Tow truck safety starts with wearing a seat belt at all times. Beyond that, tow truck drivers should have equipment in their vehicles to stay safe on the road and maintain peace of mind when they are not working.
Also, emergency preparedness is a key component of safety. You need to be fully prepared for any accident or emergency by carrying the proper safety equipment in your truck. This protects your fleet from liability in the event of an accident.
Following are some items that your drivers and fleet shouldn’t leave home without.
Gloves
Safety gloves are a must-have for any truck driver. Whether you’re towing, hooking on, or just on the side of the road with your hands dirty from oil and grease, there is no better protection than the protection provided by safety gloves.
You should remember that some fingerprints can transfer onto the tow strap and cause it to break while you’re using it. Gloves prevent this from happening and protect your skin from these detrimental results.
Another thing to remember is that gloves come in many sizes, so it’s essential to choose the right fit for your drivers’ hands. Sizes ranging from XL to XX-small are available.
Light Bars
The amber LED light bar is the most popular type. Many tow truck drivers prefer them because it is typically seen better than red and white lit tow trucks during the day.
These emergency lights should be mounted to your car or truck roof, allowing other drivers to easily see you on the road. Use them after dark, when driving in poor visibility conditions, during bad weather, and when required by law.
Remember that the lights should only be activated when your drivers are on the road and need them for safety. Otherwise, they can be very distracting for other drivers on the road.
Reflective Vest
Reflective vests are an essential piece of safety gear for tow truck drivers. They help to increase the driver’s visibility, both day and night.
There are different types of reflective vests available on the market. Some are more stylish than others, but all of them serve the same purpose: to keep the driver safe.
It is important for tow truck drivers to always wear a reflective vest when working. This will help to ensure that they are seen by other drivers, even in low-light conditions.
Tow Ropes and Tow Straps
A tow strap is a sturdy nylon strap wrapped around a vehicle to assist in pulling it out of trouble. Vehicle owners should always carry a tow strap in their truck, just in case an emergency occurs while they’re driving. But for drivers of a towing fleet, it’s a compulsory item and one of the most important safety items they can carry.
Tow ropes and tow straps are not the same things. A strap is more flexible than a rope but has less strength. It can’t lift as much weight or pull as hard as a tow rope, but it does better in some situations than others.
Drivers should use tow straps on vehicles that require assistance but can still drive at reduced speeds, such as cars and SUVs. Do not use them on cars that do not have anything attached to the hitch or hook, such as pickup trucks or vans.
Always ensure that you and your drivers use a tow strap or tow rope that is the right size and strength for the vehicle you’re towing. Just because it fits doesn’t mean that it should be used, as this can cause damage to either car. Tow ropes come in different sizes and strengths, ensuring that you always get the right fit for each job.
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First Aid Kit
A first aid kit is an essential piece of equipment for any tow truck driver. It is imperative to have a first aid kit on hand, especially if you work alone or are in a remote location. Most tow truck drivers also keep their kits in the vehicle’s cab, where it’s easy to access in an emergency.
It can be difficult to know what items are needed for your first aid kit, but there are some universal essentials that you should always carry. For instance, pain relievers, bandages, gauze pads, sterile pads, and wraps are all necessary. Many other items help create a customized first aid kit for tow truck drivers.
One thing to remember is that it is important to make sure your first-aid kit is well stocked. You always want to ensure that you have more supplies than you need, just in case.
Flares
Flares are a vital tool for tow truck drivers to have on hand. Drivers can use them to signal for help, mark a hazard, or direct traffic.
There are a few different types of flares, but all of them serve the same purpose: to get the attention of other drivers and help keep them safe.
It is important for tow truck drivers always to have flares in their possession. They can come in handy in a variety of situations. For example, you may need them if your vehicle breaks down or gets stuck on the road, or even to indicate a hazard in front of your tow vehicle.
Keep a good supply of flares on hand to always have what you need. If you end up using all of them, it’s always a good idea to replace them as soon as possible.
These are just a few of the must-have safety items for tow truck drivers. Make sure you and your drivers have all of these items on hand in case of an emergency.
