What should you do before reversing your vehicle?

Before reversing your vehicle, it is crucial to ensure that the area is clear of obstacles, including pedestrians and other vehicles, to prevent accidents. Exiting the vehicle to physically check the path you intend to take can provide valuable information that mirrors alone may not capture, such as the presence of objects or individuals directly behind the vehicle. This hands-on approach allows you to visualize your surroundings better and ensures a safer maneuver.

Though checking mirrors and visibility is important, it may not provide the comprehensive view needed to assess the situation fully, especially in blind spots that mirrors may miss. Ensuring the area is clear of pedestrians is a fundamental safety practice, but it encompasses only part of the overall safety protocol when reversing. Sounding your horn might alert pedestrians or others nearby, but this does not substitute for the proactive measure of checking your surroundings physically.

Taking the initiative to exit the vehicle, while not always practical or necessary in every situation, emphasizes the importance of being aware of your environment and prioritizing safety when operating a vehicle.