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Jason Rivenburg's legacy lives on through 'Jason's Law'

This week marks the fourth anniversary since truck driver Jason Rivenburg of Fultonham, NY, was fatally shot while parked at an abandoned gas station in South Carolina.

However, his family has ensured that his legacy lives on through “Jason’s Law,” which was included in the latest highway law known as Moving Ahead for Progress in the 21st Century – or MAP-21. The provision in Jason’s Law dedicates federal money to help construct, improve or reopen commercial parking facilities along the National Highway System.

On March 5, 2009, Jason Rivenburg arrived too early with his load of milk at the Food Lion distribution center in Elloree, SC. He was turned away because his appointment time wasn’t until 8 a.m. the following morning.

However, his delivery never took place. After he left the distribution center, he made the fateful decision to park at an unlit and abandoned gas station in St. Matthews, SC. According to investigators, not long after he stopped and parked he was fatally shot for the $7 he had on him.

Since his death, Jason’s wife, Hope Rivenburg, has worked tirelessly to ensure that Jason’s Law and the push for safe parking options for truck drivers remain a top priority for lawmakers. The Rivenburgs have three kids, including son Josh and twins who will turn 4 in less than two weeks.

Willie Pelzer, who was convicted of killing Jason, was sentenced to life in a South Carolina prison without parole in December 2009.

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