Tow truck drivers are the unsung heroes of the automotive world. They often risk their own safety to help stranded motorists get back on the road. But in order to tow a car safely, tow truck drivers need to follow some basic safety measures. In this article, we'll discuss four of the most important safety measures tow truck drivers should follow.

1. Always Wear a Seat Belt

This may seem like a no-brainer, but you would be surprised how many tow truck drivers don't wear seat belts. Wearing a seat belt is one of the most important safety measures tow truck drivers can take. In the event of an accident, a seat belt will help keep them in their tow truck and prevent them from being ejected from the vehicle.

2. Use Caution When Towing a Car

Towing a car is not as simple as just hooking up the tow truck to the car and driving off. When towing a car, tow truck drivers need to use caution to avoid accidents. One reason for this is that tow trucks are much larger and heavier than the average car. This can make it difficult to stop quickly and can lead to accidents if the driver is not careful. To prevent serious issues, according to Kelley Blue Book, drivers should never come within 10% of their vehicle's towing capacity.

Another reason tow truck drivers need to use caution is that they are often towing cars that are not in good condition. These cars have broken down for a reason and may not be easily towed. This could lead to difficulty making sharp turns or keeping up with the flow of traffic.

3. Be Aware of Your Surroundings

Tow truck drivers need to be aware of their surroundings at all times. This means being aware of other cars on the road as well as pedestrians and animals. Tow truck drivers need to be extra cautious when backing up, as it can be difficult to see behind the tow truck.

4. Keep an Eye on the Weather

Tow truck drivers need to be aware of the weather conditions before they head out on a call. If the weather is bad, it can make towing a car more difficult and dangerous. If possible, wait until the weather clears before heading out on a call.

Following these four safety measures, tow truck drivers can stay safe while they're on the job and keep their clients safe, too. To learn more about tow truck safety or to get towing services from a company that values safety, call Advanced Towing today.