Tow Truck Driver Killed on NJ Highway: A Tragic Reminder of Dangers

Tragic Incident on Route 287

• 💔 A 24-year-old tow truck driver, Daniel Ortiz (DJ), was fatally struck by a passing SUV while assisting a stranded motorist on Route 287 in Morris County, New Jersey.
• 😔 DJ had been a tow truck operator for about four years and was considered like family by his co-workers at Ron and Sons Towing.
• 🚗 The driver of the SUV that hit Ortiz was injured and taken to the hospital; it is unclear if charges will be filed.

The Dangers of Towing

• ⚠️ Tow operators face one of the most dangerous jobs on the road, with an average of 43 tow operators killed annually across the country.
• 😥 Co-workers express that DJ's death was preventable and due to a driver's lack of attention.

The "Move Over" Law

• 🚨 New Jersey's "Move Over" law mandates that drivers shift lanes or slow down when approaching stopped emergency vehicles or tow trucks with flashing lights.
• 📢 Friends and co-workers hope this tragedy serves as a wake-up call to drivers to adhere to this law and be more aware of their surroundings.