Being a tow truck operator has its ups and downs. It can often be a tough job that can be extremely dangerous if you don’t take the proper precautions.
Whether you are new to the industry or are an experienced professional operator, consider the following tips to keep safe so you can keep others on the road safe.
Maintain Your Tow Truck
Tow truck operator safety starts by regularly inspecting your tow truck and equipment. There are several things you can do to maintain your tow truck.
Here are just a few:
Give your tow truck a thorough inspection
- Check the engine, coolants, battery, and brakes.
- If something needs fixing you want to know about it sooner than later.
Check your tires
- Worn out and bald tires will not have the traction you need to stay steady while on the road.
- Don’t forget to check your spare tires, too.
- You’ll want them to be ready for action when you need them most.
Other important things to check
- Take a look at all cables, connectors, and winches to see if they are in good condition.
You can create a checklist to ensure you check what’s important and that you have everything you’ll need while on the job.
Dress Appropriately
Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) is a key part of keeping tow truck operators safe on the job. Here are a few key items that you should wear:
High-visibility clothing
Appropriate footwear
- Foot injuries are one of the most common injuries among tow truck operators.
- Your footwear should be protective, warm, and have good traction.
- Invest in a good pair of steel-toed boots to minimize the possibility of foot injuries.
Weather-appropriate gear
Safety on the Scene
Be visible
- Increasing the visibility of your tow truck and most importantly yourself.
- Make sure you are using flashing lights and reflectors on your tow truck.
Drive cautiously
- Drive slowly when heading to the scene and be aware of your surroundings at all times.
- Always maintain safe distances from other vehicles on the road to minimize the chance of an accident.
Stop, look, and listen
- In the perfect scenario, you would only work from the passenger side, but this isn’t always the case.
- If you have to work on the traffic side stay safe by using cones, flares, and other safety equipment.
Carry these Items
Keeping a tidy tow truck and these essential items can make a big difference in your day-to-day life as a roadside service provider.
Road flares/reflectors
- Always carry extra road flares and reflectors.
- These help you be seen by other vehicles on the road.
Communication devices
- Always keep a phone or a radio on you at all times when on the job.
- These are essential in requesting assistance if an incident where to happen
Extra safety apparel
- Have extra safety apparel for backup in case of an emergency.
- Include an extra safety vest, work gloves, and safety helmet.
Whether you are a new or experienced tow truck operator, your safety should be top priority. These tips will help make your towing workday better so you can won’t have a doubt or concern about your safety.
Apply For Tow Truck Financing That’s Quick, Easy, and Convenient
At Beacon Funding, our goal is to help tow truck providers keep the roads safe. That’s why we go the extra mile to make applying for equipment financing quick and fast. Applying has no cost or commitment and only takes a couple of minutes to complete. As an A+ rated Better Business Bureau lender, our experienced financing consultants can have you with a tow truck that’s right for you in no time.
Apply with us today and see how we can help you keep cash in your bank and earn revenue while you achieve equipment ownership.