You may not realize it, but working as a tow truck driver can be a dangerous job. According to Carsurance, those who work in the towing industry have a 15 times higher fatality risk compared to workers in the private sector. While there is a risk in this industry, those who are experienced in working with and around tow trucks take safety precautions to decrease their risk. Here are three safety precautions that experienced tow truck drivers follow.

1. Ensuring They Stay Visible and Seen

One of the most important safety precautions that all tow truck drivers should take is ensuring they stay visible and seen. One of the most common ways that tow truck drivers are injured on the job is due to being struck by another vehicle when they are helping a motorist stranded on the roadway. By using road flares, warning lights, and wearing bright colors, tow truck drivers can increase their visibility and help other drivers on the road see them, even when it is dark out.

2. Properly Securing a Vehicle

Another safety precaution that tow truck drivers should take is properly securing a vehicle on their tow trucks. Vehicles that are not properly secured can present many hazards. They can become loose during transport and roll off the tow truck or tip. They can also move or shift, which can be hazardous for a tow truck driver when they unload the vehicle. Properly securing the vehicle is important for safety for not only themselves, but for other motorists as well.

3. Driving Safely and Defensively

The final safety precaution that experienced tow truck drivers follow is always driving safely and defensively. Due to the number of miles that tow truck drivers drive each day, they are at high risk of being involved in an automobile accident. By driving safely and defensively, they can greatly reduce their risk of being involved in an accident.

Working with and around tow trucks can be a dangerous job. However, there are steps that tow truck drivers can take to minimize their risk, including ensuring that they stay visible and seen, properly securing a vehicle on their tow truck, and driving safely and defensively. If you are in need of the assistance of tow truck companies, including jumping-starting a dead battery, replacing a tire, or using tow trucks to transport your vehicle, our team can help. Call us now at Meyer Towing & Recovery for an estimate.