Did you know that backing up accounts for about one percent of all driving time, but 25 percent of collisions? Each year, backing up collisions result in approximately 500 deaths and 15,000 injuries. These statistics highlight the importance of adopting safe backing practices to protect drivers, workers, and pedestrians.
Download a handy infographic from the National Safety Council here.
Safety tips
- Different vehicles have different blind spots. Learn the blind spots of every vehicle you drive.
- Technology such as backup cameras and alarms can greatly enhance safety, but they should not replace proper precautions.
- Always conduct a 360-degree walk-around inspection of your vehicle before reversing to check for obstacles, pedestrians, and other hazards.
- When parking, plan for your departure. Look for opportunities to park that will not require backing up when exiting, such as backing into your space upon arrival.
By staying aware of vehicle blind spots and implementing proactive safety measures, we can significantly reduce the risk of backing-related incidents.
