LENEXA, Kan. — While the harshest winter in a half-decade might be fraying people's nerves, some businesses, like towing companies, are enjoying boom times.
"We average about 100 to 125 (calls for service) on a busy day," said Kaileigh Kupchin, officer manager at Santa Fe Tow Service.
But even the slowest of snow days means far more calls for serice.
"This year, we are way busier," Kupchin said. "We are averaging about about 150 to 200 calls a day when the snow hits. That's just during the day; that's not at night."
When a stranded motorist calls Santa Fe Tow, Kupchin is most likely to answer the phone.
"We have 10 available lines," she said. "All 10 will be lit up during a snow storm. We are taking calls back-to-back."
Next, the reins are handed off to the drivers, who need your help to stay safe.
"People will not move over for us, even when we have our lights going and all that, even with police on scene and all that," said Ryan Mooney, a tow operator for Santa Fe Tow. "People will just not move over."
Mooney hopes more drivers will move out of the way when they see two trucks working.
"(The) toughest is working on the highway," he said. "A lot of times, it can just be a regular old tow, breakdown call. We have to get there to make sure the customer is safe, make sure we are safe, and we are keeping our eye out for other motorists."
Despite the extra work and money, Mooney is done with this winter, like so many of the people he helps along area roads.
"Yeah, we are looking forward to spring," he said.
