A High-Stakes Recovery Near Camas Swale Creek
Early in the morning, under cover of darkness, a red sedan lay overturned on the muddy ground between two busy lanes of Oregon’s Interstate 5 northbound at milepost 185. The crash had destroyed 80 feet of guardrail before the vehicle came to rest just a few feet from a creek. The driver was severely injured, and responders had to act quickly—not just to recover the vehicle, but to do so in a way that kept traffic moving and protected everyone on scene. A multi-team towing operation ensued, requiring coordination between our crew, law enforcement, and Matt Taylor, a designated Incident Responder with the Oregon Department of Transportation (ODOT). Given the vehicle’s location, unstable terrain, and the risk of secondary crashes, this recovery needed to follow I-5 traffic incident management protocols to the letter.
Why We Used a Rotator
In challenging conditions like this, every decision matters. We chose to use a rotator for two main reasons:
Minimizing Lane Closures
The ODOT follows strict safe and quick clearance goals as part of their I-5 traffic incident management program. These guidelines instruct to clear wrecks as efficiently as possible, while also reducing the risk of further crashes. Using a rotator allowed us to operate from the highway shoulder, keeping as many lanes open as possible and preventing additional congestion.
Unstable Ground Conditions
The freeway median was soft and muddy from recent rain, making it impossible for a conventional wrecker to reach the vehicle. Several recovery trucks had already gotten stuck trying. The rotator’s extended reach allowed us to lift the sedan without adding to the problem.
The Recovery Process
The recovery team worked carefully, knowing the dangers of operating between active highway lanes in the dark. Traffic continued to move on both sides of the crash site, adding pressure to get the job done quickly while keeping all responders safe.
We secured the vehicle with two single recovery lines rather than a spreader bar to lift it. This method allowed the car to rotate into position naturally without adding unnecessary strain to the damaged frame. With precision and patience, the rotator slowly lifted the red sedan onto a flatbed truck—still upside down for transport. Given the extent of the damage and the difficulty of flipping the car in such tight conditions, this was the safest option.
The Bigger Picture of TIM
This operation was a textbook example of I-5 traffic incident management in action. Every traffic incident has consequences beyond the crash itself—delayed freight, increased accident risks, and hazardous conditions for responders. That’s why TIM is a critical part of the Federal Highway Administration’s (FHWA) National Roadway Safety Strategy. The program focuses on:
- Responder and motorist safety
- Traffic flow reliability
- Efficient emergency response
- Data-driven performance management
- Ongoing training and innovation
By following TIM protocols, we ensured a recovery that was both efficient and safe for everyone involved.
Call Puddle Jumper For All Your I-5 Traffic Incident Management Needs
Our I-5 traffic incident management team specializes in handling complex recoveries, from overturned vehicles to hazardous roadway obstructions. With years of experience, we understand the urgency of clearing incidents quickly while jeopardizing the safety of responders and motorists. No matter if we’re called to a high-risk highway recovery or a routine tow, we bring the right equipment and expertise to every job. When seconds matter, trust Puddle Jumper to execute every I-5 traffic incident management job professionally.