Holiday travelers and Connecticut state police are breathing a sigh of relief.

On Friday afternoon, highway tow truck companies called off a potentially crippling strike that was set to begin on Monday – just two days before Christmas. But another work stoppage could be looming after the new year.

Holiday travel is rough enough. Add in some snow and it can get downright dangerous, especially for big-rig truckers. Tractor-trailer crashes can snarl traffic for hours – and miles.

That’s why Connecticut state police were worried when heavy-duty and medium-sized tow truck drivers across the state threatened to stop working on Monday. The strike was called off at the last minute Friday afternoon.

Drivers were relieved.

“I think that might mean some chaos,” said Dana Billingham, of Norwalk. “But you know, if they’re not fairly getting paid, there obviously needs to be a – that’s a reason to look into why this is happening.”

Two truck drivers say they’re frustrated that they can no longer bill insurance for certain safety items, like a rotator and light tower, when they respond to dangerous calls on the highway.

“The State of CT has told the towing industry it cannot charge for safety equipment that OSHA and our company know is necessary to safely perform heavy duty highway towing and recoveries,” Spencer Parent, with Laurel City Towing & Recovery in Winsted, wrote on Facebook. “We do not want to do this, but the State is forcing us to do so.”

The state said it is trying to reach a solution. In a joint letter to towing companies this week, the Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV), Department of Emergency Services and Public Protection (DESPP), Department of Transportation (DOT) and DEEP said the current “regulations were last revised in 2015.”

Each group pledged to “assess their respective regulatory schemes related to nonconsensual towing”

“While we understand that you have asked for a more immediate response to your concerns by Jan. 1, 2025, given the complexity of the issues, the number of government and private interests, and the potential need for legislative and regulatory changes, this deadline is simply not realistic,” the letter states. “However, we commit to work as expeditiously as possible and would like to convene the working group early in the new year.”

Drivers are just relieved the strike was called off before Christmas. “When you snag anything – [Interstate] 95 goes from three to two lanes. Everybody will be sitting on the highway for the holidays,” said Jim Cosby, of Weston. “Because on the highways around here, there’s too much traffic and not enough vehicles. And plenty of opportunities for accidents.” Even if tow companies strike sometime in the future, state police believe enough drivers would keep working that they could keep highways clear.

“DESPP and the Division of State Police are eager to work with all of the stakeholders to resolve the issues raised and ensure fair and equitable solutions for all,” said Col. Daniel Loughman in a statement. “We want to assure the motoring public that the Connecticut State Police has the resources needed to keep motorists safe this holiday season and beyond.”