What should you do before backing up your vehicle?

Before backing up your vehicle, it is essential to check your mirrors and look over your shoulder for obstacles. This practice is crucial for ensuring the safety of both the driver and pedestrians or other vehicles in the vicinity. Checking mirrors provides a view of the areas surrounding the vehicle that might not be directly visible through the rear window. Looking over your shoulder allows the driver to identify any immediate hazards or obstacles directly behind the vehicle that may not be captured by the mirrors. This multi-faceted approach significantly reduces the risk of accidents, making it a vital step in the process of safely reversing a vehicle.

Engaging in other activities, such as checking your phone for messages or adjusting your seat, can divert your attention away from the area you need to monitor while backing up, while opening windows mainly affects auditory awareness rather than visual identification of obstacles. Therefore, focusing on mirrors and visual checks is the most effective way to ensure a safe reversing maneuver.