TowNews

Heavy Duty Tow Trucks Were A Large Part Of I-35W Crash Cleanup

At $2.46, the national gas price average is more expensive on the week by 4 cents, on the month by 16 cents, and on the year by 2 cents. This past Saturday, February 6, was the first time in 340 days the national average was more expensive than a year ago.

Tow truck driver, 59, was in 'medical distress' before truck hit house near Napanee The incident occurred on Tuesday afternoon. A Greater Napanee man was in “medical distress” when his tow truck went off Lennox and Addington County Road 9 and crashed into a home on Tuesday, the Ontario Provincial Police said Wednesday. First responders were called to the scene between Abrams and Fitchett roads just before 4 p.m. Tuesday. Derry Rankin, 59, was pronounced dead at the scene, the OPP said. The results of an autopsy suggest Rankin experienced medical distress behind the wheel, which investigators believe was a factor in the crash, police said. A passenger in the tow truck, which was pulling another vehicle, and the occupants of the house were not seriously injured in the collision, the release said. A stretch of County Road 9 was closed while collision investigators examined the scene and the tow truck was removed from the house. RESOURCE LINK Tow truck driver identified as victim in fatal collision Ontario Provincial Police have identified the victim of a fatal collision that took place Tuesday afternoon on County Road 9 in Napanee. Derry Rankin, 59, died Tuesday after suffering medical distress while driving. Just before 4 p.m., a tow truck pulling another vehicle left the road and collided with a two-storey house in the 1800 block of County Road 9. The driver and a passenger were in the tow truck. While the passenger was uninjured, the driver, Derry Rankin, 59, of Greater Napanee, was pronounced dead at the scene. “A post-mortem examination has now been completed which indicates that the driver encountered medical distress while driving,” the OPP said. “Investigators believe that this medical situation was a contributing factor in the cause of the collision.” The occupants of the house were not seriously injured in the crash. “Derry, our loving husband, father, son, brother and friend passed away from a heart attack yesterday, while driving his tow truck,” Leenita Babcock, Derry’s sister-in-law, wrote on the Rankin’s Repair Service Facebook page. “Derry will be missed dearly by so many people. “Derry’s family appreciate all of the comments, calls and messages, however they are not able to respond to everyone at this difficult time.” Babcock said Derry owned Rankin’s Towing and Derry’s Towing. A private service will be held for family in the coming weeks and a celebration of life will be hosted at a later date. RESOURCE LINK

A Dayton woman was killed in a two-vehicle crash on Highway 219 north of Newberg Tuesday evening. The Oregon State Police identified her as Erika Nicole Wanmer, 22. OSP gave this account: About 6:15, a Nissan Frontier, operated by Alexander Gabriel Lewis, 20, of Aurora, was southbound when it moved into the northbound lane, to pass a tow truck hooking up a trailer on the southbound shoulder. Lewis collided with a northbound Kia operated by Wanmer. She was pronounced dead on scene. A passenger in Wanmer's vehicle, Grehan William Dutton, 27, of Dayton, was transported by air ambulance to Legacy Emanuel Medical Center in Portland. Lewis was transported by ambulance to Oregon Health & Science University Hospital in Portland. OSP was assisted by the Yamhill County Sheriff's Office, Newberg-Dundee Police Department, Tualatin Valley Fire & Rescue (Newberg) and an Oregon Department of Transportation crew RESOURCE LINK

Tow truck drivers responding to less wrecks in Topeka compared to previous winters

Snow means big business for tow truck drivers RESOURCE LINK with video Author: Carmella Mataloni Published: 4:06 PM EST February 9, 2021 MOUNT POCONO, Pa. — When winter weather hits, it's not uncommon to see a vehicle stuck off the side of the road. Snow means big business for tow truck companies like Ed's Auto Service and Towing near Mount Pocono. "We've been fairly steady. We've been busy as it is but with this weather here, it definitely adds a lot to our plate," said owner Eddie Cardiello. Cardiello was on his way out to a wreck when Newswatch 16 stopped in. He says that when snow hits, dozens of calls come in for vehicles of all shapes and sizes. "We are a 24-hour company as it is. I don't have a call volume, but each truck is probably doing at least 20 to 30 calls itself per day. On top of the recovery work then we have to do repair work on plow trucks. Everyone here is going nonstop," said Cardiello. Tow truck drivers tell Newswatch 16, when the weather gets like this, they cannot stress enough how important it is for people to stay off the roads if they can and give them enough room to work. "It gets kind of dangerous because you don't have any control on the road. It definitely adds to the safety factor with trying to work and trying not to slip and fall or have someone run into you," said Cardiello. Cardiello says it's been a while since we've had a winter like this, and he appreciates the business Old Man Winter brings in. "It's bittersweet, it really is. This is what we do, and we've been doing it for over 20 years, and we look forward to it every year," said Cardiello. Cardiello says the best way to avoid getting a visit from a tow truck driver is to slow down or avoid traveling out on the snowy roads unless necessary. RESOURCE LINK with video

