10/05/2026
October is SLOW DOWN MOVE OVER Awareness month. What's so special about it? It is special because drivers don't realize the danger that tow truck operators, as well as first responders, face when working inches from traffic moving at high rates of speed. These operators are trying to hook up a vehicle involved in an accident or broke down on the side of the road.
I want to share a story about one such operator, who at 18 years of age, lost his life because another driver did not slow down and move over when he was working on the side of the road.
Jacob Marquis had the biggest personality out of anyone we know. He wasn't the kind of person who quietly blended into the background. He had a natural sense of humor and loved messing with people, especially his mom. He loved to to talk smack with her and never missed an opportunity to embarass her no matter where they were. He could turn any ordinary moment into something funny. Jacob was loud and energetic. He had a presence. His laugh was contagious, and when Jacob was around, you knew he was there. Jacob was sarcastic. He had that smart-ass, playful side where you couldn't always tell whether he was being serious or messing with you. He was outgoing. He wasn't afraid to talk, joke around, or be himself. But he was affectionate beneath all of the loudness and sarcasm. He was tender with people he loved. Putting his head in his momma's lap, letting her play with his hair, telling me he loved me everyday that was part of him too. Jacob was really smart. He never had to study but always made good grades. He liked figuring things out by doing them. Cars, welding, mechanical work, getting his hands dirty was his happy place. He was trying hard to become a man and build a life for himself, but he was still 18. He was learning, making mistakes, testing boundaries, and figuring himself out. Jacob was also stubborn. When he made up his mind up about something you couldn't tell him different. When he loved someone, he seemed to love them genuinely and deeply. He also enjoyed getting a reaction out of people. He would say or do anything if he could get someone to laugh at him. He was full of life. Probably the biggest description of all....he wasn't quiet about existing. He lived loudly.
October 10, 2025....a bright young man, who made the world a better place, was suddenly taken from his friends and family all because a driver did not slow down and move over. So the next time you see a tow truck or first responders, on the side of the road with flashing lights, just remember that is someone's husband, wife, brother, sister, son or daughter and slow down and move over so they get to come home.
