(MD) Tow truck operator killed on BW Parkway after being struck by passing vehicle
A tow truck operator is dead after being struck by a moving vehicle early Saturday in Laurel, Maryland.
U.S. Park Police told WTOP that it happened on the southbound Baltimore-Washington Parkway, near Route 197 at 12:47 a.m.
At the time, the operator was assisting a stranded driver, loading their car onto the bed of his tow truck, when he was struck by a passing vehicle.
The driver of that vehicle remained on the scene.
After an initial closure, the roadway reopened to traffic around 4:30 a.m.
TOW OPERATOR STRUCK AND KILLED ON BALTIMORE–WASHINGTON PARKWAY
Slow Down Move Over Inc. Calls for Renewed Focus on Roadside Safety Following Latest Tragedy
BOWIE, MD — October 4, 2025 — The U.S. Park Police are reporting that a tow operator was struck and killed early Saturday morning while assisting a stranded driver on the southbound Baltimore–Washington Parkway near Route 197. The tragic incident occurred at approximately 12:47 a.m., when the operator was in the process of loading a disabled vehicle onto the bed of his tow truck. According to authorities, a passing vehicle struck the operator while he was performing his duties at the roadside. The driver of the striking vehicle remained on scene and is cooperating with investigators.
“This heartbreaking incident serves as another devastating reminder of why Move Over laws exist,” said a spokesperson for Slow Down Move Over Inc., a national nonprofit dedicated to roadside safety awareness and advocacy for tow operators and first responders. “Every driver has the power to prevent tragedies like this one simply by slowing down and moving over when they see flashing lights or roadside workers. These men and women put their lives on the line daily to help others — and they deserve to go home safely.” The U.S. Park Police continue to investigate the incident, and the victim’s name is being withheld pending family notification.
Slow Down Move Over Inc. urges motorists nationwide to remember the importance of Move Over laws, which require drivers to move over or slow down for emergency vehicles, tow trucks, and roadside workers. The organization continues to advocate for stronger enforcement, driver education, and protective measures for those who risk their lives serving the public on America’s roadways.
About Slow Down Move Over Inc.
Slow Down Move Over Inc. is a nonprofit organization committed to promoting awareness, safety, and legislative action to protect emergency responders, tow operators, and roadside workers. The group supports affected families, provides educational resources, and leads national outreach campaigns emphasizing the life-saving importance of slowing down and moving over.
Related Links
Links provided with these articles were active and accurate as of the posting of the article to ResponderSafety.com. However, web sites change and the organization hosting the page at the link may have moved or removed it since this article was posted. Therefore, some links may no longer be active.