5.3. Safe Practices
EXERCISING CAUTION WHEN EXITING THE TRUCK
A tow truck driver must exercise extreme caution when exiting the tow truck and should never turn their back to oncoming traffic for several crucial safety reasons:
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Vulnerable Position
Tow truck drivers often work on the side of busy roads or highways, which exposes them to fast-moving traffic. Exiting the tow truck puts them in a vulnerable position, where they are at risk of being struck by passing vehicles.
Limited Visibility
Drivers approaching a tow truck or accident scene may not notice the presence of the tow truck driver outside the vehicle. The driver’s dark clothing and the surrounding chaos can further reduce visibility. This makes it essential for the tow truck driver to remain visible and alert.
Unpredictable Motorists
Drivers on the road may not always obey traffic laws or pay full attention to their surroundings. Some may be distracted, impaired, or inattentive, making their behavior unpredictable. Tow truck drivers cannot rely solely on motorists to maintain a safe distance.
Speed Differential
On highways, vehicles often travel at high speeds, creating a significant speed differential between the moving traffic and the stationary or slow-moving tow truck. This speed difference can reduce the time drivers have to react to the presence of the tow truck and its driver.
Backing into Traffic
Turning their back to oncoming traffic, even momentarily, can be extremely dangerous for tow truck drivers. It leaves them unaware of potential threats approaching from behind and limits their ability to react quickly.
Safety Gear May Not Be Enough
While tow truck drivers typically wear high-visibility vests and use reflective equipment, these precautions are not foolproof. They can enhance visibility, but they do not guarantee the driver’s safety, especially if they turn their back to traffic.
Potential for Secondary Accidents:
If a tow truck driver is struck by a passing vehicle, it can lead to secondary accidents as other drivers may swerve or collide with the disabled or towed vehicles. This can compound the dangers at the scene.
To enhance their safety, tow truck drivers should follow these safety practices:
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Stay Inside Whenever Possible
Tow truck drivers should remain inside their vehicles whenever it’s safe to do so, especially in high-traffic or hazardous situations.
Use Caution Exiting
When exiting the tow truck, drivers should open the door facing away from traffic, exit quickly, and stay as close to the tow truck as possible.
Maintain Awareness
Tow truck drivers should continually scan their surroundings, looking out for approaching vehicles and remaining vigilant to any changes in traffic patterns.
Stay Visible
Use reflective clothing and equipment to remain visible to drivers. Illuminated safety equipment, such as flashing lights or LED beacons, can also help increase visibility.
Traffic Control Measures
If available, deploy safety cones, warning signs, or traffic flares to create a buffer zone between the tow truck and oncoming traffic.
By adhering to these safety precautions and never turning their back to oncoming traffic, tow truck drivers can significantly reduce the risks associated with their demanding and often hazardous job.
USE THE PASSENGER SIDE CONTROLS WHENEVER POSSIBLE
A tow truck driver’s preference for using controls on the vehicle’s passenger side whenever possible is primarily driven by safety considerations and practicality.
Several reasons to utilize the passenger side:
- Visibility & Safety
- Distance from Traffic
- Quick Access to the Cab
- Minimize Exposure
While using controls on the passenger side is a preferred practice for tow truck drivers, it’s important to note that there may be situations where they have to use controls on the driver’s side due to the specific circumstances of a tow or other operational considerations. In such cases, drivers must exercise additional caution and maintain situational awareness to mitigate the associated risks. However, whenever possible, the preference for passenger-side controls remains a fundamental safety measure in the towing industry.