Backing up is an inherently risky move; it’s too often the cause of unnecessary crashes.   In order to avoid a crash while backing up there are a several actions you can take.   Combined they will limit the chance of a crash.   

First, try to limit the times you have to back up. Sure, you will have to back up sometimes, but there are ways to limit how often.    If you have to back up, make sure you do it correctly.    There are several methods for minimizing the risks of backing up and improving your driving skills.   

Check behind your car first: Before you get in your car, walk around behind it to make sure it’s clear. While doing this, glance around to see if there are any children playing in the area who might run behind you unexpectedly.   A lot of newer vehicles have “backup cameras,” which is very helpful and a nice tool, but you should still walk around and check first anyway.  Some companies require drivers to put a cone behind their vehicle when they park. This forces the driver to look in back and pick up the cone before driving away.  

Turn around: Before you start to back up, turn around and look behind.   Don’t rely on your mirrors; they don’t show enough and significantly limit your vision. Stay turned around until you have finished backing up.  

Back up slowly:  Keep your speed very low -- down to a crawl. This gives you a chance to respond if there’s a problem.

Parking lots:  Find a spot that will allow you to drive forward when you leave. If you can, pick a parking spot you can pull straight into and on to the next row. This will make it much safer by avoiding backing out of a space.   

Don’t back up on the road. It’s illegal in some states, but not necessarily in Massachusetts.   If you back onto a road and don’t exercise care, you can be charged.   Generally this happens only if you get into a crash. Nevertheless, it’s much safer to go around the block, or make some other turnaround rather than back up in or onto the road. 

Missing Your Exit Ramp:  It is illegal and wildly unsafe to back up on a highway if you miss a ramp.   Do not pull over and back up to the ramp. Not only is it illegal, but it is incredibly dangerous and a big ticket if you are caught. If you miss the ramp, continue to the next exit and double back.   In most cases it should take no more than 5 minutes to get back on your route. 

Overrunning the stop line:  Yes, you’ve made a mistake, you went too far at a stop sign or red light, but don’t try to remedy the mistake by backing up. Backing up in the cross-walk can cause pedestrians and other vehicles in your area to be confused about your actions and potentially lead to a crash.