Is it possible to remain in the car during car towing in Melbourne?
Breakdowns or accidents can be a source of stress, and at Maningham Towing, the question most frequent on everybody’s lips is, “Can you stay in the car while it is being towed?” In case you are in Melbourne and are going to need towing, you must understand the rules and the safety precautions to keep you safe and facilitate the towing process without hitches. In this blog, we will explain if passengers can stay inside a towed vehicle, why it is generally not allowed, and give more information about car towing Melbourne services.
Towing Rules in Melbourne
In Melbourne and also in the whole of Australia, particular rules govern towing services. The motor road safety laws of Victoria do not allow passengers to remain inside the vehicle while towing. It is a measure towards the safety of passengers and the operator of the tow truck. Passengers sitting inside the vehicle during towing expose themselves to unnecessary risks and the control systems of the vehicle may not be functional during towing.
Why You Should Not Stay in the Car During Towing
There are a few important reasons why passengers cannot stay inside the vehicle during towing. It is now time to expound on some of the possible risks and issues that could arise if someone were allowed to stay in the car while it is being towed:
Safety Hazards
While a vehicle is in the process of being towed, it is no longer in control of its movement. In such cases, the steering, brakes, and other vital systems are not functioning as they would be when the car is being normally driven. Therefore, any sudden turns, stops, or shifts on the road might lead to jerking and swaying of the vehicle. In this scenario, a person sitting inside the car may get seriously injured in the case of an accident or jerk. Due to this fact, sitting inside the car while towing is highly dangerous.
Legal Regulations
As I mentioned before, besides the unsafety of the situation, it is against the law to be inside a vehicle that is being towed throughout much of Australia, including Melbourne. Victorian traffic laws state that all passengers must exit the vehicle before it is hooked up to a tow truck. This may be the case, whether you will undertake a flatbed tow truck, wheel-lift tow, or whatever form of towing service there is. If not, you will attract fines or some other kind of penalties.
Increased Liability to the Tow Truck Operators
To any towing operator, safety comes first. Allowing passengers to remain inside during towing makes the process way more complex and it involves much greater liability to the towing operators. A passenger inside a vehicle that is being towed could inadvertently interfere with the towing or suffer grave injuries that might have some legal or insurance repercussions. For this reason, at Maningham Towing, we care about your safety and that of our team; always remove passengers from the vehicle before it is engaged to be towed.
Alternative Ways to Deal with the Issue of Passengers During Towing
Now, with an understanding of why one can’t stay in the vehicle while it’s being towed, one might consider options. Well, at Maningham Towing, we make sure there are alternative ways to keep safe and comfortable while your vehicle is being towed.
Ride Along with the Tow Truck Operator
In most situations, the tow truck driver will let you ride with them in the cab. That is just assurance that you are safe while your vehicle is in transport to whatever destination you want to go. Our Melbourne car towing service includes one or two passengers to be able to ride in the truck cab. If you find yourself in an accident or a breakdown, this is how you are going to stay with your vehicle while getting to your destination safely.
Alternative Transportation-arrange
Otherwise, you can make arrangements if there are more passengers than the tow truck can carry or if the tow truck has no space. You may call for a rideshare service, or a taxi, or ask a friend or a member of the family to fetch you. What is important is that the persons get safe ways to their destinations before the towing process begins.
Stay at a Safe Location
If you are at a location where you can safely wait, such as a gas station, rest stop, or even a parking lot, it is advisable to do so while the vehicle is in tow. This may especially apply when deep in the countryside or some remote setting. Always think about your safety, especially when your car happens to break down on a busy thoroughfare or highway.
Maningham Towing is your trusted car towing Melbourne, offering reliable support whether you’ve experienced a breakdown, a road accident, or any other vehicle issue. Our team is dedicated to helping you get back on the road quickly and safely.
For your safety, and in line with Victoria’s official towing regulations, always exit the vehicle before towing begins—passengers should never remain inside while the vehicle is being towed.
For immediate, friendly, and affordable towing, call Maningham Towing today. We are here for you, night and day, to help when you need it.