“Time to go to work,” ABC57 rides along with tow truck driver during Winter Weather

SOUTH BEND, Ind. -- Snow and ice from this week’s winter storm have kept drivers on edge — and local tow companies working around the clock.

At around 5 p.m. on Tuesday, South Bend police called ASAP Towing to a crash near Sample and Walnut Streets. ABC57 rode along with driver Hugh Kirby to see firsthand how the weather is affecting road conditions and response times.

“Yeah, this an accident call, we’re going to pick up cars for the city of South Police department,” Kirby said.

Kirby said this winter has been the busiest he’s experienced in his 13 years on the job.

The volume of calls has been especially high in recent weeks. Kirby said between Monday and Thursday last week, ASAP Towing responded to more than 500 calls.

“Last week between Monday and Thursday we did 522 calls.”

By Tuesday evening, Kirby had already loaded his truck nine times and expected the night to stay busy. Even after his shift officially ends, he remains on call.

“I’ll actually take the truck home,” he said.

Kirby pointed to several areas around South Bend that frequently see crashes during winter weather, including Western Avenue and Walnut Street, as well as the US 20 bypass.

He also offered advice to drivers approaching accident scenes or emergency vehicles on snowy roads.

“Slow down, move over for emergency vehicles,” Kirby said. “That includes the tow trucks when they have their flashing lights on.”