Towing companies experience high call volume as holiday travel clashes with winter storm
WEST ALICE, Wisconsin (CBS 58) — Just as holiday travel is returning to pre-pandemic numbers, a winter storm has arrived that has hit much of the Midwest.
The American Automobile Association (AAA) expects more than two million Wisconsins to drive somewhere on Christmas and New Year’s Day.
Some people told CBS 58 that snow and ice shouldn’t get in the way of their vacation plans.
AAA Wisconsin’s director of public affairs Nick Germs said, “People really want holiday travel, so many decisions may not be made until the moment of departure.
The Wisconsin Department of Transportation (WisDOT) advises drivers to stay off the road on Friday due to wind and snowstorms.
Local towing services are ready to rescue anyone who does not heed that warning.
“The bitter cold doesn’t affect us,” said Finish Line Towing Manager Tim Nelson.
Nelson told CBS 58 the company was receiving a flood of calls as of Thursday night. He expects it to last until the winter storm warning.
The roads aren’t too bad yet, but expect to get worse. We’re about to discuss towing services and what they’re seeing tonight and what they’ll see tomorrow.story @CBS58 tonight pic.twitter.com/JHcZg2zrLn
— Gabriella Bachara (@GabbyBachara) December 22, 2022
He said his crew has a special sense of urgency in these winter conditions.
“Especially when the temperature is below zero. If someone is absolutely in a place where no one can get close to you or there is no warm place where you are, you don’t have a lot of time,” Nelson said. I got
High call volumes can add to latency, and it only takes a few minutes for cold temperatures to become dangerous.
Drivers are therefore encouraged to pack for the unexpected.
“You always have to be prepared. What if the car doesn’t move or gets stuck?” Nelson said.
Drivers should pack all their winter gear including coats, hats, scarves, gloves and boots in case they wait in the cold.
It is also recommended to keep blankets, food and water in the car.
Drivers should keep all of these emergency items in the passenger compartment of the vehicle. This eliminates the need to go outside to retrieve it from the trunk.
AAA recommends having a small shovel to dig out the tire and some cat litter or sand to restore traction.
If the driver is stuck on the side of the road and cannot find shelter, it is recommended to wear a seat belt and stay in the vehicle.
Before leaving, AAA suggests checking the car’s battery and tires. Both are affected by the cold.