Backing Up

Backing up requires you to turn your head to see beyond the head restraint. Do not depend on mirrors alone when backing. One loses depth perception when using the mirrors to guide the vehicle while backing.

Since it is more difficult to maintain steering control and vehicle balance when the vehicle is in reverse, always back at slow speeds.

Reverse is a more powerful gear than drive, so you should use the accelerator pedal carefully, if at all. Otherwise your car will move too fast as shown.

To back up, turn to your right so you can see through the back window. Turn your head and body to the right until you can see clearly through the back window. To improve balance, a drivers right arm can be draped over the back of the seat. The left hand grips the steering wheel near the top and turns it in the direction a driver wants the vehicle to go.

Always go slowly, watching carefully in all directions.

To steer the car in reverse, turn the wheel in the direction you want the rear of the car to go. Turning the wheel to the right steers the back of the car to the right. Turning the wheel to the left steers to the left.