Becoming a tow truck operator is not an easy feat. To become one, you should have a clean driving record, you’ll need to earn a Commercial Vehicle Operator’s Registration (CVOR), and you should have basic vehicle maintenance knowledge. And in many cases, companies will want you to possess a clean record, because you are dealing with a lot of private property. What many probably don’t realize is that being a tow truck driver can be quite hazardous.
1. High Incident Rate
When thinking of dangerous jobs, most probably don’t think of the towing profession. Tow truck operators provide a variety of roadside assistance services to motorists, including passenger car towing, commercial vehicle towing and roadside vehicle repairs. They also help in cases of traffic incidents in coordination with fire, police and emergency medical services. Unfortunately, the statistics show that of all first responders, towing professionals are at significantly greater risk for injury and even death on the job mainly due to pedestrian struck-by incidents. The US national fatality rates for commercial tow truck drivers exceeds those of other first responders who visit traffic accident sites.
2. Road Navigation
Navigating the roads can be a challenge in and of itself. Traffic, slippery roads, rough conditions and potholes can all be factors making it difficult to do one’s job. It is especially hard when driving a large truck and pulling or transporting a car or trailer, and sometimes even a heavy vehicle such as a bus. A good tow truck driver should not only know his local roads, highways, shortcuts and traffic trends, but must also do it while towing heavy loads which greatly affect the handling of the tow truck. A driver must be extra vigilant and prudent to navigate the bumpy and busy roads.
3. Poor Weather and Conditions
Most people understand how much more challenging driving in bad weather can be, especially in Canadian winters, as we explain in a recent blog post. Rain, snow and ice can make it very difficult to recover broken-down or damaged vehicles on the road. Nasty conditions also add to the danger that other motorists may not see and could even hit tow truck operators who are on a recovery job. Although it’s best not to drive or tow in poor weather, sometimes it is necessary to do so. At the end of the day, it’s part of the job! It simply becomes that much more important to be a preventive driver and extra vigilant when outside of the vehicle.
4. Bad driving skills
Not all tow trucks are the same and not all drivers are equally skilled. In fact, there are three levels of certification in the towing industry. Light-duty, medium/heavy duty, and heavy recovery.
In addition to mastering the feel, size and functionality of their vehicles, a tow truck driver must also deal with other motorists on the road, some of which have dangerous driving habits or poor driving skills. When traffic is dense and fast, such as on highways like the 401, it makes towing operations much more difficult and dangerous when stepping out of their vehicle. Lastly, as mentioned above, the added size and weight of a towed vehicle, much like driving a semi truck, severely affects the handling of a tow truck. The more training and experience a tow truck operator has, the better!
Mind the road for tow truck operators!
Note that this list is not exhaustive. The road is a dangerous place and should be taken seriously. Next time you are driving on the highway, keep an eye out for accidents, first responders and tow truck operators.
Should you ever require some help on the road, call Oshawa Towing
