Icy Roads Keeping Tow Truck Drivers Busy

CAPE GIRARDEAU, Mo. (KBSI) – As winter weather sweeps through Missouri, drivers who made their way onto the roads found themselves struggling with slick, icy conditions. Some ended up stranded, requiring the assistance of tow truck operators working tirelessly to keep vehicles moving.

“It’s a lot more difficult because you don’t have much traction on any of these vehicles, even if they are all-wheel drive,” said tow truck driver Anthony Batton with Sperlings Garage and Wrecker Service. “You’re just trying to find a good spot to actually winch from while keeping the truck up on the road at the same time.”

The Missouri State Highway Patrol reported 521 stranded motorists, 374 crashes, 42 injuries, and two fatalities between 9 a.m. on Feb. 18 and 3 p.m. Feb 19.

“Everybody is ending up in ditches, going entirely too fast, trying to get somewhere quicker than they need to, and then they just lose control,” Batton said.

In Cape Girardeau, road crews faced their own challenges. Public Works Director Casey Brunke said despite difficulties, the city made significant progress clearing the roads.

“We were able to run pretty much all of our priority routes last night and switched over to secondary roads by about 3 a.m. this morning, which was good,” Brunke said. “Our overnight crew did a great job, and today’s crew did amazing as well.”

After more than 24 hours of work, Brunke said road crews are finally getting some much-needed rest before preparing for more road preparation in the morning.

“Our crews are tired, so hopefully they can go home and get some rest this evening,” she said. “We’ll be back tomorrow morning. We’re very proud of them and all the work they’ve put in over the last 24 hours to keep the roads clear for people who had to get out.”

Despite ongoing efforts, Batton urged residents to stay home unless absolutely necessary.

“Try to stay home as much as possible,” he said. “If at all possible, don’t drive. It makes it a lot easier for everybody. You know, save your vehicle—nobody wants to replace a new vehicle anymore.”

With more cold weather ahead, Batton and his crew remain on standby, ready to assist any stranded motorists throughout the night.