Troopers Chad Seamans (left) and Chris Cain look for damage on the underside of the 18 wheeler.
Driver Walks Away from Disaster, LIVINGSTON, February 2, 2013 - At approximately 7:40 pm on February 1, 2013, a blue 2004 Toyota Avalon driven by Monica Hightower, 50, of Lufkin, was north-bound on US-59. Hightower was north of the Livingston City Limits near Radio Station Road when her car began vibrating violently and she lost control. Her car suddenly swerved right and right up under a north-bound 18 wheeler driven by Frederick Kenneth Nelson, 50, of Indiana. The rig drug the car off to the shoulder and stopped just a short distance north of the radio station. Americare Ambulance Service was dispatched to the scene along with the Livingston Volunteer Fire Department. Hightower was helped from her vehicle and was unhurt. Deputies Dustin Lowery and Sergeant Lee Rogers were dispatched along with Troopers Chad Seamans and Chris Cain. One lane of traffic was blocked during investigation and cleanup. Hightower's car is believed to have had a faulty steering mechanism. No citations were issued. A rollback wrecker from Ken's Towing recovered Hightower's vehicle and it will be stored at Harrison Body Shop in Livingston. The scene was cleared in less than an hour.
Monica Hightower's 2004 Toyota Avalon sits lodged up under an 18 wheeler on the north-bound side of US-59 just a short distance north of Radio Station Road.
Hightower escaped injury in the harrowing accident.
"Bandit" was riding with 18 wheeler driver Fred Nelson of Indiana.
Hightower's vehicle was recovered by Ken's Towing.
Houdini keeps an eye on things in the cab of the truck as Ken recovers Hightower's vehicle.
Molly (foreground) and Mixi guard the PolkCountyToday.com vehicle.
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