The first step to ensure the path behind the vehicle is clear prior to backing is:

The first step to ensure the path behind the vehicle is clear prior to backing is:

• A. Check behind your vehicle before entering
• B. Turn on your hazard lights
• C. Put your car in reverse and listen for noises
• D. Have someone guide you

Answer: (A)

The main idea is to verify what’s behind your vehicle before you start backing. Checking behind first helps you spot anyone or any object that could be in your path and prevents a rear collision as you begin to back up. Use your eyes to scan behind the car, turning your head to look directly behind as well as checking through the side mirrors. Mirrors help, but blind spots can hide people or things, especially small children or pets. If you can, walk around the vehicle or at least take a quick step to look behind before you enter. After you’ve entered and adjusted your seat and mirrors, you should still do a final check behind before backing, but starting with the behind-the-vehicle check establishes the safest starting point. Hazard lights, listening for noises, and having someone guide you can be useful aids, but they don’t guarantee a clear path on their own. The first, most reliable step is to check behind your vehicle before entering.

The main idea is to verify what’s behind your vehicle before you start backing. Checking behind first helps you spot anyone or any object that could be in your path and prevents a rear collision as you begin to back up.

Use your eyes to scan behind the car, turning your head to look directly behind as well as checking through the side mirrors. Mirrors help, but blind spots can hide people or things, especially small children or pets. If you can, walk around the vehicle or at least take a quick step to look behind before you enter. After you’ve entered and adjusted your seat and mirrors, you should still do a final check behind before backing, but starting with the behind-the-vehicle check establishes the safest starting point.

Hazard lights, listening for noises, and having someone guide you can be useful aids, but they don’t guarantee a clear path on their own. The first, most reliable step is to check behind your vehicle before entering.