7 Tips for Successfully Maneuvering or Backing in Tight Areas

We recently worked with Celadon’s Safety department on providing drivers with some basic backing tips!

We wanted them to weigh in again, and they gave us 7 more tips for successfully maneuvering or backing in tight areas.

Whether you’re a 20-year veteran of the industry or a recent CDL training grad, these tips may be a good refresher or might provide you with a new perspective that will help you remain safe throughout your driving career.

7 Tips for Successfully Maneuvering or Backing Tight Areas

Did you know that one of the most common places for collisions to occur is in parking lots or in close quarter maneuvering areas?

Even though these occur at a low speed, backing and parking lot crashes can cause significant damages and/or injuries.

The tips below should help you successfully back or maneuver in tight areas –

1. Set reference points – once you reach your reference point, Get Out And Look (GOAL) before proceeding.
2. Adjust and clean your mirrors before backing.
3. Avoid backing from the blind side of your truck.
4. Avoid distractions – roll down your window and turn off your cell phone, radio, etc.
5. Use your hazard flashers or turn signals to signal your intentions.
6. Back up slowly.
7. Ask for help when visibility is limited or when there is vehicle/pedestrian traffic.

Celadon’s Backing Video

In case you missed our backing video the first time, take a look below. Pay special attention at the 1:20 mark to see how GOAL can help you set reference points, see what’s behind and around you, and help you make adjustments to properly back.

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