Tow truck drivers ask cars to slow down during winter season

MARION, IL (KFVS) - Winter weather is here in southern Illinois and with snow and ice on the roads, some drivers are taking extra precaution.

“I slow down, I make sure I leave a lot of room for other people,” resident Mark Beyke said.

“Just take a little extra time before you go somewhere and watch out for other drivers,” resident Matt Vaughn said.

And the cold season is extremely busy for employees at Vernell's Towing company in Marion, with accidents increasing dramatically.

“Oh yes, it's extremely busier during the winter time,” Vernell's owner, Randy Sellars said.

On Monday morning, on Interstate 57, a Vernell's

. Sellars says the feeling was indescribable.

“It's like one of your children is being run over, it's heart-stopping,” Sellars said. “You don't want to see anyone hurt.”

In the state of Illinois, Scott's Law or the “Move Over” law requires drivers approaching authorized emergency vehicles, displaying red, white, blue lights or yellow warning lights, to reduce their speed.

The law also states that drivers yield the right-of-way by changing lanes away from the emergency vehicle, and to proceed with caution.

Sellars says whether the tow truck's lights are on or off, he asks drivers to slow down and be careful.

“Slow down, it's not worth risking your life to be in a hurry…just slow down,” Sellars said.

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