Joint Base San Antonio-Medina Annex, Texas -- Here are some valuable safety tips in order to prepare you for what normally starts your day on the road off to work or play.
There are many dangers associated with backing your vehicle out of your driveway, whether you’re driving a car, truck, or van. Many people think that with newer vehicles now coming with backup cameras, this should be an easier task than ever before. However, what is not in the camera, is vehicles driving down the road at full speed, with the right of way.
Accidents involving vehicle backing cause roughly about 500 deaths and 15,000 injuries a year. Therefore, from a safety perspective, I encourage everyone to get to know your vehicles’ blind spots. Did you know that in a pickup truck, blind spots increase by 15 feet and 150 feet behind a vehicle? Never depend upon just your rear view mirror and/or backup camera for backing your vehicle out of your driveway.
Think in advance, meaning that just because you’re backing out of your driveway, doesn’t mean that other vehicles on the road will automatically give you the right of way, even though you’re entitled to such by law. I recommend backing out at no more than 5 mph in order to give yourself time to look for vehicles driving down the street. Be aware that the presence of bushes or shrubbery increases the risks of backing, as they can sometime obstruct your view.
There are also safety matters to consider when you are backing your vehicle in public places, outside of your neighborhood. For example, you may find yourself choosing to back your vehicle into a parking spot, or need to back your vehicle out of a parking spot upon leaving. In these situations, other drivers may be in a hurry or can be very defensive in public places when it comes to backing, so stay alert and beware of other drivers.
The most important safety tip I can give to you when backing your vehicle is to use a spotter if at all possible. A spotter can decrease your chances of getting into an accident while backing your vehicle out of a driveway or parking space.
If we all do our part in using extra caution, slowing down, and being alert to our surroundings, we can all decrease the chances of getting into an accident by simply backing our vehicle out of a driveway or parking spot, and proceed to our destination to officially start our day’s work or play!