Backing up your vehicle is one of the most dangerous driving activities and the cause of many accidents. Backover is the term applied to hitting a person while backing. Children are often the victims of backovers. About 50 children are hit or run over each week, mostly by parents, grandparents and neighbors in residential driveways. Property damage is another casualty. Backing up accidents are avoidable by following safety guidelines.
Make sure you can see well. Double check and reposition mirrors before starting the car. Keep windows clean for clear visibility. Remove any obstacles obstructing or distracting your sight within the vehicle. Don't allow anything to block the rear window.
Be aware of your vehicle's blind spots. Place a 24" tall object behind your car or truck, keep moving it back until you can see it in your rear view mirror. This indicates how far back a small child must be in order for you to see her. It is often further than 10 feet! In a pick up or SUV it can be much further back. Keep this in mind when preparing to back up. You cannot rely on your mirrors for a complete view of what's behind you.
Before you start your car, do a walk around to see what's behind you. This is especially applicable in residential settings or store parking lots. Shopping carts can be difficult to see at night. Once you determine the way is clear, immediately begin to back while simultaneously rechecking the path behind you. Circumstances change, so do not wait several minutes. If your departure is delayed, do another walk around.
When parking, observe the terrain or possible obstacles, especially when you are in unfamiliar surroundings. Park in the center of the parking space leaving adequate room on either side of the vehicle for neighboring vehicles.
How well you back up depends upon your skills. If you are not confident of your backing ability, practice in a deserted parking lot on weekends using traffic cones. You can improve your skills with practice, which will make you a better driver overall. Turn your head and upper body to watch through the rear window. Keep watching directly and in the rear view mirror. Don't compromise your driving ability with distractions. Turn off radio, roll down windows, and put away the cell phone when backing. Concentrate and stay alert. You may sound your horn briefly twice if backing in a parking lot or busy area. If you are in doubt while backing, pull forward and do another walk around or ask someone outside the vehicle to spot for you.
Teach your teen drivers these vehicle backing safety tips. Model these techniques for young drivers. This is how they will learn their value. Teach children not to play near or behind vehicles. Instruct them to not leave bikes or other items behind parked cars. Model backing safety by supervising young children when someone is leaving the house in a vehicle.
