MANKATO, Minn. -
As Minnesotans we are known for being accustomed to the cold and snow. But it seems like with every first big snowstorm nothing can prepare us for the winter driving conditions.
Mark Devlaeminck from All American Towing says, "People aren't used to it. We are in a fast–pace environment in the world today and everyone is in a hurry."
The low temperatures and blowing snow created dangerous road conditions that kept employees of area towing companies busy helping stranded drivers.
Devlaeminck says, "We had numerous cars sliding into the ditch and hitting curbs."
Devlaeminck says brisk temperatures mean brisk business. Over the past couple days the crew at All American Towing have ran 178 calls. It was bad news for the drivers who needed help, but good for business.
Devlaeminck says, "We don't like people going in the ditch, we like people slowing down, but yet this is what we are trained for, we are all geared up, and this is what our business is all about."
It was a nice change of pace from last year's mild winter when the company did about a fourth of the work of a normal year.
Devlaeminck says, "We had a few days that got bad but nothing like this weekend."
If you want to avoid watching for the flashing lights of a tow truck to come help you, Devlaeminck says slow down and pay attention to your surroundings.
Devlaeminck says, "We have also had some close calls of people almost hitting us, when you see the flashing emergency lights on the road its part of the law in Minnesota that you slow down and move over if you are able to."
That applies to tow trucks, and all other emergency vehicles.
