Tow truck driver Jonathan Neesmith responded to remove a disabled vehicle from Interstate 65 on the morning of Dec. 13, 2021. It would be his last call because, at approximately 8:50 a.m., an approaching driver did not slow down, and changed lanes.
The driver went too far in changing lanes and struck Neesmith, fatally injuring him.
His wife and four children spent their first Christmas without him 10 days later.
According to AAA, a tow truck driver is killed every six days.
This week, Alabama is reminding drivers to pay attention to all crash responders, including tow truck drivers, law enforcement and EMS. November 18 – 22 is Crash Responder Safety Week.
Richard King, owner of King's Towing and Recovery in Baldwin County, said he is thankful something is being done to raise awareness. King said he had his own close call when he responded to a fatal crash in Orange Beach. He was hit by the mirror of an F-250. King's shirt was ripped and the driver did not stop.
"Anybody that's in the tow industry has had close calls," King said. "Alabama's got the law, too. I mean, there's a law that you're supposed to slow down and move over."
The Move Over Law applies to vehicles with emergency signals. Alabama also has the Quick Clearance Law, which requires drivers involved in crashes to move out of travel lanes as quickly as possible.
"All across Alabama, responders like ALDOT crews, law enforcement, EMS and tow truck drivers are often working just inches away from high-speed traffic," said Allison Green, ALDOT's Drive Safe Alabama coordinator. "We want drivers to understand the real dangers responders face every time they're at work and how essential it is to adjust their driving behavior to keep everyone, including themselves, safe."
King believes texting and driving adds to the dangers for crash responders. He told 1819 News that 75% of wrecks he responds to are due to texting and driving.
ALDOT's theme for Crash Responder Safety week is "Responders Ahead! Reduce Your Speed As You Proceed. ALDOT told 1819 News it does not have any data on the number of emergency responders injured or killed while working on Alabama roads.
While Neesmith lost his life, his death is an example of how breaking Alabama's Move Over Law can lead to consequences. A Mobile County grand jury indicted Elizabeth Bolling Sprinkle, of Wilmer, for manslaughter.
To connect with the author of this story or to comment, email erica.thomas@1819news.com.
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