If you were to ask us, not so many professions are judged as quickly or inaccurately as towing. Many experienced tow truck operators have had calls where the first thing that’s mentioned isn’t about a broken vehicle or a tricky recovery. Instead, the calls come with serious frustration, suspicion, or sometimes even hostility from someone who assumes the worst before you get the chance to say a word.
Well, it is easy to understand this, since myths can be deeply rooted at times, despite being baseless. So, just in case you have been wondering, here are some of the myths you should be ready for in your work as a tow truck driver.
1. Anyone Can Tow a Vehicle
Expect this one a lot, especially after giving your quotes. Many drivers, especially those who are frustrated about a mistake they committed that led to an accident, can be rather unaccommodating in such a situation. An experienced tow truck driver should be composed in these moments.
Once the driver calms down, explain that hooking up a vehicle isn’t guesswork. It requires a technical approach, situational awareness, and can be quite unforgiving of mistakes.
Besides, this is such a serious profession that even requires you to take board-approved TDLR towing license continuing education courses to update your knowledge on best practices and laws that guide your practice. What’s more, there are challenges all around, from hybrid and electric systems with unique risks to traffic control and a vital necessity for scene awareness.
2. Tow Truck Drivers Are Just Out to Make Money
This one’s also quite common and the most damaging of all. The assumption here is that towing exists to exploit unfortunate situations. While, of course, some drivers take advantage, the truth is that there are a lot of good drivers out there.
What’s more, customers who believe that tow truck drivers are opportunists who are just after making money out of drivers’ misfortunes couldn’t be more wrong. Tow truck operators respond to emergencies, not create them.
As a truck driver, however, it is your responsibility to respond professionally and educate your customers regarding the rules and guidelines that exist. Also, be as transparent as you can with your pricing, so you won’t be labelled as an extortionist.
3. Towing Is Safe Compared to Other Road Jobs
Well, this one is quite misleading, actually. The reality about a towing career is that it places you in one of the most dangerous roadside professions. In truth, the towing industry has a fatality rate of 42.9 deaths per 100,000 workers, just in case you are wondering how dangerous it can get.
The common causes for these accidents and incidents are distracted driving, failure to move over, and speeding. Of course, there is not much you can do about a distracted driver, but you can always position your truck to create a safety buffer when possible or pause the job until the scene is safe enough.
4. Illegal Parking Tows Are the Driver’s Decision
Not every car owner will be aware of the fact that towing decisions are rarely made by the tow truck operator on site. What many of these car owners fail to understand is that almost all impounds are a result of property owner requests, law enforcement orders, or posted parking enforcement agreements.
Hearing this myth from a confrontational car owner can be upsetting and may even feel personal. The best thing you can do is to avoid arguing, as that can invite a physical altercation. If the car owner gives you a chance, read out the written authorisation, signage, or dispatch instructions to help them understand why you are towing their vehicle.
Become a Better Tow Truck Driver With RocketCert
Misconceptions about towing aren’t going away any time soon. If you are interested in this career, expect high-stress moments where emotions can run hot and understanding diminishes. This is where professionalism and clarity come in.
And what better way to learn about the best practices of your job than to take continuing education (CE) courses from a top provider like RocketCert? With their expertly written and fully narrated courses, you not only renew your licence with ease, but also gain knowledge that will help you work with greater accuracy and confidence.
