How to Back Up a Big Rig
According to the U.S. Department of Transportation Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration, more than 750 people are estimated to die from big rig truck accidents every year. About a quarter of these accidents are said to be caused by hasty big rig back-ups. If big rig drivers, as well as everyone else on the road pay better attention and improve their back-up technique, the incidence of such accidents might decrease significantly. To review a tried and tested big rig back-up checklist yourself, read the steps below.
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Instructions
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1
Use your rearview and side mirrors to get a good view of the spot where you will back the truck.
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Get out of the truck and survey the area you are about to back into if it is a place you are unfamiliar with or where there are few clearances. Make note of anything that may block your path such as low-hanging signs or garbage dumpsters.
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Shift the truck into reverse and turn toward the driver's side, if possible, and pull the vehicle in as closely as you can before you begin to back up. You should be able to see the back of the truck backing in by looking in your mirrors.
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4
Slowly back into the spot for as long as you can see your back-up path in the rearview mirrors. Meanwhile, glance at your mirrors to ensure that you have enough room on both sides.
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5
Approach to within a few feet of the backup stop, and lean your head out of the window to keep an eye on the space as you finish backing up the truck.
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Tips & Warnings
If possible, always have someone else outside the truck be your guide as you back up into a spot. The helper should stand at the rear of the big rig so that he is visible in the rearview mirrors and give the ok for steering, backing up, and stopping. If you must drive a big rig into a dead-end street with no room to turn around, it is safer to back into the street so that you will have a full view of traffic when you emerge.
Avoid backing up your big rig whenever possible. Never back up the big rig at high speeds, and go as slowly as you reasonably can.
