Atlanta weather | Towing companies stick to emergencies
Metro Atlanta's towing companies are busy in the aftermath of the ice storm, but not as busy as you might think.
"Emergency service has replaced our usual commercial business," such as towing cars for auto dealerships or outstanding traffic tickets, said Page Porter, CEO of A Tow in Atlanta. "Right now 100 percent of our business is emergency-related."
Porter said A Tow has towed 320 cars since Sunday night and currently has roughly 20 trucks on the road, focusing on the mess around the I-285 loop, which in some spots has resembled a parking lot.
"We're dealing with cars that are obstructing traffic right now," Porter said. Vehicles that aren't blocking the road will remain, for now.
Getting to those vehicles is a challenge, of course. "It's a slow process," said Greg Greeson, vice president of South Metro Towing. Like most other towing companies, they are handling emergency situations only.
Porter said two of her drivers have been involved in accidents caused by the ice.
At least one company has decided to take advantage of the snow days. Northside Towing is "closed due to severe winter weather, " according to a voicemail message.
About the Author
A native Atlantan, Boone joined the AJC staff in 2007. He quickly carved out a niche covering crime stories, assuming the public safety beat in 2014. He's covered some of the biggest trials this decade, from Hemy Neuman to Ross Harris to Chip Olsen, the latter of which was featured on Season 7 of the AJC's award-winning "Breakdown" podcast.
