How DOT crews and tow truck drivers maintain safe roads in the Pierre area (SD)

[TowZone]

One of the hardest hit areas so far is central South Dakota.

KSFY's Michaela Feldmann looked at some of the behind-the-scenes work crews do to prepare ahead of the storm.

"They're bad the roads are bad,"

 

A second wave of snow is making its way through the Pierre area.

"It’s going to be a little harsh on operations they’re going to experience a lot of blowing snow they’re going to experience compacted snow on the roads it’s going to be equally as hard for them as it is for all of us to get around," Pierre Area DOT Engineer Dean Vandewiele said.

 

Crews say drivers who aren't paying attention make their jobs much more dangerous.

 

"Always you always have to be aware of traffic that’s going around you and be able to be focused on the job and that at the same time," Tow Driver Mike Richart said.

 

"People don't pay attention when they’re driving. They don’t slow down. That’s the biggest worry I have is actually my personal safety."

They take their jobs very seriously and want everyone to get home safely.

 

"Guys are really proud of their routes they really want everyone to arrive alive and so it bothers them a lot if there’s accidents on the road. Sometimes we do the best we can but Mother Nature is just a little bit tougher than we are in these extreme conditions," Vandewiele said.

And one reminder they can't stress enough:

 

"Give us some space and watch out for the white outs behind us. Don’t get too close. Try to stay behind us. Well get you to the nearest town," Greg Lemieux said. "Slow down move over."

 

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