Tow Truck Safety Equipment: What Is Required In Your State?

Tow truck safety equipment is mandatory in most states — the vehicle must be fully equipped before being allowed into service. In Utah, as in many states, all drivers and companies must make sure their truck complies with a detailed list of tow truck safety equipment requirements before responding to a call.

Lights

First of all, tow trucks must have at least one amber oscillating light mounted on their highest point, and it has to be at least six inches in diameter. The purpose of this light is to alert passing motorists and other emergency vehicles that the tow truck is in service.

If the truck uses a wheel lift for towing, the brake lights, turn signals and hazard lights may be blocked when a towed vehicle is attached. In this case, the driver must attach portable lights to the rear of the vehicle that can be seen by other motorists. They can be wireless.

Chains and Ties

Tow truck safety equipment must include at least four tie-down chains or straps used to secure loose, heavy loads. There also should be an adequate number of door and wheel ties. These are used to ensure no doors swing open while the car is in transport and the wheels stay firmly locked in place. At least seven high-quality safety chains must be used to lock the vehicle on the truck bed.

When towing specialists are recovering a vehicle from a slippery roadway, they need to be able to stabilize it so it does not move. They must have two chock blocks on hand to help with this.

Cleanup and Fire Safety

Since tow trucks regularly respond to the scene of accidents, it’s important that they carry the necessary tools to clean up the roadway and put out fires in case of an emergency.

All towing vehicles must carry a fully charged fire extinguisher. They also must maintain an adequate supply of oil absorbent so that all engine discharge, including motor oil, antifreeze, fuel and acid, can be cleaned from the roadway.

Tow truck safety equipment should also include a broom and shovel to sweep up broken windshield glass. A 5-gallon debris container must be on board to transport the glass to a proper disposal location.

Traffic Control

Sometimes tow truck drivers have to move about the stalled or crashed vehicle in the flow of heavy traffic. They must wear a highly reflective vest while doing so, and they should have reflective safety cones available to set up around their work area. This keeps them and the driver and passengers safe.

You can depend on Stauffer’s Towing to respond to your call with trucks that are fully equipped with the necessary tow truck safety equipment to get the job done right and on time.