Guidelines For Every Tow Truck Driver
Safety while on the road is the responsibility of everyone who is using the road. As a tow truck driver, you provide service of helping out cars on the road where our focus is on providing roadside assistance to stranded customer and troubleshooting simple car problems.
We also have to keep in mind that we operate large utility trucks that can cause a lot of damage when involved in an accident or handled haphazardly.
Here are some safety practices Trustworthy Towing Company employ’s everyday to ensure safety for our tow truck drivers and the customers we serve in Memphis.
Safety Practice #1: Regular Vehicle Maintenance
Tow trucks may be driven slowly, but they also usually carry a heavy load when driven. Although tow trucks are meant to take the stress, it is still important to always check on your truck. It is possible that the stress it undergoes can damage some parts or require replacement.
Some of the things you’d have to check are the tires, fluids and brakes. You also want to check your chains, suspension, hitch and cooling system because these bear most of the stress from the load.
Additionally, make sure that your lights are working properly. These don’t only help you see the road better but they also help make you more visible to other people on the road. This can help lessen the risk of accidents and incidents that involve your truck.
Safety Practice #2: Take Care Of Yourself
A tow truck driver’s job isn’t simple and easy. There are lots of things that tow truck drivers do and that’s not only limited to driving the truck. That means that you need to keep yourself in the best shape so you can do and think clearly.
You can take care of yourself by making sure you get enough rest before your shift, eat well, and don’t drive if you feel sick. Keep yourself hydrated and make sure you are comfortable because you could be driving for hours on the road.
Another way to take care of yourself is to make sure you have complete gear and equipment. This would include steel cap boots, hard helmet, heavy-duty gloves, and reflective gear. An emergency kit should always be available too because you’ll never know what will happen. It is best to be prepared rather than get injured in the middle of the night without any first aid kit.
Safety Practice #3: Follow Proper Loading Procedures
Loading and unloading procedures should be properly followed. These will help make sure that the car is securely attached to the tow truck. This would include using emergency lights as you approach the vehicle, properly positioning the vehicle, securely attaching the chains and locking the wheels.
The loading and unloading procedures should also be done in an area away from traffic if possible. The vehicle to be towed should also be within the cargo weight limit of your tow truck. Truck drivers must know their truck’s weight limit and don’t push it beyond them.
