Tow truck driver Tim Hernandez stops traffic on the transition from the northbound 605 Freeway to the 10 Freeway as a stranded bus is moved out of the way. Each year, dozens of pedestrians are killed on Southern California freeways. (Alex Gallardo / Los Angeles Times)
Hernandez talks to a stranded motorist on the 605 Freeway. Rule No. 1 out here: You never take your eyes off the traffic, he says. (Alex Gallardo / Los Angeles Times)
Hernandez attaches a car’s wheels to a tow truck as Kelly “Kilo” Washington watches traffic on the 605 Freeway. (Alex Gallardo / Los Angeles Times)
Hernandez points out a safer spot to which to move a stranded Metro bus. (Alex Gallardo / Los Angeles Times)
Hernandez jacks up a car with a flat tire on the 605. His family wants him to quit. (Alex Gallardo / Los Angeles Times)
Hernandez walks along the transition from the 605 to the 10 after responding to a call. There are some places where we wont attempt to repair a flat and well ask them if they can move to a safer location, he says. Some people say, What about my $3,500 rims? I say, What about your life? (Alex Gallardo / Los Angeles Times)
Waiting for steam to stop spewing from a stranded vehicle. (Alex Gallardo / Los Angeles Times)
Hernandez pours gas into a truck on the 605 as Nick Acevedo watches the traffic behind him. (Alex Gallardo / Los Angeles Times)
