VI.

Backing Up Safely

Check Behind the Car

Backing a vehicle requires extreme caution as the driver has only a limited view of the rear area. Always look for children playing in the driveway or other persons walking behind the car. Also be aware of small objects, such as posts and barriers, hidden from your view. Most important, watch for vehicular traffic in the parking lot. Fender-benders occur regularly when somebody backs out of a parking slot without looking in either direction.

Visibility And Body Posture

Place left hand at the top of the steering wheel. Place right hand on the back of the seat and look over your right shoulder through the rear window.

Speed Control

Release parking brake. Release the foot brake slowly. Apply accelerator if needed and be ready to brake to control the speed of the car.

Steering

If you're backing up straight, put left hand at the top of the steering wheel. If you're backing to the left or right, keep your hands at 9 o'clock or 3 o'clock. Backing around a corner is always a dangerous maneuver. Go slowly and stop until you get a clear view of any traffic or pedestrians or other objects in your way.

When Movement Is Constricted

Ask a passenger or someone to help you get out of the spot. Look through rearview and side-view mirrors. Since backing up is so fraught with mishaps, try not to back up if possible. Try to park in a relatively traffic-free area; often, it is possible to drive forward instead of backing up.

Safe Driving Tips: Backing The Car

  1. Put left hand at top of the steering wheel.
  2. Place foot on the brake.
  3. Shift to reverse.
  4. Check for traffic in all directions.
  5. Release parking brake.
  6. Place right hand on the back of the seat and look over right shoulder through the rear window.
  7. Release the foot brake slowly. Apply accelerator if needed and be ready to break to control the speed of the car.
  8. Occasionally look quickly to your left.
  9. Move slowly and avoid sudden movement of the steering wheel.
  10. Turn wheel to the right if you wish to back to the right. Turn wheel to the left if you wish to back to the left.
  11. Press brake gently to stop.
  12. Shift to park.

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