Before backing up your vehicle, what should you do?

When preparing to back up your vehicle, it's essential to ensure a comprehensive view of your surroundings. The correct action is to look to the front, sides, and rear before you begin to reverse, and to maintain awareness while backing up. This practice enhances safety by allowing you to detect any obstacles, pedestrians, or approaching vehicles from all directions.

Relying solely on looking to the rear would limit your awareness, as it doesn't account for hazards that may be present on the sides or in front of your vehicle—situations that could lead to an accident. Similarly, only looking to the front misses the critical angles that could present risks when moving backward. Checking mirrors alone is not adequate either; while they provide useful information, they do not replace the need for direct visual checks around the vehicle. By actively scanning all around, you ensure a safer maneuver and reduce the likelihood of collisions or accidents.