Towing and Recovery Safety Tips: What You Should Know
**A contributed post as written for The Safe Driver by Peter Short.
You’ve been driving a vehicle for years. You know what all the road signs mean and how to navigate your vehicle during tough weathers and roads. You consider yourself a very careful driver because you’d rather be driving slow than risk your life going through traffic jams. However, working as a tow truck driver might need more than your usual precautions. For one, you’ll be driving a large vehicle with another vehicle towed to it. Second, you have to consider how the weight of the towed vehicle might affect your driving, especially when you’re about to take a sharp turn. To ensure that you’re always safe on the road as a tow truck driver, consider these towing and recovery safety tips:
- Communication is key: Tow truck drivers are called to report to a scene usually because of an emergency. Collisions and vehicle breakdowns which are causing hazards to other drivers are common examples. When you’re called to report to a scene, always make sure that you know where you’re heading. If your company allows you to talk to the customer, ask for specific addresses or landmarks where the tow truck is needed. Also inform the customer the route you’re going to take and how long will it take for you to arrive at the scene. This will set out the expectations from both the customer and the towing company you’re working for.
- Tow truck maintenance: When you’re working as a tow truck driver, a lot of responsibilities are on your shoulders. You don’t only have to think about your own truck but your customer’s vehicles as well. This is the reason why you should have your tow truck regularly checked. If you can, inspect all connectors, cables, wenches and splices to ensure that everything is in good working condition. You should also check if the mounting bolts are screwed tightly in place and that all moving parts are lubricated. Regular tire and brake maintenance should also be included in your to-do list.
- Equipment rating: Unlike other vehicles, tow trucks are allowed to carry a large amount of weight. This is called the Gross Vehicle Weight Rating or GVWR. This rating is applicable to the load recovered once the tow truck is properly stabilized. The GVWR of tow trucks can range from 10,000 to 26,000 pounds. As a tow truck driver, you should know your truck’s GVWR and the weight of the vehicle you’re about to tow. Never exceed the GVWR as this can put your safety on the line.
- Defensive driving: Tow trucks are bigger vehicles and carry very heavy loads which means that one wrong turn can endanger several drivers on the road, including you. It is crucial for tow truck drivers to follow all the traffic laws. If there is a speed limit posted in an area, follow and never drive faster than the limit. If you see a blind curve ahead, be careful in navigating the truck and never attempt to overtake other vehicles. You should also stay vigilant for vehicles near the truck and other road hazards. When you’re towing a vehicle, don’t tailgate and maintain a gap between the vehicles in front of you. This is one way of making sure that you have enough room for your truck to come to a complete stop.
- On the scene: The moment you arrive at the scene can become dangerous for you and for other drivers if
you’re not careful enough. As a tow truck driver, you should arrive at the scene with emergency lights on. Before leaving the truck, always check for oncoming traffic – you don’t want to add to the chaos the vehicle you’re about to tow might have caused, right? You should also use the running boards and handrails every time you exit and enter the truck. Cones and flags should be placed on the scene where you’ll tow the vehicle to alert other drivers of your presence. And as much as possible, keep onlookers away from the scene so you can tow the vehicle easier and faster.
Be Ready To Learn
Some people might think that just because they know how to drive, they can use any kind of vehicle. This notion isn’t always true because each vehicle comes with unique designs, controls, and even weight, and all of these factors can contribute to how you drive. When working as a tow truck driver, there are many things to consider. The job might even seem challenging for some, but once you know what to do, everything can become a breeze. You can make use of the tips from this article, or you can also look into how tow truck drivers like fidelitytowing.com do their jobs. Being safe is important so don’t take it for granted.
Peter Short
Peter is a mechanic by trade and is dedicated to providing great services for his clients. In his spare time
he enjoys writing for different sites like Fidelity Towing and sharing his knowledge of real world experience. He has two daughters and a loving wife. In his spare time he enjoys working on vehicles in his shed.