Tow Truck Crews Responded as Winter Weather Worsened

Tow truck drivers across the nation braced for increased demand as a powerful winter storm created hazardous driving conditions. In Johnson County, Kansas crews from Santa Fe Tow Service reported responding to more than 175 calls for service since the storm moved in Friday.

Drivers said major roads had remained mostly passable, but side streets coated with compact snow and ice caused the most trouble. Tower Brad Rackley said public warnings appeared to keep many drivers off the roads, helping prevent an even heavier workload.

“I think the warnings helped,” Rackley said. “More people stayed home. It was steady, but not overwhelming. If you don’t have to be out, just stay in and be safe.”

Similar preparations were underway nationwide. In Washington, tow company owner Carlos Lucas said his crews staged trucks in high-traffic areas, stocked with shovels and salt, anticipating up to 10 to 15 calls per driver as conditions worsened. He warned response times could be delayed if roads became too icy.

The storm brought extreme cold, heavy snow, and ice from the Southwest to the Northeast, knocking out power to hundreds of thousands, canceling thousands of flights, and contributing to multiple deaths tied to the cold. Source: https://www.kctv5.comhttps://www.nytimes.com/