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, cyclist or pedestrian.
Do not simply rely
on rear-view mirrors while reversing, unless there is no choice.
Occasionally
tragedy strikes, when a driver is not aware and reverses, while a
small child is playing right behind the vehicle. Be
conscious that this possibility exists!
A matter of perspective:
|
|
|
| When
looking through the rear window of this small, late
model sedan, it appears there is little room to
manoeuvre. |
However,
when viewing the same distance 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. |
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 right 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 at this, the highest point, 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 be 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.
