How to Avoid a Backing Accident: Tips For Every Driver

Vehicle backing accidents, also referred to as backover accidents or reverse collisions, might not seem that serious at first thought. However, they can be extremely tragic and deadly, especially when a child or elderly person is the victim. There are thousands of backing accidents each year in the US, according to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), and many of them occur in residential driveways or parking lots. According to the National Safety Council, parking lots are extra dangerous, and hundreds of people die each year due to car accidents in large lots.

What's very sad about these statistics is that backing accidents can almost always be prevented by taking precautions. In fact, the NHTSA says that when looking at backing collisions, one in four accidents can be prevented.

Powell Law Firm has seen firsthand the devastating impact and aftermath of backing accidents and understands that these accidents can impact families for many years to come. Those who are victims of this type of accident are invited to contact Powell Law Firm to see if they have a case. They can share insight on where most backover accidents occur as well.

Defining a Backing Accident

A backing accident, or backup accident, is a collision that occurs when a vehicle is moving in reverse and collides with another vehicle, an object, or a person. Most of these accidents occur in parking lots and residential properties, but they can occur anywhere. Though many backing collisions are simply property damage accidents, poor backing techniques can also lead to severe injuries and death to other drivers, pedestrians, or small children, who may not be seen in the vehicle's backing area. For more information, it may be beneficial to hire a vehicle accident attorney in St Louis.

What Causes Backing Accidents?

There are many potential causes to backing accidents, and understanding this can help many drivers avoid collisions in the future. Some of the most common causes of backing accidents include:

• Limited visibility or large blind spots

• Distracted driving, i.e. texting, changing the radio, or checking navigation

• Failure to check side mirrors or look out of rear windows

• Not using proximity detection devices, like back up alarms

• Rushing and reversing too quickly

• Not being aware of pedestrians or others around the vehicle

Even the most experienced driver can make a mistake when backing up their vehicle. This is why it's so important to remain vigilant and use caution when reversing a car.

Avoiding Vehicle Backing Accidents - 10 Important Tips

Backing safety is extremely important. Here are some essential tips that drivers can use to avoid backing incidents and avoid obstacles and hazards:

Walk Around the Vehicle before Backing Out

Before a driver begins to back out of an area, it is best practice to walk around the vehicle to check on any potential clearance related problems. Only when the area is visually clear of children, sports equipment, bicycles, pets, or tire hazards should the vehicle be moved.

Use Mirrors and Cameras, But Don't Only Rely on Them

Many cars have backup cameras or sensors, which help in preventing backing accidents. However, these are not fool proof and it's still important to do additional visual checks. Drivers should look at their mirrors and look for anything like low hanging trees or other dangers that can block their view. It's also a good idea to beep the horn to warn people around the vehicle that it will be backing up.

Back Into Parking Spaces if Possible to Avoid Collisions

It can be safer to park vehicles by backing into a parking space instead of pulling into one. This makes it easy to pull out when leaving and reduces the chances of accidents. This is especially the case in parking lots, which allows the driver to plan ahead for a safer exit.

Use a Spotter if Visibility is Poor or Blind Spots are Large

At some point, every driver will have to leave a parking space in visibly poor conditions. There might be rain, frost, or snow, they might have to drive through soft or muddy areas that hide hazards, or other obstructions might not be avoidable. In this case, it's best to have a spotter give hand signals or other cues, including verbal ones, to help lead the driver out safely.

Avoid Backing Out Quickly

Reversing at slow speed is so important. It helps avoid backing into other vehicles or people, and it give the driver more time to react if there is a hazard. Also, if a collision does occur, a slower speed helps to reduce the likelihood of serious injuries.

Avoid Distractions

One of the main causes of backing accidents is driver distractions. Drivers should avoid checking their phones, adjusting the radio, or communicating with others while reversing. It's also important to avoid drinking alcohol and other substances before driving.

Teach Kids About Vehicle Safety

Parents should teach young children about the dangers of vehicles and explain that they should not play behind a car or truck.

Install Other Tools and Technology

Most modern vehicles have backup cameras or sensors, but it is always a good idea to install more. There are plenty of systems out there that drivers can consider.

Choose a Parking Space with Good Visibility

When parking, drivers should avoid parking in spaces that don't give them a good line of sight when backing out.

Practice Makes Perfect

If a driver is not confident in their reversing skills, they should practice in an area like a large, empty parking lot. The more confident a driver is, the lower the risk of an accident.

Protecting Victims of Backing Accidents

Victims of backing accidents, or their families, might be entitled to compensation for medical bills, property damage, lost wages, or pain and suffering. A personal injury attorney from Powell Law can guide the victim through the legal process, handle insurance companies, and get the compensation they are entitled to. They can also answer questions like what is the most common age for backover accident victims?

Understanding how to avoid a backing accident can save lives and prevent injuries.

Drivers should always stay alert when behind the wheel and take their time. It's so important to never underestimate the risk that comes with operating a vehicle, especially in a place where pedestrians, children, or the elderly are often found.

The team at Powell Law Firm offers legal support to victims in these cases. Get a free consultation by calling the office.