Which of the following is NOT a good practice before backing a vehicle?

Prior to backing a vehicle, it is essential to take several precautionary measures to ensure safety. Informing the operator or completing paperwork is not a direct practice that contributes to the safety of the backing maneuver. The primary focus should always be on assessing the immediate environment around the vehicle.

Checking mirrors for obstacles ensures the driver is aware of their surroundings and can identify any potential hazards that might not be visible directly behind the vehicle. Sounding the horn serves as an alert to pedestrians and other vehicles, creating a level of awareness about the vehicle's movement. Ensuring that the path is clear is a fundamental safety step that helps prevent collisions, ensuring that the backing maneuver can be executed without risk.

These practices are critical because they address the physical and situational awareness required for safely maneuvering a vehicle in reverse, making them good practices. In contrast, while informing an operator or completing paperwork may be necessary for operational efficiency or communication, it does not inherently enhance the safety of the backing process itself.