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SEARCHHere's some advice, provided by AAA and igottadrive.com, on one of the riskiest driving maneuvers your fleet drivers make on a regular basis.
Backing a vehicle out of a parking space – particularly at a busy shopping center – is one of the riskiest driving maneuvers your fleet drivers make on a regular basis. Here are some safety tips, provided by AAA, you can pass along to drivers to help make the process easier.
Before entering the vehicle, check to make sure the path to the rear and sides is clear. Children and objects are often difficult to see from the driver’s seat.
Keep your foot firmly on the brake pedal while shifting to reverse.
Maintain control by backing the vehicle slowly and being prepared to stop quickly. Your vehicle is much harder to control and stop when backing.
Check traffic conditions in all directions – and check all blind areas carefully.
Look in the direction you are moving but never concentrate on any one thing to such a degree that you neglect your surroundings.
Since you cannot see objects close to the rear or sides when looking out the window, use front and rear windows and inside and outside mirrors when backing a vehicle. Also, check to the front to determine whether the front of the vehicle is tracking in the direction you want it to go.
When backing, the rear of the vehicle turns in the direction you turn the steering wheel. If you become confused or disoriented while backing, stop and begin again.
For a video tip from igottadrive.com, click on the photo or link below the headline.
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