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43. REVERSING

One of the basic rules of driving is: Look into the space you are entering! When moving in reverse gear, this rule is just as important. It must even be extended to read: Look into the space you are entering, while you are entering it, i.e. keep looking behind while you are moving backwards.

Many minor crashes occur when the space behind, which was vacant a moment earlier, becomes occupied unexpectedly by a vehicle, a cyclist or pedestrians, even a tree that was no meant to be there.

Do not simply rely on rear-view mirrors while reversing, unless there is no choice. 

Tragedy strikes, thankfully only on rare occasions, when a driver reverses, while a toddler is playing right behind the vehicle. Be aware! Think - where is that child right now?"

Matter of perspective:

When looking through the rear window of this small, late model sedan, it appears there is little room to manoeuvre. However, viewing through a shop window, the real picture shows how much room there is to play with! 

Know and learn to judge the dimensions of your car. Allow for tow-bars or other protruding objects. Always manoeuvre very slowly in a confined space.
Basic techniques for reversing straight or left (i.e. into a driveway):

1. Turn your body around to the left to view the centre of the rear window. You will need to lift yourself up, just a little to do this.

2. Place your  hand at the top (12 o’clock) position of the steering wheel. Try and leave it there, where possible! If your steering wheel is in a straight position to begin with, you will know throughout the reversing manoeuvre that this is the position where the steering wheel is straight. 

3. Turn the steering wheel, as you reverse slowly, in the direction, where you would like the rear of the vehicle to go - towards 11 o’clock, if you want the back to move towards the passenger side, or towards 1 o’clock, if reversing in the other direction.

When reversing into a driveway or around a corner, apply this same principle: Look behind and turn the top of the steering-wheel in the direction where you would like the back to go.

Remember, if you have turned the steering wheel one complete turn anti-clockwise to reverse around a corner, it has to be turned back clockwise one complete turn to again be straight.

4. Carefully watch the entire rear window, looking deep into the picture behind, and adjust the steering wheel accordingly. A slight turn from the 12 o'clock will change direction considerably.

Driver and pedestrian can't see each other! Exit with caution!

When leaving a driveway (forward or reverse) expect pedestrians, cyclists, skateboarders etc. on the footpath.
Pause for a moment at the edge, especially when exiting from behind a gate or fence.

Further basic reversing rules:

When reversing towards the right, turn and look over the right shoulder.

Never drive fast in reverse gear or over long distances.

Give way to all traffic whilst driving in reverse.

Don’t focus on the kerb or obstacles, look and aim for an object in the distance.

Don’t over-correct, just a minor adjustment on the steering wheel will change direction of the vehicle.

A white light at the rear of a vehicle indicates that reverse gear is engaged and could be moving backwards at any moment. Some commercial vehicles also indicate audibly (constant beep) when reverse gear is engaged. Stay clear!
Reversing a trailer (caravan or boat):

Place your hand at the six o’clock position of the steering wheel. As you reverse watch the trailer and, using the same principle as above, turn the wheel in the direction you would like the trailer or caravan to move to.

Don’t over-correct. A minor adjustment on the steering wheel move change direction of the trailer considerably, much more so than reversing a car. The shorter the trailer, the harder it is to reverse.

Coordinate your eyes with your hand, as you slowly reverse. Making adjustment on the steering wheel slowly, as required.

It takes much practice to master the skill of reversing a motor car. Reversing a trailer or caravan takes even more practice.

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Our information could vary in your part of the world. We recommend you use above information in conjunction with a professional driving instructor.

Road Safety by Dieter Fischer - Learner Driver Hub 2020.