How To Drive In Reverse

Considering that we spend most of our driving time going forward, we tend to take going in reverse for granted. This can result in incorrect "form," so to speak, and inattention that sparks accidents.

While these mishaps are usually minor, there are cases where failing to drive in reverse properly (even backing out of your own driveway) results in heartbreaking consequences. Just read the papers. A small child or family pet will easily lose a battle with a two-ton car. Unfortunately, it happens more than most people think.

To avoid these tragedies requires patience and getting into the pattern of automatically evaluating your entire setting before going backward. Keeping a few safety aspects in mind will help you develop good driving-in-reverse habits in no time.

Three Factors to Driving Backward

The first rule of thumb is not to back up for long distances. Most people rarely do, usually reserving the reverse gear for leaving the driveway or maneuvering into a parking space.

But what if you're looking for an address, only to realize you passed it eight houses ago? Don't pop it into reverse and ramble back half a block. This might be the quickest response, but for reasons of both safety and traffic law, this is not a good habit to get into. Instead, take the appropriate driving steps to make a three-point turn or drive around the block.

The second key to going in reverse is to not floor the gas pedal and go blazing backward down the driveway―or anywhere for that matter. There is a reason why there is only one gear for going backward, and a low gear at that. So use caution when pulling out and ease back slowly.

If you managed to nest between two monstrous SUVs in a grocery store parking lot and you're driving a Dodge Neon, then backing out will require even more proficiency. Considering you will essentially be backing out blind, it's best to ease out in measured increments. This way, pedestrains and other traffic will have a chance to see and avoid you (since you'll be in the middle of the road before you can see them).

The third item to keep in mind when going in reverse is your form. Yes, it's true. How you position your body matters a great deal. Don't rely on your rearview or side mirrors, though of course you need to check all of them often. But also physically turn your body and look out the back window while you are going in reverse. This way you can directly assess anything that comes into your way, and those accidents of heavy consequence can be avoided.

Tot Spotting

As vehicles have gotten bigger, the number of back-over accidents involving children or pets who were not seen by the driver have risen. Even by checking all your mirrors, looking out your back window, and reversing slowly, you might not see a small object or person directly behind your vehicle.

In several recently publicized accidents, a toddler was playing directly behind a vehicle and was never seen by the otherwise vigilant driver―with tragic consequences. Awareness campaigns have begun across the country, and federal and state legislation is being effected to reduce these incidents.

You can prevent a back-over accident by adding a step to your routine when you leave the house. Traffic safety groups recommend adopting the habit of walking all the way around your vehicle before getting in, to make sure nothing is under or around your wheels. You should also check under your car, a hiding place that might attract a small child or a pet (and where they will be even harder to see in the shadows). Supplementing your normal safety routine with a quick walk-around check around your entire vehicle could save a life.