Start-Up/Back-Up

Objective: To prevent start-up/back-up accidents by anticipating the hazards involved and knowing how to safely control them.

Description: During a typical start-up/back-up situation, a vehicle has been parked for a long enough time to allow pedestrians and other vehicles to approach and rest within a few feet of the parked vehicle. Starting up forward, backward, or steering left or right from a stopped position can create an unexpected hazard for both the driver and bystanders.

Questions for Management:

Are drivers aware of different types of hazards that may arise during start-up/back-up?
Do drivers take time to walk around their vehicles and look under vehicles checking for people, vehicles, or other objects, which may obstruct their start-up/back-up path?
What do you do to encourage drivers to make a walk-around check?
Are vehicles provided with adequate mirrors?

Maintenance Checks:

Check for proper mirror adjustment.
Check for broken mirrors and loose mountings.
Check for proper tail light, brake light, and turn signal function.
Check for proper function of horn and back-up warning signal (if so equipped).

Driving Tips:

Before start-up or back up, walk around vehicle and look underneath to ensure you have safe clearance for start-up.
Do not forget to check blind area on right and in front as well.
After your walk-around check, do not delay in moving vehicle. Do not allow time for another hazard to approach.
Check mirrors for proper adjustment frequently.
Start up slowly at first to allow other vehicles and pedestrians, who may have unexpectedly approached, to safely move away.
Tap horn in congested areas or recruit a signalman.