Tips for Driving in Reverse

Many drivers find it easy to drive forward. Going in reverse? Not so much. Because you can’t see clearly behind you, backing up can be a challenge, especially in a tight area or a crowded parking lot.

Reversing in a straight line is one of the hardest driving maneuvers for even the most experienced motorists. However, it’s not something you can simply avoid. At some point, you will need to back up your vehicle to get out of your driveway or exit a parking spot.

Is driving in reverse difficult for you? If so, you are not alone. Here are some tips to keep you straight while reversing.

Get Into the Right Position

To reverse in a straight line, you’ll need to find the right starting position. A good idea is to pull up to a curb and move parallel to it while going in reverse. This will help keep you straight. However, you want to avoid getting too close to the curb, as this will cause your vehicle to brush up against it. Once you’re lined up, come to a stop.

Check Your Mirrors

Check your mirrors and surroundings. Here is a good checklist:

• Check your right blind spot and right door mirror.
• Check your middle mirror.
• Check your left mirror and left blind spot.
• Look at driveways and parking lots for other vehicles coming out.

Be on the lookout for bicycles and pedestrians who are near you.

Reverse Slowly

When backing up your vehicle, you don’t want to do it quickly. Take your time and move the car as slowly as possible. Ideally, you should be traveling at about 1 mph. That’s because you want to be able to see everything around you, and it’s hard to do so when you’re going quickly.

When you are backing up, it’s not uncommon for other drivers to get too close to you. If this happens, stop and tap your brakes to let others know your intentions.

Steer in the Right Direction

Not all reversing involves straight lines. In some cases, you will need to turn. Some people get confused about which way to turn the steering wheel. Think about where you want the back of the car to go and steer in that direction. Do you want your back wheel to go to the right? Then steer to the right. Same goes for turning to the left. Sometimes you will need to make adjustments based on how much space you have. Since you will be moving very very slowly, you will have plenty of time to adjust your steering.

Contact a Personal Injury Lawyer 

Backing up is not an easy move. Many drivers are in a hurry, so they do it too fast. This leads to accidents with pedestrians and other vehicles.

Whether you are backing up or driving forward, accidents can happen. Having a lawyer on your side can be very helpful. Seek legal help from a Houston car accident attorney from The West Law Office, PLLC. Call 281-347-3247 or fill out the online form to schedule a consultation.

Source:

northwestdrivingschool.com/how-to-reverse-a-car-in-a-straight-line/