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!

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

April 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.

Tow Truck Driver Training and Requirements – What to Know

August 3, 2022March 30, 2022 by Baily Sandage

Being a tow truck driver isn’t an easy job, in fact, it requires extensive training and knowledge. The job entails hauling broken down, totaled, or illegally-parked vehicles at all times of the day. Not to mention, these duties are crucial and you’re responsible for following safe practices on the road.

Therefore, not just anyone can be a tow truck operator. Firstly, you’ll have to complete several licensing programs and tests before you’re legally allowed to operate a tow truck. So, if you plan on starting a career in the towing industry then you may have some questions.

In this article, we’ll discuss who’s eligible to operate a tow truck and what the training requirements are.

Tow Truck Maintenance Checklist

March 24, 2022 by Baily Sandage

If your tow trucks are running then so is your business.

It’s safe to say if your tow trucks are well-maintained then you’ll be able to spend more time on the road making money. So, it’s in your best interests to keep your trucks in working condition.

We understand how difficult it can be to maintain a tow truck. As I’m sure you’re aware, they aren’t like regular cars…they are complex heavy-duty vehicles. Taking care of a tow truck requires extensive knowledge and effort.

However, even though it’s difficult you should never neglect tow truck maintenance. Failing to do so can result in halts in your business operations and cost you more money in the long run.

In this article, we’ll discuss several ways to maintain your tow truck so you can keep more money in your pocket and keep your business running. Let’s begin.

5 Everyday Challenges for Tow Truck Drivers

June 21, 2022March 9, 2022 by Baily Sandage

According to statistics, around 69 million cars break down every year in the US. These breakdowns can happen virtually anywhere and at anytime. You may think it’s an easy process for tow truck drivers to come and haul your vehicle away, but that’s not the case. In fact, dealing with a roadside breakdown can be quite challenging.

There are many hazards and risks involved with being a tow truck driver since they operate such large vehicles. In this article, we’ll discuss the five challenges that tow truck drivers face every day while on the job.

Roadside Safety for Tow Truck Operators

June 21, 2022February 17, 2022 by Baily Sandage

Roadside safety is essential because it impacts the tow truck operator, the customer, and the other cars on the road. It can be quite hectic assisting someone with a broken-down vehicle on the side of the road. Especially since the majority of the time, you have other cars flying by you. As you can imagine, tow truck operators have to put themselves in risky situations all the time.

Unfortunately, a majority of passing vehicles ignore Move Over Laws; therefore, putting the life of the tow truck operator and their customer at risk. Therefore, if you tow vehicles for a living, you need to be aware of some roadside safety tips.

In this article, we are discussing these tips in great detail, let’s begin.