The 5 Hardest Parts of a Tow Truck Driver’s Job

Tow truck drivers serve the public diligently. They are the unsung heroes of the roads who have obtained the necessary training, licensing, and certifications for their jobs. They provide various roadside services for motorists. However, their job is not an easy one. While every occupation has its own risks, being a tow truck driver is dangerous work.

Here are the 5 hardest parts of a tow truck driver’s job:

1. Other Motorists

Tow truck drivers have to work on the side or in the middle of the road, all while other vehicles are driving by at high speeds. In many cases, these cars come very close to the tow truck, the driver, and the vehicle they are towing. The likelihood of motorists hitting the vehicle or the tow truck driver and causing a deadly accident is very high. The risk is even higher in poorly lit areas at night. Even though tow truck drivers take certain precautions e.g. using flares, wearing bright clothing, etc. the risks posed by other motorists are still present.

2. Dangerous Surroundings

Vehicle breakdowns are most of the time emergency situations where drivers don’t have time to get to a safe location. Places that pose risks for small vehicles are usually more dangerous for tow trucks. From getting to a stranded vehicle to difficult terrain and narrow lanes, there are many risky situations for tow truck drivers.

3. Distractions

Distraction while driving is another challenge tow truck drivers face. This distraction could be internal like fatigue or drifting thoughts or it could be external e.g. calls for work coming in. Professional and trained drivers are less susceptible to distractions, but they are only human. Being self-aware is very important when it comes to distractions as they are one of the hardest parts of a tow truck driver’s job.

4. General Road Navigation

If the average motorist finds twisting roads, narrow lanes, and potholes to be difficult to navigate, then the difficulty is tenfold for a tow truck driver. Apart from the usual road hazards, one of the hardest parts of a tow truck driver’s job is to know how to safely and quickly get to where they need to be. As compared to an average motorist, the general road navigation is more dangerous for a tow truck driver.

5. Bad Weather

Driving in bad weather is difficult enough and tow truck drivers have to do it with another vehicle attached to their own. Not only do they have to handle their own load, but they also have to watch out for debris as well as other drivers that are struggling due to bad weather condition. A tiny mistake in snow or rain could mean huge trouble for everyone.

The job of tow truck drivers is not easy. They always need to acknowledge occupational hazards and take the necessary precautions to ensure their safety as well as the safety of others on the road. They work diligently to serve drivers stranded on the road. Yet, it is important that they return home safely themselves.

We at Jan’s Towing strongly promote and encourage safe driving. We also know that sometimes things go wrong and you may need roadside assistance in the future. When you need help with your vehicle while on the road, Jan’s Towing offers fast & reliable towing and roadside assistance – everywhere in the San Gabriel Valley, such as Azusa, Glendora, Covina, West Covina, Arcadia, Irwindale, City of Industry, Rowland Heights, and beyond. In Inland Empire, we service the cities of Fontana, Rialto, Bloomington, Rancho Cucamonga, Ontario, and surrounding cities. We will respond immediately on a 24/7 basis, so give us a call right now at (626) 914-1841 if you are in need of towing or any roadside assistance!