Tow truck driver recovering after being hit on side of road

"When they see flashing lights, they need to slow down, that's what it all comes down to."

Shawn Lowry, the owner of S&A Towing, is urging people to be cautious after one of his tow truck drivers and a state trooper were hit Saturday morning along the side of Interstate 81 by the driver of an oncoming SUV.

"When the car hit the trooper's car, it kind of knocked him out of the way, and they said it knocked him approximately 25 feet away from the car," said Lowry.

Both the trooper and the tow-truck driver were taken to a hospital.

State Police say the trooper has been released. However, they're not sure just how long the tow truck driver will be in the hospital. Lowry said his employee underwent surgery on his neck Saturday night.

"It's put him out of work, put his family, you know, without income coming in; you know, it's going to be tough," said Lowry.

According to state police, a man and three juveniles were in the SUV; all of them were taken to the hospital. There is no word on their conditions at this time. Investigators say speed and road conditions were factors in the crash.

"Any time you see a flashing light, just slow down and move over and give us room to do our job," said Lowry.

State police are also reminding drivers of the "Move Over" law in Virginia. The law says if you can't move over when you see flashing lights, you need to slow down.