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Ohio Tow Truck Accidents
While we tend to think of tow trucks as first responders to motorists who have been involved in a crash or breakdown, they can also be the cause of truck accidents. Driver negligence or improper loading or maintenance can lead to catastrophic collisions with other vehicles or pedestrians on the road.
The size and weight difference between tow trucks and other passenger vehicles can mean devastating consequences for anyone involved in an accident with these types of trucks.
Types of Tow Trucks
The purpose of tow trucks is to transport vehicles that have either broken down or been damaged in a collision. Generally, tow trucks fall into one of the following categories:
Hook and chain
Chains are hooked onto vehicle frames or axles and they are pulled from behind via a hydraulic pulley system. These types of tow trucks are typically reserved for junk vehicles and are rarely used because they can cause damage to vehicles.
Wheel-lift
These are similar to hook and chain tow trucks, but a metal yoke is used instead of a chain. The metal yoke is hooked under the front or rear wheels of towed vehicles, and hydraulic or pneumatic hoists are used to pull. Wheel-lifts have replaced hook and chain tow trucks because they cause less damage to vehicles.
Flatbed
A hydraulic system tilts the bed to an angle so that vehicles can either be driven or loaded onto the ramp. The bed is then leveled out in order to haul vehicles. This is considered the safest and preferred means of towing because vehicles are secured on the bed rather than being dragged from behind.
Common Causes of Tow Truck Accidents
To avoid accidents due to faulty equipment, it is essential that tow trucks be regularly inspected, repaired, and maintained. It is also the responsibility of employers to hire safe drivers and to provide adequate training for their employees. Tow truck drivers must also operate these types of vehicles in a safe manner, which includes obeying state and federal laws.
Some of the most common causes of tow truck accidents include:
- Improper maintenance
- Inexperienced drivers
- Failing to maintain and enforce safety policies
- Hiring drivers with poor driving records
- Improper loading or failing to secure cargo
- Exceso de velocidad
- Failing to provide adequate training for drivers
- Failing to check blind spots
- Conducción distraída
- Illegal lane changes
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