Rome, NY (January 6, 2026) – A man was injured on Saturday evening following a two-vehicle crash involving a tow truck on State Route 365, according to the Oneida County Sheriff’s Office.
The incident occurred around 7:18 p.m. as a tow truck was in the process of recovering a disabled vehicle from the median along the eastbound side of the highway. Roan Scott, 22, of Rome, was driving in the area when he failed to move into the right lane to give space to the working tow truck.
Scott’s vehicle spun out upon impact and partially exited the roadway, eventually coming to a stop facing eastbound. The tow truck was actively engaged in winching the disabled vehicle at the time of the collision.
Emergency crews responded promptly to the scene. Scott sustained non-life-threatening injuries and was transported to Wynn Hospital for evaluation and treatment. His vehicle was later removed by the towing company.
The incident remains under investigation by the Oneida County Sheriff’s Office.
We send our thoughts to Mr. Scott and hope for a smooth and full recovery.
Roadside Recovery Hazards and Driver Responsibility in New York
Saturday evening’s crash on State Route 365 draws attention to the ongoing hazards faced by emergency and roadside recovery workers in New York. Tow operators, utility crews, and emergency responders regularly work along active traffic lanes, often with limited protection from passing vehicles.
New York’s Move Over Law is in place to prevent accidents like this one. Drivers are required by law to change lanes or slow down significantly when approaching any emergency or service vehicle displaying warning lights. In this case, a failure to shift lanes led to a loss of control and a crash that could have caused far more serious consequences.
Roadside assistance zones, particularly on highways like Rt 365, are among the most dangerous work environments for service operators. Crashes involving tow trucks are frequently preventable, but only when surrounding drivers remain vigilant, attentive, and compliant with traffic safety laws.
Even though Scott’s injuries were not life-threatening, the psychological and financial toll of these events can be long-lasting. Recovery involves more than healing; it also means navigating insurance, vehicle repairs, and potential legal processes.
If you’ve been involved in a crash, whether as a driver or roadside worker, it’s important to understand your rights and responsibilities moving forward. At Local Accident Reports, we connect individuals with the resources they need to recover, physically, emotionally, and financially. Contact us today for guidance tailored to your situation.
