A Diamond Materials dump truck backing on Woodshade Drive, backed in the side of DM 74 causing approx $2000.00 in damages
to the parked truck.
Tips to Reduce Vehicle Backing Accidents
The National Safety Council reports that one out of every four accidents is caused
by poor backing techniques. Backing accidents often result in costly damage to vehicles, equipment and buildings, and may
even cause serious injury and death.
A recent review of auto claims reported to the Trust shows that, for the last
three years, vehicle backing has been the most frequent cause of damage to our Members vehicles. The Claims Department received
about 63 claims per year with an average cost of $1,600 per claim.
Backing accidents are preventable. Drivers can control parking and backing
as effectively as other vehicle maneuvers. Most backing accidents occur because drivers fail to exercise caution. Often, they
rely too heavily on vehicle mirrors and ignore blind spots. To help reduce the number of backing accidents, make drivers become
familiar with these prevention measures.
· Select
parking locations where backing will not be necessary. A backing accident will
be prevented if a vehicle can be driven forward.
· Avoid
making Y turns in driveways or roads.
· If possible,
choose a parking location away from moving or parked vehicles.
·
Avoid parking too close to a corner, driveway, constructions site, or in a place
where your vehicle will crowd other vehicles.
When backing is unavoidable, take the following precautions:
·
Walk around the vehicle to check for children, other vehicles or obstacles.
·
Back slowly.
· Back and turn toward the drivers
side whenever possible.
We suggest that heavy equipment operators use helpers as often as they can.
The helper should stand near the back of the vehicle in sight of the driver or the drivers mirrors, and use hand signals familiar
to both the driver and helper to assist the driver in backing safely. Heavy equipment operators are not relieved of safe backing
responsibility even when a helper is involved. Remind heavy equipment operators of these backing precautions:
·
Sound the horn to warn others that the vehicle is about to back up.
· Before backing, survey the area and note any obstructions
and provide the helper with adequate instructions.
·
Back the vehicle slowly, following the helpers direction.
·
Back and turn toward the drivers side.
Remember, all backing accidents are preventable. A reduction of backing accidents
will help keep your vehicles on the road, out of the repair shop, and working for you. Like all aspects of vehicular safety,
supervisors should review and emphasize the importance of safe backing procedures with their drivers.
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