As winter’s arrival signals challenging, even treacherous, driving conditions, Cornie Fehr reminds motorists to slow down, stay safe and respect the roadside emergency vehicles that are doing important work.
“This is a busy and dangerous job in the wintertime,” says Fehr, owner-operator of CV Towing. “Pulling people out of ditches and stuff like that can be very dangerous, because even when there’s slippery roads people don’t seem to slow down much. I would appreciate it if they did a little more.”
Fehr speaks from experience. He’s had some close calls on the side of the road, like when he was helping a trailer that had flipped on its side during a blizzard and was nearly struck by a speeding semi.
“The snow was blowing and I was standing on the side of my truck to wince up the trailer,” he recalls. “All my lights were on, but suddenly a semi whipped by, probably no further than two inches away from me. That was scary.”
Like fire trucks and ambulances, tow trucks are emergency vehicles, which means motorists should be reducing their speed to at least 60 km/h on the highway. But the good news, Fehr points out, is that the increased use of winter tires has meant fewer cars in ditches overall.
“I have to give MPI some credit for that,” he says. “Programs like the winter tires have helped a lot.”
CV Towing, which serves the Steinbach region and all of Southeast Manitoba, is an MPI-accredited business, and Fehr says the relationship with the public insurer has helped him grow his business.
“I like to see my business grow, and it’s been growing slowly but surely, so that’s been very good,” he says, adding that he acknowledges his customers reach out to him in times of difficulty.
“I’m there for them, even if they’re emotional; I try my best to help them,” he says. “And if they’re in trouble in the middle of the night, I’ll be there as soon as I can, and if they’re not able to get through to me right away they should leave a voicemail.”
And he emphasizes the importance of slowing down and driving safely at all times, but especially when conditions are difficult.
“Just slow down when the roads are slippery,” he says. “Winter season is here, the highways can be slippery and just drive safely.”
CV Towing can be reached by calling (204) 392-8115.