Before backing up a vehicle, what is the best safety practice?

The best safety practice before backing up a vehicle is to check all mirrors and look over your shoulder. This comprehensive approach ensures that the driver has a full awareness of their surroundings, eliminating blind spots that might not be visible through mirrors alone.

While mirrors, including the rearview and side mirrors, provide valuable information about the traffic behind and alongside the vehicle, they do not always reveal everything directly behind. Looking over your shoulder allows the driver to see areas that may be obstructed by the vehicle's frame or other objects, such as pedestrians, pets, or obstacles.

Relying solely on any one method, such as only using the rearview mirror, looking through the rear window, or depending entirely on a backup camera, can lead to potential hazards. For instance, backup cameras can help identify some obstacles but may not detect smaller objects close to the vehicle or provide a complete view of what's around. Using all available visual aids promotes a safer backing maneuver, ensuring that the driver is fully aware of their environment and reducing the risk of accidents.