Every time you send one of your employees out on the road, you know there’s a chance someone could get hurt. According to AAA, work-related injuries and deaths of tow truck operators is on the rise, along with an increase in all vehicle accidents across the country. That’s why safety precautions on the part of both the tow operator and the driving public is so important to keeping your valued employees safe.
All 50 states now have ‘Move Over’ laws that require motorists to move over one lane and slow down if they see law enforcement, medical crews, firefighters, and TOW PROVIDERS on the side of the road. Most states have even expanded the law to include disabled and utility vehicles. Regardless of whether the law includes all of these, common sense should prevail, and drivers should SLOW DOWN and MOVE OVER!
But raising awareness of this law can go a long way to making it more effective. Even though many states have penalties (fines from $50 to $300 in some places), it only takes one uninformed and careless driver to turn a roadside pickup into a tragedy. Peak is a big proponent of SLOW DOWN, MOVE OVER laws and encourage our customers to promote this important safety step to their employees, friends, and family.
There are other basics of safety that we know you practice daily but are always worth a mention. The National Automotive Roads Fuel Association (NARFA) offers these safety tips for tow operators on its website:
- Be Ready:
Before you head out on the road to rescue a stranded vehicle or perform a repossession, make sure you and your truck are ready to go. Tow truck driver safety starts by regularly inspecting your vehicle and equipment from the tire pressure and fluid levels to cables, connectors, splices and winches. Make a checklist to ensure you have all of the tools and backup parts and supplies you’ll need to respond to every conceivable situation. - Drive Defensively:
Getting from point A to point B is fraught with potential dangers for tow truck drivers. Always stay within the speed limit and maintain safe distances from other vehicles on the road to minimize the chance of an accident. When towing a vehicle, especially in adverse weather conditions, slow down even more and extend the following distance to a full length from the car in front of you. - Take Control:
From the moment you arrive at your destination, the better you control the scene, the safer everyone will be. Turn on safety lights, mark the area with cones, flares and markers, and move people out of harm’s way. Before you start to load any vehicle onto your truck, make sure you visually confirm objects and onlookers are clear of your equipment. - Be Seen:
Increasing visibility is one tow truck safety tip that can’t be overstated. Make sure everyone is aware of your presence by wearing bright-colored clothing and using flashing lights and reflectors on your truck. If you’re working on a federal highway, wearing an approved fluorescent vest is mandated. - Protect Your Person:
Increasing visibility is one tow truck safety tip that can’t be overstated. Make sure everyone is aware of your presence by wearing bright-colored clothing and using flashing lights and reflectors on your truck. If you’re working on a federal highway, wearing an approved fluorescent vest is mandated. - Don’t Overdo It:
Capacity cargo weight limits exist to make it clear how much your system can safely tow. Know what your truck is capable of and make an honest assessment of whether or not the job is right for you and your vehicle. Never tow a vehicle that’s beyond your capacity is one of the most crucial safety tips for tow truck drivers.
