Secondary Navigation

tow truck safety in rain

5 Tips for Tow Truck Driver Safety in the Rain

When you work in the towing industry, you know that you always have to be ready to work, no matter the weather. Driving tow trucks during inclement weather comes with risks, so we’re here to share our top five tips for tow truck driver safety in the rain. 

5 Tow Truck Driver Safety Tips To Follow in the Rain

Whether you’ve recently added a wheel lift to your truck for light-duty towing or you’ve worked in the towing industry for years, it’s essential to stay in the know with the best tow truck driver safety tips during inclement weather.

1. Prep Your Truck for the Rain

Before you hit the road, it’s important to perform a visual inspection of your vehicle to ensure it’s in tip-top shape. Make sure the lights are working correctly, tires have enough tread and are filled with enough air, and windshield wipers are in good condition with clean blades. For an extra safety measure, install rain repellant on your windshield to keep water away and your vision clear.

2. Slow It Down

Tow truck operators have many jobs and must stick to a schedule. When the weather is bad, it’s better to slow down and take your time rather than rushing and performing poorly or putting yourself in danger. We recommend reducing your speed by a few miles per hour under the speed limit. This will give you more control, improve stability, and increase overall safety. It’s also best to increase the following distance between yourself and other vehicles on the road. 

3. Be Cautious When Turning

Driving on straight flat roads during a rainstorm is one thing, but taking turns and curves is another situation. Be sure to give yourself plenty of time to slow down before you make a wide curve or hit a sharp turn. Precision and caution will be vital in preventing accidents and keeping yourself safe. 

4. Eliminate Distractions

During the rain, it’s best to set yourself up for success by eliminating as many distractions as possible. Plug all the addresses you need into your GPS before hitting the road, and then avoid using your phone. You can even put it in “Do Not Disturb” mode, so you aren’t tempted to text and drive. In most cases, whatever you have to do on your phone can wait until the next time you stop for gas. 

5. Know Your Limits

As a tow truck driver, you must use your best judgment to know when to stop rather than push yourself. If you’re uncomfortable driving on the current conditions of the road, never be afraid to pull over and stop driving. If you don’t feel safe, you might be putting other drivers at risk, so it’s best for everyone involved if you pull over until conditions improve. Just be sure there’s ample space or an emergency lane for you to pull over and take a break. 

Want To Take Your Towing Efficiency up a Notch? 

Tow truck driving is hard work and especially difficult during inclement weather. Following these tow truck safety tips and remaining focused ensures you’re doing your part to improve safety for everyone on the road.

Want to take your towing efficiency up a notch? The Minute Man XD Slide-In Wheel Lift can make your life much easier. It’s perfect for light-duty applications and is often used in vehicle repossession. Let’s talk about what it can do for your business. Give us a call at 877-593-6959 or contact us online today. 

The material and information contained on this website is for general information purposes only. You should not rely upon the material or information on the website as a basis for making business, legal or other decisions. 

Comments are closed.

A website by Gaijin LLC.