Death Of Tow Truck Operator Prompts Renewed Call For Improved Safety Measures

The recent roadside death of a tow truck operator has renewed calls for legislation to improve safety and help prevent future tragedies.

A motorist struck and killed a tow truck operator in Bloomfield around 7:37 p.m. on Sept. 8. The victim, Alex Ramos, a husband and father of two, had been working and loading a vehicle when he was hit.

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State Sen. Paul Cicarella (R-34), a member of the Public Safety and Security Committee, for years has proposed legislation to allow tow truck drivers in Connecticut to use red and blue lights when parked on the side of a road assisting a motorist.

Cicarella asserted passing motorists are more likely to pay attention and slow down if they see red and blue lights, which are common on police vehicles.

"Firefighters, police, and the state Department of Transportation workers all have very noticeable lights," Cicarella said. "People naturally slow down when they think it is law enforcement, and it could save lives."

Currently, state law allows tow truck operators in Connecticut to use yellow lights.

So far, the proposal to change the law to allow them to have red and blue lights hasn't gained enough traction to pass.

Cicarella said he plans to propose the idea again in the next legislative session, which convenes in January.

"It is very tragic what happened," Cicarella said. "(Ramos) went to work to help someone in need and should have been able to return home safely to his family."

Cicarella said he is flexible about the color of the flashing lights which should be allowed, but he stressed the colors chosen "need to be noticeable." He asserted drivers are more likely to ignore the current yellow lights.

"Tow truck operators put themselves in dangerous situations every day to help the rest of us," he said. "We should not wait for another tow operator to lose their life before taking commonsense steps that could make them safer."

Cicarella said some have wanted to keep light colors specific to the type of agency, such as if it is a police vehicle.

To avoid confusion, Cicarella does not propose allowing tow truck operators to have red and blue lights while their vehicles are in motion, only when they are parked helping someone.

In June, Gov. Ned Lamont approved the establishment of a working group to study roadside safety associated with wreckers and towing professionals. The group will submit a report on its safety recommendations, including what color and type of lights should be allowed on their vehicles, no later than Jan. 1, 2027.

Salena Khan of North Haven launched Life on the Line to call attention to tow truck driver safety, with an emphasis on raising awareness of "Slow Down, Move Over" laws. Her family owns the Connecticut-based Nelcon Towing and Recovery. She testified earlier this year to lawmakers in support of allowing tow truck operators to use blue emergency lights when loading vehicles in hazardous locations.

During her March 2026 testimony, she pointed to the Connecticut deaths of tow truck operators Corey Iodice and Christopher Russell in recent years, and she predicted back then it would happen again.

"Tow operators continue to work in deadly conditions," she said. "Without action, it is only a matter of time before Connecticut loses another life on the roadside."

Howard Handler, senior director of strategy, policy and government affairs with the National Insurance Crime Bureau, submitted testimony to lawmakers in March that it supports the use of green lights, rather than blue, asserting that blue is more commonly associated with police.

"Allowing towers to employ blue lights—even in limited circumstances—may confuse and intimidate consumers by erroneously giving the impression that the wrecker is police-owned or affiliated, which undermines public safety," Handler said.

A GoFundMe campaign launched Wednesday, "In Memory of Alex Ramos: Aid for His Loved Ones" had raised $14,875 toward a new goal of $18,000 as of 3:30 p.m. Friday afternoon. Money raised will help with funeral and final expenses, and any remaining funds will go to help support the victim's family, according to the campaign.

An investigation into the fatal accident is ongoing, and no charges have been filed, according to police.

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