Each month our safety department features a safety topic to help our teammates stay current with the trucking industry. Tango welcomes feedback about our safety issues. If you have comments about a topic or suggestions for an upcoming Safety Moment, please e-mail dcross@tangotransport.com.
Backing a big rig is not a simple driving maneuver - even for experienced truckers. To back their trucks, drivers have to reverse their driving motions. Their equipment creates large blind spots, meaning their mirrors must always be properly adjusted. Patience and good judgment are critical.
Many backing accidents occur when drivers get impatient. All to often, a driver will use the excuse, "I thought it was clear," when in fact, he or she did not look at the area.
Drivers should look for areas they can get in and out without backing instead of picking the closest location at truck stops or customers' terminals. If that is not possible, then drivers should take a moment to look at the area from their truck. They should then get out and walk around the area. Smart drivers will make sure objects are not in their way and that their truck has clearance to back in the spot.
Using another person to guide and give hand signals is a great way for drivers to back their trucks. Once drivers begin reversing their trucks, they should use their mirrors to slowly back their vehicles into their chosen spot. Trailers can get out of position if drivers go too fast or over maneuver their trucks. If this happens, drivers have to pull forward and start over. Backing slowly also allows truckers to stop immediately if needed.
When backing their trucks, drivers should always be on the look out for other motorists or pedestrians. People driving their personal vehicles often do not realize the space and time it takes truckers to properly operate their trucks. Pedestrians fail to realize they are in the blind spots of a trucker.
