FDOT Road Ranger Struck - 07.23.21 (FL)

[TowForce]

Found on the FB Page of Mike Mrod Rodriguez

 

 

I wanna start by saying I am BEYOND grateful to be alive as this could’ve ended much worse than it did.

 

This has been One of the Scarier experiences in my life for certain. Thank you to everyone and anyone that has messaged me and called me to check on me, I am overwhelmed with the love and support that I have received .

 

Unfortunately yesterday at around 2:30pm I became victim of a Hit and Run/Slow Down Move Over Violating Accident. Shortly after stopping to assist a Disabled Vehicle on the right shoulder of the Howard Franklin Bridge, before I can exit , My Patrol Truck was struck by a negligent driver traveling at Approximately 70mph.

 

Instead of Slowing down and or moving over , she veered off the roadway and struck my truck destroying the side of the truck and ripping off the front wheel and bumper and off the truck. I was not restrained obviously because I was about to exit the vehicle. I was thrown into the door, steering wheel , and roof of my truck as it was pushed about 5 to 10 Feet Off the shoulder.

 

Her vehicle spun and hit the Concrete barrier wall. I attempted to exit my truck to go check on the female driver of the other vehicle and after taking about 2 steps I collapsed in excruciating pain on the shoulder. A passerby stopped and assisted me into the grass off the shoulder. Another male passerby stopped and ran to her aid. He tried helping get her car off the barrier wall in attempt to drive the vehicle away.

 

After realizing the vehicle was completely immobile , the male Assisted the female into his vehicle and they both fled the scene leaving me laid out and injured . My fellow Comrade Road Rangers, FHP Troopers, Fire and EMS workers responded and came to my aid. I was transported to St Joesphs Trauma Center where I was assessed and received care for my injuries sustained.

 

 

Thankfully , I did not suffer any broken bones, however I am pretty banged up with my back, hip and neck from the whiplash. If I were to have exited my patrol truck 1 second earlier, I would not be posting this and my children most likely wouldn’t have a father anymore. I thank god that is not the case.

 

I am hurting pretty bad but I am alive and recovering . Anyone who knows me best knows that I don’t stop my fight. I will be back to saving lives and helping others when I am well enough and capable to do so.

 

A Huge thank you to those who responded an came to my aid from Brother and sister FDOT Road Rangers , St Petersburg Fire Rescue Stations 13 and 14, Sunstar EMS Abby and Miranda , Tampa Fire Rescue and All the units from Florida Highway Patrol as well as my awesome Dispatchers at RTMC for quickly getting on the traffic Cameras and keeping eyes on the situation.

 

A big thank you to the Nurses and Doctors at St Joesphs hospital for the wonderful and prompt care. I am hoping the driver Will do what’s right and turn herself in or someone will have integrity to turn her in so she may be held Liable. I have faith that FHP will do what they do best and find her.

 

[TowForce]

https://www.fox13news.com/news/fhp-woman-crashes-into-road-ranger-truck-on-howard-frankland-bridge-then-flees-the-scene