ALBA – The fear of working roadside — especially in whiteout conditions — is something Matt Olds and his father, Bob, know all too well.
The pair operate B&D Trucks, Parts & Towing in Alba, which provides 24-hour emergency service.
This winter season, they’ve been working around the clock, pulling vehicles from ditches and clearing crash scenes.
“We’ve been averaging around 20 calls a day, and some days even more,” Matt Olds said. “Makes for very long days and little sleep.”
Working in winter elements like these are a whole different ball game, he said.
“There are whiteouts. And the freezing temperatures,” Olds said. “The guys are cold, the trucks’ hydraulics are cold and move slower.
“Imagine standing on the side of the road working, knowing there are cars coming at you, and you can’t see anything until they are right on top of you. It’s a scary feeling, for sure.”
Law enforcement, tow companies and firefighters all offer the same advice to travelers.
“You can help first responders by having patience,” Mancelona Assistant Fire Chief Dave VanderPloeg said. “When driving on winter roads, assume there is ice under the snow and drive accordingly. If you are approaching an accident scene, assume that you will have to stop.
“Brake early and approach at a crawl.”
Bob Olds said speeders pose the greatest danger to them while they are working roadside.
“It’s scary being out there and having traffic drive by so fast,” he said, recalling when a commercial passenger bus came within a few feet from where he was working at a scene last week. “It threw heavy slush and snow on me.
“Drivers need to slow down and be aware of first responders and workers.”