ERSCA: Service Call Season
As fall gives way to winter, the weather isn’t the only thing that changes—the service calls change too. Colder temperatures bring lower tire pressures and an increase in tire-change and air-supply calls. The first cold mornings often expose weak batteries, putting jump starts back at the top of the call list. Lockouts become more common when motorists start their vehicles to warm them up and accidentally leave the keys inside. Fuel deliveries can increase as well, especially when drivers spend more time idling or underestimate how quickly they are using fuel. For towing and roadside professionals, these are familiar calls, but colder weather can introduce additional hazards that turn a routine service into a much different working environment.
This is where training and preparation matter. Before the season changes, towing companies should take time to inspect roadside service equipment, restock trucks, review procedures, and reinforce safe work practices with their operators. Operators should approach every call with the same fundamentals: evaluate the scene before getting out of the truck, position the service vehicle to help protect the work area, wear the proper PPE, use the correct equipment, and stay aware of approaching traffic and changing road conditions. Snow, ice, darkness, wind, and cold temperatures can quickly increase the risk of even a simple service call. At ERSCA, our message is simple: Don’t let a routine call create a routine mindset. The season may change the call, but training, preparation, and safety should be part of every response.
For more information about ERSCA training programs and available savings, visit ERSCA or contact Robert Craddock, Executive Director, at (916) 617-2882 or via email at Training@ERSCATraining.org.