Most of us drive daily and find driving to be second nature – like riding a bike. However, that can lead to overconfidence and inattentive carelessness – which lead to accidents and claims. Vehicle backing is where drivers are most visually compromised and at risk for a collision. Protect yourself, staff, and others with these vehicle backing tips.
- Think in advance – don't put yourself into unnecessary backing situations.
- Park defensively with easy-exit parking spaces that do not crowd neighboring vehicles, and where you can fully avoid backing if possible.
- Check your attitude at the car door. Operating a multi-ton machine while angry can impact your driving behavior, reaction time, and better judgement. If you are stressed or angry and need to drive, take a moment, take deep breaths and lower your heart rate.
- Don't assume a pedestrian sees you and your vehicle.
- Move more carefully when lighting is poor or your vision is obstructed in the direction you’re backing towards.
- Always rely on your eyes above all else. Parking lots may have missing stop signs or faded traffic lane stripes – don’t expect everyone to drive or interpret parking lot pathways and structures the same way you do.
Don’t assume city vehicles have all the same features in the same places as your personal vehicle. Plan to take a moment to get to know your vehicle – especially if the city vehicle is larger than your own.
- Conduct a walk around of the vehicle and while in the driver seat before operating it. Get familiar with all necessary signal buttons or levers, the vehicle’s general and unique blind spots, and any special safety features the vehicle has that you can utilize. Blind spots can extend up to 16 feet in front and 160 feet behind a vehicle. Walkarounds can also have drivers check for obstructions, low-hanging trees and wires, and any other potential clearance-related problems for when backing out.
- Use a spotter. The driver and spotter should use hand signals instead of verbal ones and make sure they understand each other's signals. Do not have the spotter walking backwards while giving instructions. If spotting for yourself, drivers need to return to the vehicle and start backing within a few seconds after finishing the walk-around. This will allow little time for people and/or obstacles to change behind the vehicle. Backing without a spotter should only take place after a driver has as much information about the area as possible. A back up alarm can help warn away pedestrians and drivers of other vehicles who may try to enter the area the vehicle is backing into.
Every backing situation is new and different. Even if you visit the same location several times a day, you should be mindful of changes and any new obstacles. Do not become complacent.