Putting a STOP to Vehicle Backing Accidents

Backing vehicles includes risks such as limited visibility, hitting bystanders, lack of communication, and more.

Whether you’re driving a van, truck, emergency vehicle, construction machinery, or another vehicle, various accidents and injuries could result from improper backing practices. In fact, NHTSA estimated that roughly 61% of back-over fatalities involved utility vehicles or pickup trucks. The good news is that most vehicle incidents are 100% preventable—and, as a vehicle driver or operator, the wheel is in your hands.

First things first…

The general rule of thumb is to ensure that your drivers understand each vehicle they’re operating. Different types of vehicles have different blind spots and difficulties associated with them, so the best thing a driver can do is practice. Try an open location, such as an empty parking lot, to let your drivers get a good feel for the vehicle and get plenty of practice beforehand.

Other best practices include:

• If you can avoid backing, do so.
• Never rush! Being in a hurry increases the chances of hitting something—or someone.
• Always look before backing up.
  • Use your mirrors, check your blind spots, look for bystanders or pedestrians, and check the backing angle before going any farther.
• Make sure the vehicle is at a complete stop before shifting it to reverse.
• If someone is available, use a spotter.
  • A spotter can communicate any hazards they see and describe how much room you have left between your vehicle and an object.

For more best practices, check out our Vehicle Backing Procedures bulletin.

Driver Responsibilities

When backing up, drivers should:

1. Bring the unit to a complete stop.
2. Roll window down completely.
3. Ensure you can see and hear your spotter. If you cannot see or hear them, don’t back up.
4. Make sure you and your spotter maintain eye contact in the left rear-view mirror at all times.
5. If you don’t already know your spotter’s hand signals, learn them in order to have better communication.
6. Ensure that your spotter uses hand signals to indicate when it’s safe to begin backing.
7. Give a two-blast warning on the horn just prior to backing.

Understanding and adhering to these responsibilities helps reduce the risk of preventable accidents, damage to vehicles and nearby structures, and injuries.

Spotter Responsibilities

A spotter assists drivers in backing up safely by using hand signals and communicating any hazards they see. When helping a driver back up, spotters should:

1. Conduct a "circle of safety" and look over the area and all other sides of the vehicle for hazards.  Before backing up, be sure to also check overhead clearance.
2. Communicate any observed hazards to the driver.
3. Place themselves eight to ten feet to the left rear of the unit.
4. Establish visual and verbal contact with the driver and continue eye to eye contact in the left rear-view mirror at all times.
5. Be familiar with hand signals before allowing backing maneuvers to begin.
6. Stop the driver if any hazards are observed or if they are uncertain of the direction that the driver is maneuvering.

While modern vehicles may be equipped with backup cameras and sensors that can alert drivers, they are not a replacement for spotters, especially if there is a technical malfunction or if the vehicle just isn’t equipped with one.

Looking for more?

We understand that everything comes with risk. That’s why at Glatfelter Insurance Group we work with you to manage your risks and help you through the moments that matter. Learn more about how we can help you reduce your risks.