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BACK TO BASICS: a review of defensive driving techniques
11: Driving Environments: BACKING INCIDENTS... all forms
Backing is the most frequently experienced type of accident. Such incidents normally involve low speed collisions with inanimate objects and result in moderate financial loss. The objects struck most frequently are immobile and fall into one of the following classifications: 1) things located beyond the range of a casual visual evaluation of the area, such as awnings, building overhangs, overhead telephone and electrical wires; 2) things easily hidden in a vehicle's blind spots, including posts, poles, fire hydrants, etc.; 3) items which should be obvious, like buildings and parked vehicles. In addition to unnoticed objects as mentioned above, drivers should also be aware of the most obvious potential for loss... the road itself. Surface irregularities like curbs or pot-holes can cause a vehicle to tip and strike adjacent objects if the driver is not careful. Occasionally, moving items such as animals, pedestrians (usually children), bicycles, or motorized vehicles are involved. These incidents often result in more significant monetary loss because of injury to or death of the individual(s) involved.
The vast majority of backing accidents is caused by driver error, usually from inadequate preparation. Just before backing a vehicle the driver should walk all the way around it, identify any potential danger, and note the vehicle's location relative to vehicles approaching the parking space being exited. The driver should also make certain to provide adequate time to respond to a changing environment. Prior to backing, the careful driver will slow himself to a speed commensurate with that of the vehicle. Other driver errors include unfamiliarity or lack of experience with a vehicle or the inability to maneuver in the space available.
Occasionally, the factor may be other driver error, such as passing through the path of travel of the backing vehicle or attempting to beat the backing driver into a parking space. An alert driver can normally avoid a collision in those circumstances unless the intent of the other party is to be hit. Pedestrians, especially children, may be at fault when concentrating on something else and being unaware of the eminent danger. Such situations will be recognized by an observant driver who is not driving too quickly for the conditions. Lastly, but rare in backing situations because of the obvious risk of not being seen, is a pedestrian asserting their legal right-of-way.
Tools available to the driver to complete a safe maneuver, in addition to the 3 basic rules of backing (see Back to Basics 9: Driving environments: Backing), are properly adjusted mirrors (including wide-angle, convex or spot-mirrors), back-up alarms, and properly trained and positioned helpers. Proper procedures also are effectual tools. Whenever possible, position the vehicle so that no turn is required... back straight into the dock or space. If a turn is necessary, maximize visibility by planning the turn to the driver's side. Turns and close clearances increase the desirability of a helper. However, the use of a helper actually increases the risk when that helper is out of sight of the driver. No matter which or how many tools are utilized, the driver is the person in control of the vehicle and thus is the person responsible for what the vehicle does. Legally speaking, backing is classified as a hazardous maneuver so drivers should exercise more care while backing than when driving forward. Thus, the one backing is generally the one at fault in the event of a collision, even if others possibly had a better view of the situation or even if they could have avoided it. The bottom line: backing accidents are virtually always preventable.
BACKING ACCIDENTS... A BRIEF RECAP
Backing is the most frequently occurring accident type
Common variations include:
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Striking something outside of a casual viewing area (awning, telephone or power wires, building overhang)
Striking something hidden in a blind spot (pole, post, fire hydrant)
Striking an obvious immobile object (building, parked vehicle)
Striking a moving object (animal, pedestrian, bicycle, or moving vehicle)
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Nearly all backing accidents are preventable.
The main cause of backing accidents is driver error.
Types of driver error include:
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Inadequate preparation (lack of vehicle walk-around just before backing)
Failure to allow for changes in conditions (backing too fast to respond)
Inadequate training or skill (lack of competence with a vehicle or restricted condition)
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Tools of safe backing (see also Back to Basics 9: Driving Environments: Backing)
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3 commandments of backing:
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If you don't have to back, don't!
If you have to back, back first!
If you can't back first, complete a vehicle walk-around immediately before backing.
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Good procedures include:
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Back straight whenever possible
Turn to driver's side if a turn is required
Avoid backing into traffic, onto a street, or out of a concealed space
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Adequately adjusted mirrors... including wide-angle or spot mirrors
Audible back-up warning alarm
Adequately trained, properly positioned helper
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