A tow truck driver’s job can be demanding because it involves a lot of heavy lifting and bending, work around dangerous traffic, and often requires working in bad weather. Most tow truck drivers are on call and are required to respond to a vehicle accident or breakdown quickly to assist drivers and keep traffic moving.
Many people don’t realize how difficult a tow truck driver’s job is, and there are a lot of factors that operators have to deal with every day that put them in danger. Below are some common factors that can complicate the work that needs to be done.
Inclement Weather
When the weather is bad, you can be sure there will be someone who is broken down on the side of the road. They may be stuck in a snowbank or they may be in an accident because of fog or slick roads. This might happen while the driver is in heavy traffic, which puts a tow truck driver in further danger. In hotter states (such as Texas) where the weather easily averages in the 90’s, a car’s engine can heat up resulting in the need to be towed because their car won’t start.
Distracted Drivers
Cell phones have been a distractions for drivers ever since they were first released. Texting, talking, social media, and even looking at a GPS system are the most common causes of distraction on the road. A tow truck driver could be injured or killed by a driver who isn’t paying attention to the road because of his or her cell phone.
Fatigue
A tow truck driver is often called out in the middle of the night to go to the scene of an accident. Whether a tow truck driver is on a country road or on a busy highway, fatigue can be problematic. In addition to fatigue, tow truck drivers called out to poorly lit areas (especially back roads) are in more danger due to lack of visibility. Many tow truck drivers also face long shifts, which can cause further fatigue as their day (or night) goes on.
Road Rage
A driver who has had the unfortunate experience of having their vehicle impounded may not be in the best of moods, which can put a tow truck driver at risk. This not only happens in highly populated areas, but it can also occur in rural areas as well. While people may be angry that their car is towed against their will, it’s important that they keep in mind that the tower is just doing their job and assisting the property owner or city with keeping unauthorized vehicles from areas they shouldn’t be.
How You Can Help
While people often think of tow truck drivers as people who take away others vehicles against their will, they do a lot more for the community than many realize. Without their help, people would experience much longer wait times when accidents occur on the road.
Everyone in the community can do their part to help keep tow truck drivers safe and make it easier for them to do their job–which in turn helps everyone. If you see a tow truck trying to get by to assist for an accident, it’s critical to try to give them space to maneuver–especially in congested areas. If you see a tow truck on the side of the road, be sure to move over a lane (the “Move Over” Law is in effect in Texas). Not only is not moving over illegal, it can put the tow truck driver in danger.
Finally, be sure to stay off your phone and focus on the road while you’re driving. Not only is operating a phone while driving, it’s dangerous for you and others on the road–tow truck operators included.
If your looking for a towing Company in Gresham, Chandler, or Tyler, Tx, give Hi-Way Towing a call!
