ECI – Engineers Construction

A big issue around any construction site, and in our daily personal lives is taking care in backing up our vehicle.  Minor backing incidents are all too common on jobsites, on our commutes home, and in parking lots.  We are reminded of a tragic incident this spring where a young child was killed by his grandmother in a backing incident at a home in Georgia, VT.

Here are few tips to consider:

1. In a busy area, and when possible and reasonable, back in to a spot.   This allows the driver to fully assess the area prior to backing in and a direct forward motion when the vehicle leaves.
2. Walk around your vehicle before getting into the vehicle.  Confirm your clearances and re-establish any boundary conditions.
3. Toot your horn in a busy area.  This can be very helpful for large trucks where vehicles might pull in tight behind them in their blindspot. Trains do this procedure for every change in movement.

You can also check out our previous blog on Equipment Blind Spots:

https://www.engineersconstruction.com/employee/the-safety-message-of-the-week/equipment-and-vehicle-blind-spots/