What is a safe practice for preventing hazards while backing up?

Using a spotter when backing up is considered a safe practice for preventing hazards. A spotter is an individual who can assist the driver by observing blind spots and directing them, making it easier to avoid obstacles, pedestrians, or other vehicles. This practice enhances situational awareness and promotes safer maneuvers when reversing, particularly in complex or crowded environments.

While rearview mirrors offer visibility, they may not provide a complete view of all potential hazards. Depending solely on them may lead to accidents, as some blind spots remain invisible to the driver. Audio signals can alert others but do not aid the driver in assessing the surrounding environment. Lastly, backing up quickly contradicts the notion of safety, as it reduces the driver's ability to react to unforeseen hazards, increasing the risk of collisions. Therefore, engaging a spotter is an effective strategy to mitigate risks while reversing.