GRAND RAPIDS, Mich — While many people in West Michigan have been patiently waiting for snow this winter, local towing services have begun preparation since the fall.
"November time rolls around when we start to anticipate weather in December. We tried to get trucks ready to new winch cables, new tires. I always replace tires in November so we have good traction in the wintertime," said Steve Vroma, owner of Grand Valley Towing.
With the Grand Rapids area experiencing its first major snow system, Vroma said their day had been busy assisting drivers who had gotten stuck, finding that many drivers were not well-equipped for the weather.
"A lot of cars going in the ditch today, mostly caused from people not slowing down. Also, we're seeing cars with worn out tires," said Vroma, who added that ultimately it comes down to drivers slowing down in winter conditions.
But slowing down is not only for the safety of the drivers, but those who come to assist them as well.
"The biggest thing is when you see a tow truck, police vehicle, emergency vehicle, the biggest thing is slow down. They say to move over, which is great if you can, but more importantly slow down," said Vroma who referenced the death of a Hastings tow truck driver who was killed in November, after being hit and killed by a car while working on M-6, with members of the tow truck community rallying around the slogan, "slow down and move over" to protect drivers.
Grand Rapids Public Works also says that slowing down is not only a matter of safety for their crews clearing snowy roads, but is also essential for them being able to do their job effectively.
"The other motorists on the road are probably the biggest challenge that we face," said Grand Rapids Director of Public Works John Gorney, who adds that snow plow drivers have many factors they are managing while on the roads, such as other drivers, up to three different plows on their trucks, and controls for salt and liquids.
"If you see plows on the road, give them some room back off a little bit. Don't try to pass them. Everybody that's out there in the truck plowing the roads, they're trying to make it safe for you, for me, for our families. So we want to give them room to let them do their jobs," said Gorney.