Vehicle breakdowns and roadside issues happen every day. For towing companies and tow truck drivers, these are the daily tasks they face. Drivers and motorists can hire a towing company for help and towing solutions. However, for those working in the tow truck industry, they need to face several types of risks every day. Different hazards and risks might be encountered by tow truck drivers. There are also challenges in operating a towing company. Below are some of the challenges and risks towing companies and tow truck drivers may expose to.
Challenges of A Towing Company
Automobile Exposures – A towing business will probably tow, load, and unloads many vehicles. So there is all the possible risk that when operating a tow truck on the roads. There are some ways to reduce such risks. The drivers need to be taught how to operate and use the equipment properly. It is necessary to keep driver’s logs, the tow truck drivers should not overwork as it will lead to driver fatigue. The drivers need to have commercial driver licenses, and they need to have good motor vehicle records. Perform drug and alcohol tests randomly to detect and prevent potential driving under influences.
Workers’ Compensation Exposures
As a towing company, your employees face risks when working on the roads. They may need to work in bad weather or road conditions, which may lead to accidents and injuries. To prevent such exposures, ensure the drivers get enough rest and sleep. Be sure to check the driver’s logs and not let them overwork.
Improve the Towing Fleet Utility
Knowing where the towing vehicles are can be similar to wandering through a maze. So be sure to use tools that can manage and monitor vehicle assets. In this way, the towing company can keep track of the assets, prevent vehicle detours, reduce overtime costs, and better allocate customer jobs to the nearest tow truck.
Liability Costs
False claims can be detrimental. It is essential to use management software that can simplify customer disputes. The software must be able to show arrival times and the amount of time spent on the site where to tow truck driver worked.
Fleet Communication
It is important to keep constant communication with the tow truck drivers. Using a fleet management solution with the capability to have a 2-way messaging function and voice navigation. This can let the dispatch and drivers to prevent detours, wasted fuel, and out-of-route miles. It can also
save costs directly and make the business operate more efficiently.
Challenges of A Tow Truck Driver
Navigating Safely
For a tow truck driver, his office is probably on the roads. Unlike the comfort of an air-conditioned office, he will need to face constant changes in weather and road conditions. Thus, they will have a constant challenge to drive on the road safely. They need to keep alert and focused on potholes, debris, reckless drivers, or even wild animals. Thus a tow truck driver should always be aware of the situation on the road and potential risks one may face.
Driving In Poor Weather
From hot scorching sun, heavy rain, to ice and snow, the precarious weather conditions will definitely make the towing job tougher. It is difficult for tow truck drivers to perform their duties in bad weather conditions. Not forgetting to mention driving a big heavy truck with a vehicle attached or carried to it.
Fatigue
Tow truck drivers may work in long shifts due to the requirement of the business. This is because some towing companies operate on a 24-hour basis. Working long shifts and long hours will lead to a driver’s fatigue. This will not only lead to reduced performance but also lead to accidents. When the driver is tired, he will be unlike to concentrate and keep focus. So it is important to rotate the shifts and check the driver’s logs to ensure they have ample rest.
Other Drivers on the Roads
There are many potential presented by other drivers on the road when loading a vehicle. The towing operator has to be safe while performing the tasks. There is a risk that a reckless driver hitting a tow truck driver during the towing process. This will lead to injuries, losses, and fatalities to various parties.