James Jennings of Emerald Towing Commented: I believe that distracted drivers are simply to distracted to Slow Down and Move Over. Thank God Adam heard the vehicle hit and drag his cones giving him enough time to jump on the bed to keep from being struck. Luckily no one on scene was hurt this time.

Crash shuts down traffic on Hwy 52 KAAL-TV Updated: February 08, 2021 06:00 PM Created: February 08, 2021 05:23 PM (ABC 6 News) - Monday, a vehicle crash closed some northbound lanes of Highway 52 in Rochester. The call came in just after 3:30 p.m., officials say a utility truck collided with a flat-bed tow truck on the Hwy 52 North median. Once the two vehicles collided, the utility truck caught fire. No injuries were reported, and all lanes have been re-opened to traffic. RESOURCE LINK with video

1 dead, 2 hospitalized after accident on US Route 68 in Champaign County Champaign County Sheriff’s deputies responded to the crash around 2 p.m. Monday afternoon. Deputies allege that Stanley drove left of center, avoiding a tow truck in the southbound lane but colliding with a pickup truck. The pickup truck spun off the road and rolled onto its side. Stanley’s vehicle came to a stop in the middle of the road. He was pronounced dead by the coroner at the scene. This is the result of what happens when someone doesn't respect the light and attempts to go around them. RESOURCE LINK with video

19-year-old Estero woman dies in I-75 crash after boat gets loose, crosses lane A boat that became dislodged from a passing truck caused a crash early Sunday that claimed the life of a 19-year-old Estero woman on I-75 in Lee County. The Florida Highway Patrol says the woman was headed south on the inside lane, south of Bayshore Road, when she collided with the boat, which had been dislodged from a trailer attached to a truck headed north. The boat crossed the median and came to a stop partially on the inside southbound lane, which is when the woman’s sedan struck it. The victim’s car rotated from the initial impact with the boat and then collided with an oncoming tow truck. Both vehicles came to a stop on the shoulder of the interstate, with the tow truck partially atop the sedan. The crash happened shortly after midnight. The tow truck’s driver, a 43-year-old North Fort Myers man, was not injured. The FHP says the crash is still under investigation. Troopers say the boat was dislodged from the truck “in an earlier crash,” but did not provide further details. The Florida Highway Patrol no longer releases the names of those involved in crashes, citing Marsy’s Law. RESOURCE LINK

Police: Wanted suspect shot at tow truck driver, then stole vehicle in NE Portland PORTLAND, OR (KPTV) - Portland police are searching for a suspect who shot at a tow truck driver then stole his vehicle in northeast Portland late Wednesday night. Just before 11:30 p.m., officers were called out to a shooting in the 800 block of Northeast 122nd Avenue. Police said an investigation revealed a tow truck driver found a vehicle parked in the manager's spot of an apartment complex. As he was picking up the vehicle onto the tow truck, the suspect confronted him and shot at him. The tow truck driver's leg was grazed by the bullet. Police said the suspect got into the tow truck and took off. The tow truck was located abandoned in the street at Northeast 120th and Northeast Davis. Officers, along with a K-9, searched for the suspect, but did not locate anyone. A suspect description was not released by police. The investigation is ongoing, and no further details have been released. RESOURCE LINK

PORTLAND, Ore. (KOIN) — Police say a tow truck driver was shot in the leg late Wednesday night. The driver was reportedly shot when attempting to tow a car from the Menlo Park Apartments shortly before midnight. The suspect confronted the driver, fired off a bullet and then took off in the tow truck — later abandoning it near NE 120th Avenue and NE Davis Street. Despite finding the truck, the suspect has not yet been located. There is no word on the current condition of the victim. RESOURCE LINK with video

Video shows stolen tow truck used in catalytic converter theft in Minneapolis | FOX 9 KMSP

