When reversing a heavy vehicle, which is the safest practice?

Using a spotter for assistance is the safest practice when reversing a heavy vehicle. The spotter, who is outside the vehicle, can provide real-time guidance and help the driver avoid obstacles that may not be visible through mirrors or the rear window. This is particularly important for heavy vehicles, as they have larger blind spots and require more space and time to maneuver safely.

Additionally, spotters can help communicate the distance from other vehicles or stationary objects, and they can signal when it is safe to proceed. This collaboration minimizes the risk of accidents and ensures that the vehicle is reversing into a clear, safe space.

While looking through the rear window and using mirrors can provide some degree of visibility, they do not eliminate all blind spots, particularly for large vehicles. Reversing at high speed is never a safe option, as it reduces the driver’s ability to react to obstacles and increases the likelihood of accidents.