Tow truck dashcam captures truck driver stopping a wrong-way car

Oct 6, 2024 at 3:48 AM

Heroic Tow Truck Driver Saves Lives on Arizona Highway

In a dramatic incident caught on camera, a tow truck driver in Arizona risked his own safety to stop a wrong-way driver on Interstate 17, potentially preventing a catastrophic collision. The dashcam footage captured the tense moments as the tow truck driver sprang into action, showcasing the bravery and quick thinking required in such high-stakes situations.

Tow Truck Driver's Daring Intervention Averts Disaster on Arizona Highway

Tow Truck Driver Spots Speeding Wrong-Way Vehicle

In the early hours of the morning on October 5th, tow truck driver Travis Hamburg was working an overnight shift when he noticed a vehicle heading south in the northbound lanes of Interstate 17. Recognizing the imminent danger, Hamburg immediately sprang into action, putting his own life on the line to stop the wrong-way driver and potentially save countless lives."I was going northbound and I noticed a couple people going southbound and they were flashing their high beams at me to get my attention," Hamburg recounted. "I noticed the vehicle in the number two lane heading directly to me, so I proceeded to just lock my brakes up and stop as quick as I could and turn on my emergency lights."

Tow Truck Driver Risks Everything to Intervene

Fortunately, the heavy wrecker Hamburg was driving was equipped with a dashcam, capturing the entire dramatic incident. As the wrong-way vehicle approached, Hamburg positioned his tow truck in front of the oncoming car, using his vehicle as a barrier to force the driver to stop."Luckily, the lady did stop and took notice of the lights," Hamburg said. "I told her to roll the window down, and she was able to roll it down enough for me to reach in and make sure the vehicle was in park. Then, I did take her keys because she did seem out of it or intoxicated, and that's when I got back into my tow truck to call 9-1-1."

Police Respond Swiftly, Investigate Potential Impairment

According to Hamburg, the police arrived on the scene within minutes, and the driver of the wrong-way vehicle was taken into custody. Investigators are now working to determine if impairment was a factor in the incident."It was a sigh of relief as soon as we were off the roadway and I knew what the situation was," Hamburg said. "I was able to collect my thoughts privately in my tow truck."The Department of Public Safety has emphasized the importance of Arizona's move-over law, which requires drivers to move over one lane or slow down when approaching a vehicle with flashing lights on the side of the road or highway. This incident serves as a stark reminder of the risks tow truck drivers and other emergency responders face while performing their duties, and the critical role they play in keeping our roads safe.