Towing a Vehicle
We all know that driving has its associated risks involved, especially in our harsh Canadian winters we experience every year. For this reason, breakdowns happen. Whether you choose to call a towing company for assistance or you decide to try towing a vehicle yourself, there are many cautionary procedures you can take to eliminate the dangers. Here’s a list of 5 dangers you may (or will) encounter when towing a vehicle and how you can minimize these risks and keep yourself safe.
Other Drivers
If you’re towing a vehicle that is broken down on the side of the road, there are serious risk involved. Whether you’re on the side of a highway or a residential street, you have to keep in mind that there are going to other drivers continuing to utilize the space. Always ensure you are using proper or required hazard lights to indicate your presence. Additionally, although you think you are being seen, this is not always the case. Be aware of your surroundings and stay off the road as much as possible.
Bad Weather When Towing a Vehicle
Winter can bring some pretty crazy weather conditions. If you find yourself towing a vehicle in the heart of winter, remember to put your safety first. Whether you’re stuck in the ditch or just broken down on the side of the road, always assess the situation and determine whether it’s a safe enough place to be towing a vehicle or if it’s better to come back at a later time.
Road Conditions
Similar to the last point, if you’re towing a vehicle yourself, be honest with yourself and realize that you’re probably not a professional. If the roads are covered with snow and ice, it might be better to either call a professional towing company or simply leave and come back to your broken or stuck vehicle when road conditions are better.
Hazard Lights & Other Warning Materials
If you do not have the equipment to properly and legally be towing a vehicle, you’re better off to call a professional. This equipment could include things like lighting (including brake, hazard and signal lights) as well as properly connecting the main vehicle to the secondary vehicle.
Driving Skills
Towing a vehicle isn’t as easy as it may seem. Especially when you’re simply just pulling a vehicle, there are many precautions and strategies you should consider. This may include things like braking time, braking power, turning radius, and traction. In addition to these challenges, other drivers are not always as courteous as they could or should be.
Vehicle Damage
When you choose to tow your own vehicle, you have the risk of damaging your own vehicle which you may be responsible for. Of course, anytime a vehicle is towed, there are risks of damage. But when you call a professional, they will always have insurance to cover these types of damages and ensure the situation will not end bad or end up costing you much more than it should.
Towing a Vehicle Should be done by Professionals
We understand, not everyone wants to pay for towing a vehicle when the believe they can simply call a friend and do it themselves. In some cases this may be true. When you’re driving in low populated areas or residential streets with slower traffic and less traffic overall, it could be done. But when you’re located on or using a major highway where speed limits are 80 km/h, 100 km/h or more, this can be extremely unsafe. Unsafe for you and unsafe for other vehicles.
Rather than towing a vehicle on your own, calling a professional is always the way to go to ensure the safety of everyone involved. If you’re in need of assistance, give Towing Coquitlam a call. Their attention to detail will ensure your bad day will never turn worse!
