Roadside breakdowns happen each and every day. Dealing with such breakdowns is an almost straightforward process. You can call a tow truck company for assistance during such times. This is an easy process for the driver who is facing a breakdown.
On the other hand, a tow truck driver is responsible for towing a vehicle that has broken down. Various occupational hazards can be faced by a tow truck driver and in the towing industry as a whole.
There are challenges that a tow truck driver may face while towing a vehicle. Some of these challenges are faced by tow truck drivers only and not all vehicle drivers. Some of them are specific to this particular niche. There are various challenges that tow truck drivers face including:
Navigating Roads Safely
Driving the roads in an around Minneapolis is like coming to a different office every day. While the roads may stay where they are from day-to-day, there’s always something different we encounter.
With the constantly changing weather, potholes, debris or even wild animals you encounter from day to day, you can be sure of one thing: it’s a constant challenge to drive. Throw in the fact that we drive a large commercial truck and we have to be alert for directions to our customer, it’s safe to say that staying focused on driving is a never-ending effort.
Bottom line is this: Strong situational awareness is needed as one is driving a tow truck. A driver needs to be aware of any potential risks that he or she may have to face while towing a vehicle.
Alertness is really the key to safe towing.
Driving In Bad Weather
From ice, to snow, to sleet, to hot sun, to driving rain, northern Minnesota has it’s fair share of crazy weather. For a tow truck driver, these weather conditions can make towing a lot tougher.
They not only have to drive a huge truck but tow a vehicle that is attached to it. It is challenging for tow truck drivers to do their jobs in such conditions while still staying safe.
Fatigue
Tow companies specialize in round the clock operations. They offer their services 24/7; day and night. Tow truck drivers may end up working longer shifts because of the nature of operations within the towing industry. This is common, especially for smaller businesses.
The long shifts for tow truck drivers while on the road can lead to fatigue. This can take a toll on the driver’s performance. This can pose risks since one can encounter lapses and not be able to fully concentrate on his or her job. Needless to say, towing is a risky job that requires a driver to be alert and aware of his or her surroundings and actions.
Dealing With Other Motorists
There are lots of risks that are posed by other motorists during the loading up of a vehicle. A tow truck driver needs to remain safe while he or she is performing this task. There is a chance that other motorists may hit a tow truck driver and operators during this process. Quieter roads pose less danger as compared to busy roads.
Poor driving from other motorists may end up leading to fatalities. One may end up hitting the tow truck or the vehicle that is being towed. This can lead to losses being incurred by various parties.
Disgruntled Vehicle-Owners
Repossession of vehicles offers tough challenges for tow truck drivers. This occurs when a vehicle owner has missed or defaulted on payments. Not everyone will be calm watching his or her car being towed away during such circumstances.
Violence may be used in some of these cases. A tow truck driver may end up with injuries which in all honesty is not fair. He or she is just trying to do his job. Vehicles owners may also try to drive away with a vehicle that has already been secured. This poses a risk for all people at the scene.
Tow truck drivers face many challenges in their everyday undertakings in the towing industry. Care should be exercised by these drivers to ensure that they do their jobs accordingly. Sufficient rest is key to do away with any fatigue whatsoever. Motorists should also drive safely in order for them to give tow truck drivers an easy time for them to do their jobs.
