TowNews Posted February 2, 2021 Share Posted February 2, 2021 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! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Jess Posted February 2, 2021 Share Posted February 2, 2021 Too much of this still happening. We need active enforcement of Move Over laws. My thoughts and prayers are with this Highway Hero. 1 Quote I have been in the towing industry for over 25 years. I am originally from the Austin, TX market, but am now in the Houston, TX market. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Lisa Jones Posted February 2, 2021 Share Posted February 2, 2021 I truly believe if everyone that fails to comply with the law of Move over and in doing so harm or worse take the life of anyone working a scene, should have to 1. Pay all cost of the accident 2. Lose thier DL for life 3. Do some sort of service in the industry 4. Be a speaker and tell the story of how they were unable to comply with the law, at move over fundraiser and awareness events. It seems that the general population believe somthing magical happens when they get behind a wheel and they are invincible and invisible. If on the 3 min. maybe 5 min. Of air time each accident receives on the news they included a snippet of the offenders future then maybe we could make the transition between sympathy and Driver awareness. 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
5towman Posted February 2, 2021 Share Posted February 2, 2021 Thoughts and prayers for a speedy recovery. 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Donny Cnote Posted February 2, 2021 Share Posted February 2, 2021 Litsafetyproducts.com # bestdamnvest in Facebook Please check out my vest. It will save lives 3 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Vita Towing & Recovery LLC Posted February 2, 2021 Share Posted February 2, 2021 This is getting ridiculous, move over has to be enforced and mandated in all 50 states with serious punishment like DUI,its the same principle of putting others life in danger . God bless both of them 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
auto rescue Posted February 2, 2021 Share Posted February 2, 2021 My sympathies to all those involved Quote John R.___" WATCH YOUR BACK"____ Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
GRUMPS The Towman Posted February 3, 2021 Share Posted February 3, 2021 Praying for a full and speedy recovery for our injured brothers. The ramp was purportidly CLOSED.... These types of incidents are becoming MORE common as of late.. How is it these people are intruding into/onto CLOSED roads and ramps??? That "false" sense of security we tend to get on closed roads and such ( I am guilty of it myself ) Is getting us hit all too often lately.. WATCH YOURSELVES BROTHERS!!!!! No matter where it is you are!!! 1 Quote PROFESSIONAL TOWING & RECOVERY IS NOT JUST A JOB.. IT IS A LIFESTYLE Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Lisa Jones Posted February 3, 2021 Share Posted February 3, 2021 As with every hero that is injured my thoughts and prayers go out to them and thier families. May all of you stay safe follow your intuition and stay vigilant and Thank you for all you do everyday. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
TowNews Posted February 26, 2021 Author Share Posted February 26, 2021 This was posted today by Austin Gayne’s Mother 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Ramz Posted February 26, 2021 Share Posted February 26, 2021 On 2/2/2021 at 4:58 AM, TowNews said: 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! 🙏🏾🙏🏾🙏🏾We’ll take it from here RIP BROTHER Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
JohnB Posted February 26, 2021 Share Posted February 26, 2021 So sad another young man taken too early by his profession. My condolences to Austin Gayne's family, friends and co-workers. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
MP007 Posted February 26, 2021 Share Posted February 26, 2021 (edited) I wonder how many people are unaware of this law. Common sense aside. I think the DMV in every state should send out a letter to all registered drivers explaining this law and infraction cost in detail. I also believe the ticket should be $500.00 - $1000.00 for a first offense. I hope the two injured make a full recovery. 🙏 Edited February 26, 2021 by MP007 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Steve Catlett Posted February 26, 2021 Share Posted February 26, 2021 My sincere sympathy goes out to this mans family. Rest In Peace Sir gone to soon. Quote Steve A Catlett Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
GRUMPS The Towman Posted February 26, 2021 Share Posted February 26, 2021 Rest easy brother... Quote PROFESSIONAL TOWING & RECOVERY IS NOT JUST A JOB.. IT IS A LIFESTYLE Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
JIMSAW Posted February 26, 2021 Share Posted February 26, 2021 My condolences to the young family. Very tragic. is there a fund for them? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Vita Towing & Recovery LLC Posted February 26, 2021 Share Posted February 26, 2021 Very sad 😥 😞 😢 😔 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
