounced dead at the scene. On Tuesday, OPP identified him as Phillip Smith of Ottawa. A statement from Fraser’s Towing and Recovery in Arnprior said he was a father of two. “He was a loving father of two young children and will be missed deeply by his family,” the statement said. The statement also implored people to slow down and move over when they see emergency lights on the road. “It’s extremely important that people slow down and move over when they see any emergency lights,” the statement said. “We are all out there just trying to help everyone as safely as we can but everyone needs to help out when it comes to seeing emergency lights. “Unfortunately this gets ignored on a daily basis.” The highway was closed for several hours for the police investigation. The Ministry of Labour is also investigating the crash. Monday’s blizzard saw a record 48 centimetres of snow dumped on Ottawa, with similar snowfall levels across the region. Resource Link Note: The images originally posted was of Phillip Smiths Brother and Mother. Not of him and his wife Tryna Smith. Our apologizes as we attempt to bring this Tower Down Topics to the Real World. When an image of Phillip Smith can be provided we will update this topic.

Kevin Lacombe - Lacombe's Wrecker Service was involved in the accident on the Whiskey Bay Bridge. Reports are the tow truck driver was transported and while being banged up is in stable condition. A LA DOTD was also injured in the incident. His injuries are unknown. though said to be non life threatening. More details as they become available:

D & L Towing (no further details are available at this time).