Food trucks have become quite popular recently, proving to be the ideal way for many food aficionados to start a business. Besides managing their menus, food truck owners must be mindful of how they drive. These heavy commercial trucks are loaded with heavy cooking equipment, making them trickier to operate than a standard automobile. Following safe driving practices will help prevent needing emergency towing later.

What Safety Practices Should Food Truck Drivers Follow?

1. Watch Out for Blind Spots

Food trucks have much larger blind spots than other vehicles, requiring extreme vigilance whenever you’re on the road. Pedestrians and other drivers likely aren’t aware of just how large your blind spots are. Every time you turn or change lanes, be sure to check your blind spots to avoid an accident that would require emergency towing.

2. Check Wipers Regularly

Rain can be especially challenging for food trucks, as slick conditions make it even harder to bring your vehicle to a stop. Maintaining visibility during rainy weather ensures that you can see hazards and navigate around them safely. To achieve this, check the condition of your windshield wiper blades each week. Replace blades that have become deteriorated, as they can no longer remove water efficiently. If the blades don’t move at all, it may be time to replace the wiper motor.

3. Keep Your Distance

Food trucks typically weigh between five and six tons. That increased mass means that it takes longer to bring your vehicle to a complete stop. When driving, food truck drivers should increase the distance between themselves and the car in front of them. Pay close attention to what is going on in front of you, so you can brake when other cars start to slow down. Stick to the speed limit—the faster you drive, the longer it takes to stop.

If you find yourself in need of emergency towing for your food truck, contact Buckeye Riverside Towing in Cincinnati, OH. Providing 24-hour towing to the entire Tri-State area, this towing company has the heavy-duty equipment needed to haul food trucks and other commercial vehicles. Visit them online for a complete list of services, or call (513) 244-7200 to request emergency towing assistance.