Ice-Related Accidents Create a Pile Up at Auto Body Shops
By Dave Franzman, Reporter
By
Dave Franzman
Story Created:
Dec 20, 2007 at 4:25 PM CST
Story Updated:
Dec 20, 2007 at 5:50 PM CST
CEDAR RAPIDS- All the freezing rain and ice meant dents and dings for lots of Eastern Iowa vehicles this month. So it should come as no surprise that auto body shops are now swamped.
Body shops contacted by TV9 said banged up vehicles began rolling in several weeks ago. One manager said you can almost start the timer with the first big storm of winter.
Tom Cronk, of Andrews Auto Repair, said "every time there's an ice storm or a major winter snow storm we know we're going to get busy."
But the ice storms of December are providing a bit different and harder on vehicles. Several body shops estimated that the number of vehicles wrecked and needing repairs, largely due to ice, is 30% to 40% higher than a normal winter storm.
Some shops are even using a medical emergency room "triage" approach. The mostly seriously damaged, or undriveable, cars are getting fixed first. Those people with more minor dents and dings are being asked to wait instead of going first.
Shop managers say most people understand when told two or three weeks is now the earliest time a car can get into the shop for repairs. Some managers expect to still have ice-related damage to repair for two or three months.
Early December is usually the time when body shops fix a lot of vehicle damaged in collisions with deer. This year, 75 percent of everything in for repairs is strictly due to snow or ice.
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Friday, Dec 21 at 5:27 PM Thanks for the dent. wrote ...
Which one of you clowns hit a parked car at Menards. I need about $830.00 out of you.
Thursday, Dec 20 at 11:16 PM Tundra wrote ...
My new Toyota Tundra ran over a little H2 (he was driving like a mad man) on interstate 80. I crushed his vehicle but I need a new head light. I hope they can get the H2 in soon, because the auto body shop is running out of cheap parts. Tundra4ever
Thursday, Dec 20 at 10:07 PM More wrote ...
I drive a beat up 84 town car. No problem hitting anyone or being hit. Like driving a tank. So watch out on 380, you Lexus clowns.
Thursday, Dec 20 at 6:07 PM H2 wrote ...
My H2 ran over a little Honda car (he was driving too slow) on the interstate 380 and it left a ding on my hood, and also the H2 emblem is crooked. I hope they can get me in soon, otherwise what will make up for my little man syndrome?? H2-4-Ever!
Thursday, Dec 20 at 5:25 PM Anonymous wrote ...
Great investigative reporting, Lou. Not completely obvious or anything.
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