Local tow truck driver calls for drivers to move over and slow down for safety

EAST SYRACUSE, NY (WSYR-TV)— Following the shocking crash involving a box truck and a New York State Department of Transportation vehicle near Whitney Point, more roadside workers are drawing attention to the truck's dash camera video, sharing that this happens more than you think.

When Oakes Towing Service Owner Conner Rosso saw this video for the first time, it really hit home. His father's best friend, who was also a roadside worker just like him, was hit and killed while on the job. It was one of the only times he saw his father cry.

"It's not just another guy, it's somebody's friend, it's somebody's family member, somebody's husband, somebody's kid. I think it should be more of a statement, you know there should be a heavier penalty for somebody who does that," said Rosso.

On his towing truck, Rosso has colored flashing lights that he puts on when he's pulled over to keep him safe.

He specifically uses the color green on the front of his truck because he believes it catches the driver's eyes since typically you see yellow on the side of the road for construction and plow trucks.

But that's not the only strategy he uses to stay safe, he also tries to work on the opposite side of the road.

"If I can work on the passenger side, then I'm going to work on the passenger side. Always wear reflective clothes and I always keep an eye on traffic, no matter how safe you think you're going to be you always watch traffic because it happens," Rosso said.