Tow truck driver, mechanic struck by car while removing dump truck from highway ORLANDO, Fla. — A tow truck driver and a mechanic were seriously injured when they were both hit by a car on State Road 408 in Orlando Monday afternoon. Police responded to Westbound SR 408 at Rosalind Ave. just after noon for reports of a crash. Investigators say the tow truck driver and mechanic were on foot in the Rosalind Ave. exit lane working to remove a dump truck from the roadway. Despite emergency vehicles with lights activated blocking traffic, for unknown reasons, a red ’96 Buick Century traveling westbound entered the exit lane and hit both workers before crashing into the tow truck. The tow truck driver and the mechanic were taken to the hospital with serious injuries. The driver of the Buick was also taken to the hospital to be treated for minor injuries. All of the westbound lanes of SR-408 were closed for hours while rescue crews worked to extricate the driver and police conducted their investigation into what caused them to drive through the area. That investigation is ongoing. RESOURCE LINK Workers, driver injured after car drove through blocked exit on SR 408 in downtown Orlando, cops say Traffic on westbound State Road 408 near Rosalind Avenue in downtown Orlando was backed up Monday afternoon after a car entered a restricted zone and hit two workers and and a tow truck, according to the Orlando Police Department. Around 12:15 p.m., a driver in a red Buick Century heading west on State Road 408 drove through emergency vehicles blocking the exit to Rosalind Avenue and onto the ramp, police said. Firefighters had to extricate the Buick’s driver from their car, the department said. The driver was taken to a hospital with minor injuries, police said. Responders have not publicly released information identifying the injured people. The crash appeared to cause severe damage to the Buick. An Orlando Sentinel reader provided a photo that showed the roof of the car ripped off and front smashed in. Police continue to investigate the crash. The crash closed lanes of traffic on S.R. 408 for several hours Monday, but all lanes had been reopened by late afternoon. RESOURCE LINK Message from Johnson's Wrecker Service, Orlando, FL The Johnson’s wrecker family would like to ask that you keep our driver Austin Gayne in your thoughts and prayers, he was struck while working a call. Please remember when you see those lights flashing on the side of the road to use caution and move over! It could make the difference between us making it home to see our loved ones or not!

WASHINGTON — For 30 years, Moore’s Towing has helped the county during snow emergencies and snowstorms. George Moore’s team consists of three employees and four tow trucks. Before a storm, they prepare the trucks by fueling them and making sure each is in good condition. The employees are on call when the weather is bad, Moore said. The Washington County Communications Center will contact them when there are cars stuck in the street or disabled because of the snow, he said. Dispatchers will contact the tow trucks when there are vehicles interfering with plowing. Moore said the day after the storm is the busiest, especially if there is a tow ban during the storm. They will get calls from private individuals when their car is stuck in a ditch or driveway. On average, Moore said they will tow around a dozen vehicles during and after a snowstorm. The heavy snow Washington had during the first snowstorm on Dec. 29 is much worse than the more recent light snow. Moore said they have to be careful with the heavy snow. Overall, Moore said the most important thing for people to do when they see a tow truck is to slow down and move over. If their vehicle is getting towed, it is best for the owner to be there with the keys. RESOURCE LINK

San Diego: Tow Driver Hit 01292021 Video Courtesy of 911 Video News: INCIDENT DATE/TIME: 1-29-21 2:05 am LOCATION: SB I-15 @ Friars Rd CITY: San Diego DETAILS: The male tow driver from ASAP Towing was loading a vehicle onto his flatbed tow truck from a previous accident. The male driver of a Volkswagen was southbound on the I-15 and for unknown reasons, went to his right and hit the tow truck driver before going up the flatbeds ramp and hitting the 1st vehicle. The tow truck driver was transported immediately to a local hospital with major injuries. The Fire Dept and AMR Ambulance were still at the scene from the 1st accident and rendered immediate aid. The driver of the Volkswagen spoke with the CHP and left the scene quickly. According to the CHP, the driver was not DUI. In the first accident, the driver hydroplaned in the rain and hit the center divider wall, and suffered minor injuries, and was also transported to a local hospital. There are no other details available at this time.

