SAFE BACKING

Reversing is hazardous with any vehicle. It is an awkward and unnatural movement and many collisions result from this manoeuvre. Vision is restricted, small vehicles and pedestrians can move quickly behind your vehicle out of sight. There is no other driving manoeuvre that leaves everything to pure chance as backing a vehicle. Fortunately, it is the most preventable of all types of collisions.

Always minimize your need to back but if you must, plan this event in advance.

Although a number of drivers avoid backing, understanding some basic steps will help make your backing a little easier and knowing other factors will assist in making this procedure safer.

BACKING IN A STRAIGHT LINE

If you are backing in a straight line it is an accepted practice to turn around in your seat and back your vehicle while looking out the rear window. Before you start the backing manoeuvre however, do a 360-degree turn in your seat to ensure there are no obstacles or vehicles (defined as other traffic, pedestrians, skateboards, bicycles, etc.) infringing on your vehicle’s intended path. This 360-degree turn means checking out your left rear window, your driver’s window, your driver’s mirror, your windshield, your rear view mirror, your passenger mirror, your passenger window, your right rear window and the rear window. In addition, remember that your blind spot is the area from the bottom of your rear window to the ground. After completing the 360-degree check, begin your backing manoeuvre with caution and periodically check around as your vehicle continues in reverse.

If at any time you are not 100% sure of what is behind or adjacent to your vehicle, stop, apply your park brake, place your vehicle in the appropriate parking gear, get out and check around the vehicle. Remember you are not glued to the seat so if in doubt, get out. Also remember this manoeuvre never has speed attached to it. Backing is done extremely slow, no faster than a normal walk.

BACKING AND TURNING

When backing, there are two major factors related to steering that tends to cause difficulty.

1/ When backing and turning you move the steering wheel in the direction you want the rear of the vehicle to travel. When backing, however, think of the rear of your vehicle as being the front. So when backing to the right you turn the steering wheel to the right; when backing to the left, turn the steering wheel to the left. The exception to this is, if there is a unit (trailer) attached to the rear of your vehicle. The connection between the trailer and the vehicle is now a pivot point and aiming the trailer in a certain direction requires the opposite technique as noted previously. With a trailer attached, to set the direction of the trailer, you must turn your steering wheel in the opposite direction to where you want the trailer to turn. So as you back and want the trailer to turn to the right, move the steering wheel to the left and backing the trailer to the left requires right movement of the steering wheel. Also remember that the closer your trailer wheels are to the pivot or connecting point of your vehicle, the quicker the trailer will respond when backing; so back very, very slow.

2/ When backing, the rear wheels of the vehicle always follow a path, or track, inside those of the front wheels. This means when backing and turning, the front of the vehicle will often swing out in the direction opposite to which you are turning the steering wheel. As a result 2 high hazard points develop when turning in reverse. Those hazard points are the rear corner in the direction you are turning and the opposite corner in the front.

COMMERCIAL DRIVERS

For drivers of commercial vehicles the manoeuvres noted above are similar except that many commercial vehicles require mirror usage due to chassis design directly behind the driver’s head – no window. As many commercial drivers use mirrors for reversing, there are additional concerns.

First is the inability to see overhead obstructions in mirrors when the obstruction is close to the vehicle. Drivers should either note the obstruction before reversing, example, as you approach the area in a forward motion, or check by getting out of the vehicle to ensure no contact will be made between vehicle and obstruction.

Secondly, whether you have back up alarms or “beepers”, activate your 4-way flashers. If you have no back up alarm then sound your horn before backing and every few feet until you stop. Both visual and audible signals when backing aid the visual and hard of hearing pedestrian. Most important don’t rely on these aids to avoid conflict…if in doubt get out and check.

Commercial drivers often use “guides” to assist in backing manoeuvres. The requirements here are:

a/ The driver is always in control; never the guide.

b/ The driver is always responsible for any collision; you can’t blame the guide.

c/ Ensure you and your guide mutually understand hand motions for backing.

d/ The guide must always be positioned on the drivers rear corner; if the guide can see you in your rear mirror, you can see the guide.

e/ If you, as the driver, can’t see the guide or they suddenly disappear from view, stop your vehicle immediately.

f/ Try and select a reliable guide, familiar with the operation of your vehicle, they have a better understanding of what you see from your driving position.

Remember these rules when backing:

1/ Avoid backing - ask yourself “is it necessary to back at this time”? Can I position my vehicle so whenever I stop I can continue in a forward motion when I’m ready to leave? An example is when you park along a curb behind a vehicle. If you park too close to the vehicle ahead you now have to back up before leaving the curb. Backing has risk, avoid the risk.

2/ Back out of traffic – drive into traffic. When entering a driveway back into the driveway and drive out of the driveway. Remember when backing into a driveway or parking spot there is minimal risk. Backing out into traffic has a great deal of risk; other traffic coming in opposite directions, traffic changing lanes in your vicinity, pedestrians, bicycles, skateboards, joggers, etc. Also when you are backing from a driveway or parking spot you are twisted in an uncomfortable position to see up and down the road and when there are obstacles, such as snow banks, the rear of your vehicle is ¾ into traffic before you have a safe view in either direction.

3/ When backing up to obstacles such as fences, buildings, etc. leave extra room. Stop sooner than later. That thought as you back, to go a few more feet, may be costly. If you are not sure of the distance get out and check.

4/ Limit the distance as you back. Position your vehicle so the reverse direction is only a few feet, not several feet.

A TIP FROM THE PROS

A secured vehicle – your safety, your pocketbook

Whenever you leave your car parked, for a minute or a day, in your own driveway or in public, close all windows, remove the key and lock the doors. 60% of all stolen vehicles have keys that are readily available to the perpetrators. 17% of all stolen vehicles are involved in a collision. In addition to the insurance company not covering your loss, you can be held liable for all damage, to all parties, caused by the theft. Keep your doors locked while driving, it will discourage intruders at stop signs and red lights. The added bonus to locked doors is they are more secure in a collision when outside forces may otherwise open them on impact.

Our next article will dispel an old myth that many drivers like to use as an excuse when striking something or someone. That myth is that “weather causes collisions”, and nothing could be farther from the truth.

Wayne Loftus