1. A Ten-Minute Training Topics Presentation
Avoid Backing
A Ten-Minute Training Topics Presentation

2. Statistics
“On average, there are 210 fatalities and 15,000 injuries per year caused by backover crashes. NHTSA has found that children under 5 years old account for 31 percent of backover fatalities each year, and adults 70 years of age and older account for 26 percent.”
– 3/31/2014, National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA)

3. Statistics
“One out of every four accidents can be blamed on poor backing techniques”
- National Safety Council

4. Statistics
The cost of “Property Damage Crash” (a typical backing up accident) is presently estimated at an average of $7,400 per event
– National Safety Council

5. Introduction Backing up any vehicle isn’t easy:
the driver’s seat faces forward making it tough to turn to look and see behind the vehicle;
many cargo carrying vehicles create giant blind areas where you can’t see; and
mirrors (and even TV camera systems) while helpful, can distort views and don’t cover every area unless positioned properly.

6. Introduction
Fortunately there is a 100% effective way to avoid all backing up crashes – that is to never back your vehicle.
This is not always practical and can lead to other problems.
We acknowledge that while minimizing backing maneuvers is a great step, there will be occasions when backing is necessary.

7. Introduction
Although there are new “aids” or “tools” such as camera systems and sonar systems, the only certain way for any driver to know that they have enough room to maneuver is to get out and look.

8. Introduction
Only by looking at exact clearances (on either side, behind and even overhead) can the driver spot what maneuvers will be needed to safely back into or out of a parking or loading area.

9. What leads to backing collisions?
Conditions or situations that may contribute to backing crashes include:
A lack of experience in backing – especially when operating a vehicle that is new to the driver (unfamiliar with the equipment and its movement). Practice backing newly assigned equipment in a clear area with parking stripes to simulate curbs/docks, etc.
Rushing, carelessness, overconfidence, complacency, inattention – all terms for a form of distracted driving in reverse. A driver’s lack of vigilance leads to many collisions – don’t drive on “autopilot”

10. What leads to backing collisions?
Conditions or situations that may contribute to backing crashes include:
Moving backwards without first looking to be sure that the area behind the vehicle is clear – no one can assume that it’s safe to back up
Lack of, or inadequately designed, or improperly adjusted mirrors (size, shape, configuration, mounting locations)
Blind spots which can not be easily corrected with mirrors (the area immediately behind large vehicles)

11. What leads to backing collisions?
Conditions or situations that may contribute to backing crashes include:
External view blocks (signs, shrubs)
Turning while backing (body of vehicle or trailer obscures target area)
Distractions caused by bystanders, traffic, improper signaling of helper, etc.

12. What leads to backing collisions?
Conditions or situations that may contribute to backing crashes include:
Low visibility conditions (weather, night, enclosed docks, dimly lit garages)
Hard to see physical barriers behind the vehicle (posts, cargo, pallets, etc.)
Physical barriers which move behind the vehicle prior to, or during, the backing maneuver

13. What leads to backing collisions?
If any of these conditions have led to backing collisions in the past, work with your supervisory team to determine if changes can be made to improve the situation.

14. Ideas to minimize backing issues?
While it’s not usually feasible to change the loading/unloading arrangements at most stops, it never hurts to consider alternatives in case a change for the better (safer) is possible.
The goal is to minimize backing, or to facilitate a safe backing movement.

15. Ideas to minimize backing issues?
You’ve probably heard many of these tips, but they are worth repeating, since it is possible to “slip into a comfort zone”. It’s important to practice these routinely:
Plan routes and stops as carefully as possible – it may be quicker to back in, but if you can avoid backing you reduce your risk of a crash. Upon arrival, choose a parking location carefully – one that will be easy to exit with minimal cross traffic or obstructions – better to walk a few extra steps than have a crash because of a “more convenient” spot.
Learn your vehicle’s blind areas and adjust mirrors carefully – otherwise you won’t know what you’re missing.

16. Ideas to minimize backing issues?
Tips:
If your company requires pre-trip inspections, remember to check the vehicle’s brakes, horn, back-up lights, 4-way flashers and back-up alarm (if equipped) for proper working condition. If equipped with a back-up device such as a video camera, make sure the lens is clean. Clean windows and mirrors thoroughly to provide a clear view.
Take time to walk around your vehicle and look for people, vehicles, or other objects that may obstruct your start-up/back-up path. After the walk-around check, have no delay in moving vehicle. Don’t enable another hazard to approach your vehicle while you are getting ready to move.
Don’t forget to look overhead to ensure a safe clearance.

17. Ideas to minimize backing issues?
Tips:
Minimize distractions (turn off music or talk radio so that you can hear what’s happening around your vehicle)
Avoid “blind side” backing (backing and turning simultaneously where the vehicle blocks the driver’s view).
Make your backing move slowly to allow other vehicles and pedestrians, who may have unexpectedly approached, to safely move away.

18. Ideas to minimize backing issues?
Tips:
Tap horn in congested areas or recruit a signalman (if permitted by your company’s policies, and practice hand signals to avoid confusion).
Turn off personal radios and lower window during back up moves to hear any verbal alerts/warnings.
Stop before loading dock contact - get out and check the final distance to dock. (Serious injuries can occur when bystanders are pinched between vehicles and docks.)
Make back-up moves slowly in order to stop quickly.

19. FMCSA Tips on Preventability
Per the Federal Motor Carrier Administration, “A collision that occurs while backing up is “preventable” if:
Driver backed up when backing could have been avoided by better planning of his/her route
Driver backed into traffic stream when such backing could have been avoided
Driver failed to get out of cab and check proposed path of backward travel
Driver depended solely on mirrors when it was practicable to look back

20. FMCSA Tips on Preventability
Per the Federal Motor Carrier Administration, “A collision that occurs while backing up is “preventable” if:
Driver failed to get out of cab periodically and recheck conditions when backing a long distance
Driver failed to check behind vehicle parked at curb before attempting to leave parking space
Driver relied solely on a guide to help him/her back
Driver backed from blind side when he/she could have made a sight-side approach

21. Summary Most backing collisions are avoidable and preventable.
It takes a commitment to become vigilant and consistent in your driving duties to avoid these collisions.
Thankfully, most backing collisions don’t involve injuries, but they can – do your very best each day to drive in a disciplined manner.

22. This presentation was developed for the benefit of clients of SafetyFirst Systems.
Receipt and/or possession of this slideshow does not convey any right to re-distribute beyond your own organization, or any right to create derivative works from this material for any purpose without the express permission of SafetyFirst Systems.
If you have questions about the proper use of this or related documents, please contact SafetyFirst at