WEST YORKSHIRE, UK - The need for fleet managers and drivers to become more aware of the dangers has been emphasised by a new research report from Interactive Driving Systems, which targets reversing safety. The report warns that reversing often affects the most vulnerable of road users, such as children, pedestrians, and outdoor workers — and provides practical steps to reduce the risks.

According to the report Author Dr Will Murray, “After reviewing a great deal of fleet crash data, we believe that all drivers must exercise greater care when reversing, especially fleet drivers visiting customer sites and homes as part of their daily activities. Because of the relatively low impact speed, many people don’t regard reversing as a significant hazard. However, reversing and slow speed manoeuvring incidents make up a large proportion of fleet collision costs and risks.”

The report recommends that all drivers adopt the following tips for safe reversing:

• Walk around the vehicle and look for obstacles or hazards before moving.

• Always beware of pedestrians, but especially children.

• Reverse slowly — turn your head, use your mirrors, and check both sides.

• Avoid reversing over a long distance.

• Look behind before reversing — not as you take off.

• When reversing and turning remember to watch the front of your car as well.

• If towing a trailer, practice reversing with the trailer in a safe location.

• Where possible, reverse into parking spaces rather than out of them.

The research report on reversing fleet safety is aimed at fleet and safety managers, and is available by emailing will.murray@virtualriskmanager.net