‘Bear with us’: tow truck drivers enduring high call volumes in extreme weather

“It’s quite insane, we are not kidding.” said Barron.

Last week’s cold snap didn’t help either. The BCAA saw double the amount of calls it usually sees this time of the year. Barron’s company is one of few contractors with the association in Prince George and they are required to answer those calls as well.

“BCAA or no BCAA, it doesn’t matter what provider you have, there are only so many guys doing this every day. And these guys are working around the clock, we’re working around the clock. It’s minus 40 out here, it is not fun.” said Barron.

Along with Barron, ICBC is urging drivers to be prepared before hitting the road to avoid having to call a tow truck.

“If you have to be driving, make sure the fact that you got a couple of nutrition bars, you’ve got a safety kit with you–in case you do find yourself stranded for whatever reason or you need to help someone else out. A set of jumper cables, some blankets, a first aid kit. Those things are really handy to have in your vehicle all throughout the year.” said Doug Mac Donald, Road Safety and Community Coordinator for ICBC.

Yet, even through the harsh weather, Barron does his best to answer calls. Even when he’s short staffed.

“One of our guys fights with cancer. So we don’t have him today, we don’t bring him out in the cold.” said Barron.

It’s tough work, he says. But Barron says it’s not about the money.

“We gotta keep the city moving and we gotta keep people moving. So bear with us is the biggest message that I have.” said Barron.

by Oli Herrera

‘Bear with us’: tow truck drivers enduring high call volumes in extreme weather

What's Trending