NJ Tow Truck Driver’s 'Careless' Death Renews Safety Struggle

SUSSEX COUNTY, NJ — It’s been around five months since a Ron and Sons Towing employee was suddenly killed on I-287. And his employers are continuing to do everything they can to prevent the tragedy from happening again.

On July 2, tow truck operator Daniel “DJ” Ortiz, 24, of Hopatcong, was assisting a disabled car on the shoulder of I-287 southbound just north of Exit 30 when a Jeep slammed into him, his tow truck, and the car in distress.

Ortiz was rushed to a nearby hospital, where he succumbed to his injuries, police said.

See More: Sussex Co. Tow Truck Operator, 24, Killed In I-287 Crash, Officials Say

Ortiz’s employers at Ron and Sons Towing, based in Kenvil, have been working to keep drivers aware of the dangers roadside workers face every day, and recently their hard work paid off.

On Wednesday, digital signs on New Jersey highways were flashing with “Move Over For Emergency Vehicles” warnings, something Ron and Sons have been pushing state officials on for months.

“Today hit a little different. After almost five long months of fighting, pushing, emailing, calling, begging this state to care about the lives of the men and women working our roadways, these signs finally went up… More ‘Slow Down Move Over’ boards. More reminders. More visibility. More chances to save a life,” said Madison Ketch of Ron and Sons Towing.

“Most people driving past these signs won’t realize the weight they carry. They won’t know the pain behind them or the people tied to this message. But I do. We do. This is for DJ,” she continued. “This is for every responder who never got to go home. This is for every family who got that call that changed everything. This is for all of us who live every day with the reality that one second of someone else’s carelessness can destroy an entire world.”

Since 2009, New Jersey has had the "Move Over Law," Statute 39:4-92.2, which requires all drivers to change lanes when passing an emergency vehicle displaying a "flashing, blinking or alternating red or blue light or, any configuration of lights containing one of these colors." When it is not safe to move over, drivers are required to slow down and use caution when passing the emergency vehicle.

Ron and Sons Towing have been trying to remind drivers that the statue isn't "just a law," but it's "life and death."

Ron and Sons Towing’s efforts to remember Ortiz don’t stop there. Following his untimely death, they launched a GoFundMe fundraiser, which has raised more than $50,000 for his family.

In addition, the company has organized a Justice For DJ Roadside Hero All Vehicle Tribute Show, which will be held right around the one-year anniversary of the 24-year-old’s death.

The event, which is being held in Morristown, will feature food trucks, a car show, tributes to Ortiz, and more. Check back with Patch for more details as the event approaches.

“Seeing these boards finally appear feels like a small win in a battle that still has miles to go, but it’s proof that the movement is working. It’s proof that DJ’s name is still echoing across this state. It’s proof that even when the world feels cold and indifferent, change can happen when you refuse to stop fighting,” Ketch said. “I’ll never stop pushing for more signs, more awareness, more respect, more accountability, and more protection for roadside workers. I’ll fight until this message is on every highway, every roadway, every digital board in New Jersey and beyond."