If you're calling for a tow truck today, or know someone who has, they're going to be in for quite a wait. 

According to Geoff Tagg, owner of Tagg's Extreme Towing & Recovery out of Red Deer, tow trucks have been asked by RCMP to refrain from pulling vehicles out of the ditch at this time due to the dangerous road conditions. 

"I got told we're not allowed to winch anybody off of any highway right now because of the visibility and road conditions. The road conditions I definitely understand, because I've had nothing but ice on the road, right from Crossfield to Innisfail on Highway 2, and now on Highway 2A it's an ice sheet from Innisfail to Penhold," he said.

"Normally, when somebody goes in the ditch, we get called out to go get them out of the ditch and back onto the highway, but from what I understand, the RCMP has said no tow-trucks are allowed to winch anybody out of the ditch right now, because the visibility is so poor and [because of] the ice on the road. We are basically sitting targets on the road, and if people are being stupid and blow by us at speeds they shouldn't be," Tagg said. 

"It terrifies me when people miss me by just feet, and that has happened before. Or, people have gone through my winch line when I'm trying to get someone out of the ditch, and that's happened to. If I don't see that winch line coming, I could literally be cut in half," Tagg said. 

On days like today, depending on where you look out your window, it might not look like conditions are that bad, however, the sheer amount of vehicles in the ditch is a testament to the icy conditions outside. 

Tagg said he wants people to remember that tow trucks are emergency vehicles, and people need to slow down for them just like they would for a fire truck, ambulance or police vehicle. 

"Slow down, pull over. Whenever you see those flashing yellow lights, slow down and pull over. That's the message we want to get out to people," he said. 

For people who do end up in the ditch, Tagg says there are a few things that are important to remember. One, kick the snow off of your tailpipe if you're in the ditch and in the snow. This way, you avoid being poisoned by a build-up of exhaust fumes. Also, stay in your vehicle and put your hazard lights on. 

Tagg said they are often trying to find owners and vehicles, and people need to stay in their vehicle and keep it running if you're able. Call for assistance, either a tow truck or RCMP.

"We just want people to slow down when they see us. We are emergency vehicles, as much as people like to think we're just pains in the butt - that's not the point. We're trying to get people to realize that we're trying to save them, and we want to go home and get back to our families, too."