CDL Drivers: Reduce Accidents with Safe Backing Procedures
With the need to navigate a big rig in and out of various delivery locations, it’s no surprise that backing accidents have for years been the highest frequency accidents with the lowest severity in the industry. However, the exposure – as with any type of accident – always exists for a fatality, injury and physical damage. And nobody wants an accident, regardless of severity, on their record.
Therefore to enhance your backing skills and to reduce the frequency and exposure of such accidents, it’s a good idea to adhere to the following safe backing procedures:
- Before starting your trip, conduct a thorough pre-trip inspection. Check the vehicle’s brakes, horn, back-up lights, 4-way flashers and back-up alarm and video camera (if equipped) for proper working condition.
- Clean windows and mirrors thoroughly to provide a clear view. Never back a vehicle when any mirror is covered with dirt, frost, snow or other substances that keep you from visually clearing the path the vehicle will take.
- Plan ahead and avoid backing whenever possible. Do not put yourself into unnecessary backing situations. When practical, avoid parking the vehicle in a way that will require it to be backed at a later time. If you learn your routes, you may be able to avoid certain backing situations.
- Get to know the vehicle’s blind spots. Mirrors can never give the whole picture while backing.
- Adjust mirrors for maximum visibility. Mirrors are a major key to any backing maneuver. Adjust your mirrors while the tractor and trailer are in a perfectly straight line and you are sitting in the driver’s seat in your normal comfortable sitting position. Get help adjusting the right side mirror, if possible.
- Park defensively. Carefully survey the parking opportunities when you arrive at the delivery site. If possible, choose an easy-exit parking space that does not crowd neighboring vehicles. Avoid the temptation of pulling into the most convenient location in order to speed up the delivery process. Sometimes, choosing a poor parking space is a matter of necessity - but in many cases, a better defensive position is available if you take the time to look and evaluate.
- Situate your vehicle in the best possible position before starting to back up. Make the turn on the driver’s side, if possible, in order to minimize turning and allow you to see the back of the vehicle swinging into position.
- Plan your exit when parking in an alley. If an alley does not permit driving all the way through or room to turn around, then back into it (if local ordinances permit) so that when leaving, you can drive your vehicle forward into the street.
- Walk around your vehicle and check and recheck your path of travel. Before any attempt is made to back, always get out of your cab to look and see what lies between you and your backing destination. Check for workers, pedestrians, soft or muddy areas, potholes, tire hazards and equipment hazards. When backing long distances, it doesn’t hurt to stop and recheck your path of travel.
- Don’t forget to look up! Look for awnings, pipes, framing, fire escapes, wires, etc. that will be in your way. Look up, down, all around and under the truck before backing. The entire path the vehicle will take must be clear of obstacles. Also, anticipate where another vehicle or pedestrian could reach the rear of the vehicle while you are backing.
- This is also a good time to determine space limitations. Is the space wide enough? Is the loading dock platform high enough or low enough? Be aware that the path may slope up or down, making it difficult to judge vehicle clearance at your destination point. Measure and determine proper distances vertically and horizontally to safely park or unload your freight.
- Although ultimately the responsibility of backing safely falls on the driver, it is helpful to use a reliable, well-trained guide or spotter whenever possible to assist when backing. An extra set of eyes could make all the difference, particularly in situations where there are blind spots or when someone or something could come into your path.
- When you must spot for yourself without a guide, return to the vehicle quickly. Start backing within a few seconds after finishing the walk-around check. This will allow very little time for people and/or obstacles to move behind the vehicle.
- Measure and mark the distance carefully before backing. As you back into your space, get out of your truck and pace off the length of the space from the dock to the rear of the trailer. Then pace off the same distance from your driver’s door back to the end of the trailer area. Place an object on the ground at this measurement point. Then as you back up, you will be at or near the dock when your driver’s door reaches the object.
- Once you are behind the wheel, with the engine running and the vehicle in reverse, check the area again by turning and visually clearing the path that the vehicle will take. Use all side mirrors to constantly check and visually clear your path.
- Use your 4-way flashers and back-up alarm (if equipped) and periodically tap your horn prior to backing and as you continue backing. These warning devices are designed to alert others of your presence and can make other drivers aware of your intentions. Assume that other vehicles or individuals do not see you coming.
- Back slowly and cautiously. Have complete control of your vehicle. Use the lowest possible gear or idle speed and do not accelerate.
Remember that every backing situation is new and different. Even if you visit the same location several times a day or each week, be watchful each visit.
Courtesy of the National Private Truck Council (NPTC)
Driving Ambition is a premier CDL truck driver staffing company serving Indiana, Ohio, Kentucky, and Tennessee. Since 2001, we have specialized in matching safe, experienced CDL drivers for our customers and great job opportunities for our professional truck drivers.
Our commitment to safety and building solid working relationships with both customers and CDL drivers has allowed us to earn an unparalleled reputation with our Proven Drivers and Exceptional Service.