safety

The tow truck industry has plenty of risks. Driving itself is dangerous. Then there’s the fact that tow truck drivers are hauling cars with a vehicle several times the size of the average car. They also work on the side of the road to help the drivers of stranded vehicles. It’s essential that you place an emphasis on safety at your business.

It’s important to do everything you can to keep your drivers safe. There are lots of risks that we can’t control, but there are some that we can. By implementing policies to increase safety, you’re lowering your risk. Plus, lowering risk means reducing your chances of having to file an insurance claim, which can help with your premiums!

The articles below covers various topics about safety, including why seatbelts are so important and how the color of the flashing lights on a tow truck can save lives. Take a look!

Wrecker Business Safety Tips

November 18, 2022 by Baily Sandage

The responsibilities of a roadside assistance worker are extremely complex, not to mention that it’s an inherently risky job with numerous safety concerns. Tow truck drivers are mostly in charge of hauling wrecked/disabled vehicles, replacing flat tires, jumpstarting dead batteries, unlocking car doors, and so on.

In addition to their responsibilities to the customer, they’re also obliged to adhere to industry safety regulations. Continue reading to learn three safety tips that every wrecker business should implement.

10 Skills Every Tow Truck Driver Must Have

November 10, 2022 by Baily Sandage

Roadside help is essential, and tow truck drivers are typically the first to arrive at an accident scene or other emergency on the side of the road. A tow truck driver must possess specific abilities that ensure the security of the car they’re towing to be successful in this line of work. They’re also accountable for ensuring the safety and well-being of the individuals they’re assisting.

The ten skills that every tow truck driver needs to succeed in their line of business will be addressed in this article.

Five Ways to Cut Workers Comp Costs

October 21, 2022 by Baily Sandage

When a towing company encounters considerable increases in workers comp costs, internal initiatives targeted at lowering tow truck insurance costs and spending are typically launched. More than merely averting a few accidents is necessary to cut costs; you also need a sound safety program. Thus, a safety program that complies with OSHA requirements can result in significant financial savings by lowering injuries.

Fortunately, the following actions will ultimately lower workers comp costs. Now let’s discuss.

How to Determine the Towing Capacity of Your Tow Truck

September 29, 2022 by Baily Sandage

It all comes down to math; determining the towing capacity of your tow truck necessitates a mathematical formula. Once you understand the fundamentals, you can get the job done safely and efficiently every time.

Workers Compensation for Towing Businesses: Why You Need It

July 15, 2022 by Baily Sandage

Workers compensation is required in most states for businesses that have one or more employees. However, the requirements vary from state to state. The purpose of this insurance is to compensate employees who are injured on the job and no longer able to work.

Therefore, businesses that entail a high level of risk should be more inclined to protect themselves and their workers. So, if you run a towing business you’ll definitely fall into this category! It’s important to note that this insurance coverage doesn’t come cheap, and as a towing company, it would be wise to shop around for a pocket-friendly insurance policy.

Let’s discuss further the importance of workers compensation for towing businesses.

Wheel Lift vs Hook and Chain Tow Trucks

June 24, 2022 by Baily Sandage

A tow truck is one of the best options when it comes to drivers who need assistance on the road. It doesn’t matter if your vehicle breaks down at night or your car is totaled in an accident, a tow truck driver can help. These tow trucks are constantly evolving which helps make the towing process much more efficient.

Two of the most common tow truck types are the wheel lift and hook and chain tow truck. Both these vehicles have their pros and cons; therefore, understanding their key differences is crucial.

In this article, we’ll discuss wheel lift vs hook and chain tow trucks. Let’s get started.

The Benefits of Flatbed Towing

June 21, 2022June 3, 2022 by Baily Sandage

Towing companies offer their clients a wide range of services, depending on what they need. However, they’re most known for transporting vehicles from one place to another. There are several types of tow trucks you can choose from. However, a flatbed is becoming the preferred method these days.

In this article, we’ll discuss the many benefits of using a flatbed tow truck. Let’s get started.

OSHA Requirements for Tow Truck Drivers

August 3, 2022April 21, 2022 by Baily Sandage

If you think being a tow truck driver is easy, think again. According to the National Institute for Occupational Safety, towing is considered one of the most dangerous industries in the world. Statistics state that once every six days a tow truck driver is killed while on duty.

The reason this occupation is so dangerous is because tow truck drivers spend the majority of their time on the side of busy roads. Unfortunately, many drivers don’t follow the Move Over Laws which state you must slow down and/or move over when you see an emergency vehicle on the side of the road. Not only this but there’s also an increased chance of a collision to and from a job or an injury from an improperly loaded vehicle.

To keep tow truck drivers safe while on duty, OSHA has some requirements in place. In this article, we’ll discuss those requirements as well as some crucial safety tips. Let’s begin.

The Benefits of Dash Cams for Tow Trucks

September 22, 2022April 13, 2022 by Tow Truck Insurance Rates

According to the National Transportation Safety Board, fleets and towing businesses should consider installing a video monitoring system in their trucks. By doing so companies can protect their drivers against fraudulent claims and improve their driving skills.

Dash cams have become an essential device in both the trucking and towing world. As you know, operating a heavy-duty vehicle requires a lot of skill and there are a lot of risks involved. In fact, tow truck accidents can be very costly. This is where dash cams would prove to be very beneficial.

Dash cams give you the ability to monitor your surroundings and refer back when necessary. For example, say you’re parked and go inside for a snack, and when you come back out someone backed up into your tow truck. Without the help of a dash cam, you wouldn’t know who did it or have any proof. Therefore, you could be left footing your own repair bill!

The point is, dash cams can help towing companies save a significant amount of money. Then this money could be used towards improving fleet performance and safety.

In this article, we’ll discuss the many benefits of using a dash cam for tow trucks.

How to Retain Tow Truck Drivers

April 7, 2022 by Baily Sandage

Hiring new tow truck drivers is not an easy task and comes with a huge price. The recruiting process can be very lengthy and tedious resulting in lots of time and energy on your part. For example, you have to screen all your applicants for driving violations and criminal records. Once they pass the screening you hold interviews and the ones who are hired go onto training.

As you can see, constantly hiring new drivers isn’t very cost-effective for your towing business. So, if you want to cut costs and reduce your efforts, you should focus on driver retention.

Therefore, here are a few ways you can retain your tow truck drivers.