Towing services is a serious business. It requires expertise not only in business operations but in actual driving skills as well. If you want to engage in the towing enterprise, you should be aware that towing requires extreme safety precautions. Below are some of the most notable safety tips that tow truck drivers and operators should be aware of:
There should be no passengers in the trailers
When towing any kind of vehicle, it is extremely important to make sure that there are no person sitting in the trailer. If you will allow passengers in the trailers, you will not only put them in danger, you are also inviting accidents to happen while the vehicle is being towed.
Ensure proper trailer loading
If you load the vehicle properly on your trailer, you can avoid sways and shakes when driving. When you load the towed vehicle, you should make sure that the heavy part lies ahead of the axle. You should also make sure that the load on both sides are balanced. In order to prevent shifting, make sure that chains, hooks, and slides are attached firmly to the trailer.
You should also check the tongue weight. This refers to the downward force that is produced by the trailer to the hitch ball. Most of the time, the tongue weight is equivalent to 10 to 15 percent of Gross Trailer Weight or the actual weight of the trailer once it is fully loaded. Note that if the towed vehicle tongue weight is too low, the trailer may sway. However, if the tongue weight is quite heavy, the trailer might not be able to function properly. Make sure that the trailer is heavier on the front side.
Proper driving
You have to note that when you are driving a tow truck, you are not just driving the truck alone. The vehicle that you are towing will affect your driving performance. Bear in mind that the weight of a trailer will inevitably affect the acceleration, speed, and brake power of your tow truck.
As such, when you are driving a towing truck, you have to make sure that you provide additional time whenever you pass, stop, or change lanes. If you can, avoid passing on rough roads. If you need to pass by such roads, make sure that you drive slowly as severe road bumps cannot only damage your towing vehicle, it will also damage the trailer.
If the trailer starts to sway, stop and make the necessary changes
In general, sways cannot be completely prevented. It may be caused by a sudden wind gust, or a sudden change in the speed of the tow truck. However, if the trailer sways excessively, you will have to stop and check the cause of the swaying. You should check the trailer load and secure the harness equipment.
