Every job comes with its own set of hazards and challenges – this is especially true for the towing services and tow truck drivers.

Ours is a job that is fraught with avenues that can cause injuries and accidents.

The good news is that all accidents and challenges can be avoided by following a few simple guidelines listed below.

Use the right personal protection equipment

There are various standards established for personal safety equipment for roadway and emergency workers and these should be followed without fail. This includes wearing a fluorescent colored vest, a reflective helmet, and sturdy gloves. These can seem like a burden at times especially if the weather is hot and humid but the discomfort is a small price to pay for the safety benefits.

It is important to stay visible while also protecting your head and hands. Towing equipment has become quite reliable and safe but there still exists a small chance that there can be an accident.

It is better to wear protective equipment to make sure the effects of such mishaps are minimal.

Be alert

A tow truck driver’s job does not involve constant driving to and fro between different points. In fact, in most cases, the driver would be busy sitting at a desk filling out paperwork. It is one of those jobs which can be mundane for long periods of time before demanding suddenly elevated levels of alertness and readiness.

It is important to be able to switch gears at a moment’s notice and take care of the requirements as and when necessary. Learn to control your nerves and stay calm even when the situation is demanding.

Also be aware of the requirements and how you need to approach the situation. Have a plan of action in your mind for the towing situation.

Be in control of the situation

When you arrive at the scene, it is important to take control of the situation.

Park your truck in a convenient but safe spot. Put cones around it and turn on the hazard lights. Access the situation and take charge without being overbearing.

Actively listen to your customer in a professional and friendly manner and, if needed, explain in a calm manner why you have to do something a certain way.

Stay within the limits

Dangerous weather conditions, unsafe drivers, and hazardous situations are part-in-parcel to the towing business.  While these realities come with the job – and can rise the blood pressure of even the most experienced tow truck operator – the key is to stay calm.

While traffic may suck, and you’re in a hurry, you should always maintain a safe distance from vehicles in front of you, which becomes especially important when you are towing the vehicle. The truck will behave slightly different with a car attached to it and it is best to stay within a safe avenue of operation.

When the weather conditions are bad or the road is slippery slow down even further and maintain a generous distance from vehicles around you.

Be empathetic but authoritative

You have to keep in mind that not every towing situation will be amicable.  While you should appear confident and in control, your customers could have their own inputs on how to do your job. Be respectful to them but stick to what you know and follow the right protocol. You could end up dealing with emotional people but never sacrifice your safety to appease someone.

It helps to remember that many of the situations we encounter are emotionally charged.

It could be someone who has just had a crash or someone who has parked wrongfully on a private property.

Either way, not everyone is going to be cooperative and some can even create dangerous situations. It is imperative to always think about your personal safety. Try to understand why a certain person is behaving the way they are and give them a chance to listen to you. Most people will listen to a rational explanation.

Tell them you understand their predicament and that you are just doing your job. They just have to follow a few simple procedures to get their vehicle back. Never raise your voice or try to get violent as the situation can escalate quite quickly.

Use the proper procedures for towing

One of the biggest causes of unsafe situations is overloading the tow truck and using improper techniques. Always access the situation to see if you have the right truck to handle the job. There are also procedures for winching and towing vehicles. Follow them correctly. Never stray away from the right protocol to save time or complete a job.

Do it right as your safety matters more than how quickly you finish the job.

A job done safely is usually a job done well.