Hero who rescued boy from raging canal celebrated by Honolulu Mayor Tow truck driver is reunited with the boy he rescued from a rain-swollen canal

Budget Direct Insurance, Singapore’s online insurer, has launched a 24/7 emergency web app that makes it faster and easier for motorists and travellers to seek assistance. Available at no extra cost to all Budget Direct Insurance customers, the app connects motorists and travellers to an emergency assistance expert if they should need help in Singapore or when overseas. Budget Direct Insurance says it will be an invaluable tool for motorists and motorcyclists who have had an accident, a vehicle breakdown or even a flat tyre and need roadside assistance including requesting a tow truck. It will also provide extra peace of mind for motorists outside of Singapore when travelling in West Malaysia and Southern Thailand. A key feature of the app is its GPS capability which enables responders to easily locate callers. The online insurance company says real-time status updates can help alleviate much of the stress experienced by callers whilst waiting for help to arrive on the scene. Simon Birch, Budget Direct Insurance CEO, said: “We are really pleased to be offering our customers this free 24/7 emergency assistance app that makes it faster and easier to seek help. It gives our customers an additional channel for contacting our emergency service provider and gives them more peace of mind when seeking help.” He added: “We are always keen to make life easier for our customers, whether it’s getting a quote and buying insurance super-fast or seeking emergency assistance quickly and easily. We want to make the insurance experience as smooth and hassle-free as we possibly can.” As well as being able to handle emergency calls, the app offers a 24/7 live chat option. In both instances, customers will liaise directly with an emergency assistance expert. Accessed on any browser via a link on the Budget Direct Insurance website, the web app requires no download and can be used instead of an emergency hotline number, giving customers an additional option when it comes to seeking help. Overseas callers won’t have to incur potentially hefty phone roaming charges. The app was created and designed by Across Asia Assist, an emergency assistance service provider for Budget Direct Insurance. Justin Lai, Chief Technology Officer for Across Asia Assist, said: “Our app allows customers to get an immediate response without having to go through the conventional way of contacting the call centre and possibly being put on hold. Whether it’s for an emergency or non-emergency request for assistance or advice, it serves to attend to every little roadside or travel assistance inquiry at any time.” RESOURCE LINK

Updated 01.26.21 https://connecticut.news12.com/like-he-was-driving-a-race-car-weston-man-accused-in-crash-that-killed-tow-truck-driver-appears-in-court

Hurst Towing & Recovery, on Carson Road in Jefferson County, Birmingham, AL was destroyed by a Tornado last night. Our Thoughts will be with them as they pick up the pieces. Reports are no one with the company was injured.

TUPELO • The driver of a commercial vehicle was arrested for driving under the influence of drugs on the Natchez Trace Parkway near Tupelo Friday. According to NTP Chief Ranger Prashant Lotwala, the arresting park ranger had just completed a motor vehicle crash investigation and was waiting for a tow truck when he observed a commercial box truck on the parkway. Commercial vehicles are not allowed on the parkway. As the park ranger approached the truck, he detected a strong odor of marijuana. During the subsequent investigation, the driver admitted to smoking marijuana prior to being stopped. The park ranger observed additional signs of impairment, which led to standard field sobriety tests. The driver performed poorly and was taken into custody. “Regarding the incident from this morning, a box truck being driven by someone who is potentially impaired really equates to high risk to our national park visitors,” Lotwala said. “I am glad he was stopped, and an enforcement action was taken.” The stop was made near milepost 265, between Interstate 22 and the NTP headquarters. RESOURCE LINK

Woman is dead after hitting a tow truck head-on RESOURCE LINK Head-on crash in Reynoldsburg kills Pickerington woman A Pickerington woman was killed in a head-on crash with a tow truck in Reynoldsburg on Friday evening. Jodie L. Jaccaud, 53, was driving her sports-utility vehicle north on Taylor Road when it crossed the center line at 7:59 p.m. and struck a southbound tow truck driven by Dakota T. Stein, 26, of Mount Vernon, troopers said Jaccaud was pronounced dead at the scene of the collision, according to the Granville post of the State Highway Patrol. Stein was not injured. Troopers are continuing to investigate the fatal crash in the section of Reynoldsburg in Licking County. RESOURCE LINK

One person injured as car collides with tow truck in Lynbrook Image and Article by Steve Grogan One person was inured in a four-vehicle accident after a large tow truck collided with a Corvette, which smashed into a tree down an embankment along Sunrise Highway, near Reyam Road, on the morning of Jan. 13. Two cars that were parked on Sunrise Highway were also struck. Lynbrook firefighters and EMTs from the Engine, Truck and Hose companies, as well as an LFD ambulance, responded to the scene under the command of First Assistant Chief John Donald along with paramedics from Northwell Hospital. Firefighters stretched a hose line and contained an oil leak from the tow truck, while paramedics treated the Corvette driver. The driver was nearly crushed against the tree, but was not seriously hurt and was transported to a local hospital for observation. Lynbrook police were still investigating the cause of the crash at press time. RESOURCE LINK