TowForce Posted February 27, 2021 Share Posted February 27, 2021 Bud's Truck and Diesel RIP Austin Video Tribute: Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Lisa Jones Posted February 27, 2021 Share Posted February 27, 2021 My deepest condolences to his family, friends, community and co-workers. There are no words that can ease thier sorrow, but I pray they find comfort within this brotherhood of highway heroes just as I have. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Old Tow Posted February 27, 2021 Share Posted February 27, 2021 Our hearts are heavy over another driver killed while performing his duties. We send our love and condolences to his family. RIP hooker !! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
TowForce Posted February 27, 2021 Share Posted February 27, 2021 Another YouTube Video Found in Tribute for Austin Gayne Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
TowForce Posted February 27, 2021 Share Posted February 27, 2021 ‘He is watching right now:’ Tow truck parade honors driver who died after Orlando crash Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
TowForce Posted February 27, 2021 Share Posted February 27, 2021 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
mooresbp Posted February 28, 2021 Share Posted February 28, 2021 May he rest in peace, our prayers go out to those that are left behind Quote George - - Moore's BP We'll see you on down the road Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
TowForce Posted March 21, 2021 Share Posted March 21, 2021 Family wants to remind drivers to move over and slow down for emergency vehicles ORANGE COUNTY, Fla. – A fundraiser was held Sunday for a tow truck driver who died from his injuries from a crash on Feb. 1. Police said 24-year-old Austin Gayne was hit while he was in the process of towing a dump truck. The father of three died from his injuries at the hospital. More than $3,600 was raised for Gayne’s family at the fundraiser on Sunday. His family wants to remind drivers to move over and slow down for emergency vehicles. RESOURCE LINK Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
TowNews Posted March 23, 2021 Author Share Posted March 23, 2021 Big Rig Videos: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCWVH1gwSYZwMZFqCspdw2Rw Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
TowNews Posted January 10, 2022 Author Share Posted January 10, 2022 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
TowZone Posted December 1, 2022 Share Posted December 1, 2022 Memorial marker to honor Orlando tow truck operator killed last year Highway memorial marker unveiled in honor of 24-year-old Austin Gayne ORLANDO, Fla. – The push to have a highway memorial marker in honor of 24-year-old Austin Gayne finally happened after the measure passed the state legislature earlier this year. During an event hosted by the Orlando Fire Department, Gayne’s mother, Brooke Lawrence, revealed the marker that will be placed near the exit off of the 408 that leads to Rosalind Avenue. “We didn’t give up. She didn’t give up. She was right there fighting, saying, ‘We need to get this done,” said Bob Cortes, Seminole County’s senior public affairs administrator. Cortes worked with the family to help them honor their son with a memorial marker. “This is something that his children, when they start driving, they’ll be able to see,” Lawrence said. “It’s just about keeping his memory alive.” Gayne was a tow truck operator for Johnson Wrecker. On Feb. 1, 2021, Gayne was called to assist at the scene of a crash on State Road 408 in Orlando, where he was struck and killed by a driver. The unveiling brought together local legislators, law enforcement officials, state representatives, family members and those who worked with Gayne. “He was a great guy, the kind of guy that a dad’s proud of, a mom is proud of, and us at Johnson’s, we were proud of,” Eric Lucas, a coworker of Gayne, said while holding back tears. Speakers like Sen. Tom Wright, Rep. Anna Eskamani and Capt. Mark Castleberry of Florida Highway Patrol focused on the Slow Down Move Over Law, which requires drivers to move to the next lane or slow down when emergency or utility vehicles are on the side of the road. “It is not only the law, but it’s the right thing to do. Our law enforcement, tow truck drivers, first responders, sanitation workers and utility service vehicles need the space and safety when responding to calls for service,” Castleberry said. FHP reported that from January 2015 to October 2022, there have been 1,492 crashes where a driver was issued a citation for failing to move over for an emergency sanitation or utility service vehicle. Of those crashes, seven were fatal. “So far for 2022, there have been 11,712 citations issued. The largest age group for this violation is drivers between the ages of 20-29,” Castleberry said. In Florida, the Slow Down Move Over Law went into effect in 2002. Violating the law can result in a fine and points on a driving record. RESOURCE LINK Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
TowZone Posted February 27, 2023 Share Posted February 27, 2023 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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