Who cleans up after crashes?

Trooper Steve answers viewer questions

ORLANDO, Fla. – News 6 traffic safety expert Trooper Steve Montiero answers viewer questions and shares tips about the rules of the road, helping Central Florida residents become better drivers by being better educated.

On Thursday, News 6 viewer Robert asked, “Who’s responsible for cleaning up after crashes?”

Trooper Steve said there is a certain set of guidelines and policies in place when responding to a crash.

“But keep in mind when law enforcement responds and vehicles need to get towed from a scene, there’s a thing called a rotational wrecker service,” he said.

To be on this list, tow truck drivers or companies have a special specification that they need to meet. Law enforcement agencies will then call them out to remove vehicles and to clean up the remaining debris.

“So at the end of the day, there are two big things. Either the first responders out on scene, if they’re there, they get called to it. But it always relies with that rotational wrecker service because they have all the equipment that they’re supposed to have, whether it’s the liquid cleanup stuff or brooms and shovels. Fire department usually assists as well,” he said. “But if it’s just you on a scene, and you’re leaving, and you’re no longer gonna fill out a report and you’re leaving a bumper there in the middle of the road, well that’s going to be on you.”

If you have a question for Trooper Steve, submit it here.

For more Ask Trooper Steve content, click or tap here.

[RELATED: Who cleans up debris after crashes? Trooper Steve explains the process]


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About the Authors

Steven Montiero, better known as “Trooper Steve," joined the News 6 morning team as its Traffic Safety Expert in October 2017. A Central Florida native and decorated combat veteran, Montiero comes to the station following an eight-year assignment with the Florida Highway Patrol.

Brenda Argueta is a digital journalist who joined ClickOrlando.com in March 2021. She is the author of the Central Florida Happenings newsletter that goes out every Thursday.

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