The content of the article:
- Setting up mirrors
- Correct use of the rear window when driving backwards
- How to control reverse movement
- Rear parking
- How to properly drive back with a trailer
- Compliance with traffic rules
- Alarm
- Parktronic and rear view camera
The main problem for a novice driver is reversing the car. To maneuver in difficult situations in reverse, you will need to gain considerable experience. In most use cases, a novice driver lacks certain skills to park in a narrow opening. Often it is the lack of practical experience and knowledge in driving a vehicle that leads to accidents. How to drive in reverse in a car and whether it is possible to drive in reverse at all, we will try to consider in more detail below.
Setting up mirrors
When reversing the maneuver, the risk of an emergency increases. This is due to the fact that the driver's rear visibility is very limited. Therefore, in order to avoid accidents when reversing, it is necessary to correctly adjust the mirrors. Set them up as follows: the side mirror should reflect 15% of the rear wing of the car, and the rest - 85% of what is happening behind the vehicle.
In parking areas with curbs, the mirrors should be tilted for a successful maneuver. For other cases of reversing, what is happening from behind should be clearly visible.
If the rear-view mirror in the passenger compartment displays the entire rear window and partially covers the top of the driver's head, then it is considered that it is correctly set. Some auto ladies like to tune this mirror to display their own image, which on the road can lead to negative consequences.
Correct use of the rear window when driving backwards
A novice driver should not absolutely rely on mirrors while reversing. Nowadays, curved mirrors can often be seen in cars, thanks to which it is easier for the driver to analyze the situation behind the car.
But this kind of mirrors are not recommended for beginners, since such a mirror slightly distorts what is happening - it is difficult to correctly assess the distance to the obstacle in it.
When reversing, the driver turns over his right shoulder, inspecting what is happening from behind through the rear window - this option allows you to control the movement of the car in reverse.
How to control reverse movement
Studying the method of maneuvering the steering column, the question arises - how to properly reverse? Based on the theory, a baby can also cope with driving a car. But applying knowledge in practice, the confidence of most novice car owners instantly evaporates.
Reversing does not tolerate rush, so start with slow and smooth action. The smoother the backward movement, the lower the likelihood of hitting an obstacle.
When making a maneuver in reverse, it is undesirable for an inexperienced driver to completely release the clutch pedal, and the gas pedal is pressed slowly and without jerking. Sometimes, when undergoing training, future drivers are taught to drive backward using only the clutch, but such skills will not help an inexperienced driver in everyday life when they have to make a drive on an uphill - without using the gas pedal, the car will not go, but will immediately stall.
For beginners, using the rear window when reversing will make driving easier. It should be borne in mind that a car of any model and various characteristics in terms of maneuverability in reverse is superior to forward movement. The understeer when moving backward in any vehicle is sharper. For the effectiveness of the maneuver, the hands on the steering wheel should be kept at the highest point.
Reverse parking
Parking skills are taught in driving schools under the guidance of instructors. But the number of hours devoted to reversing training is not enough. There are times when a motorist gets a license, but the proper skill in driving back has not been acquired. In this case, you must first of all pay attention to the proposed parking place - it is worthwhile to objectively assess your strengths and the very place to park the car. For a beginner, it is better to choose places with a minimum number of obstacles or with a large margin.
It is often easier to park your car in reverse than it is to park it in front. Due to the fact that the maneuverability of the car when reversing is much higher than in front, it turns out that it is easier to park while backing.
How to properly reverse with a trailer
The hardest part is to maneuver backwards with a trailer. Even an experienced driver has a number of difficulties when driving backwards with a load. How can you avoid mistakes when driving backward with a trailer?
First, you need to position yourself in the driver's seat so that you get a good view and access to the vehicle control system. To obtain the desired view, a half-turn position is best suited, where the driver holds the steering wheel with his left hand and rests on the passenger seat with his right hand.
Difficulties arise when reversing is carried out with a tent trailer. In this case, when making a maneuver in reverse, you should be guided by correctly configured mirrors.
The maneuver is performed only when the trailer is in line with the car - when the trailer is at an angle, the maneuver is considered inappropriate. It will take time to align it, but even this will not give an absolute guarantee that the maneuver will be successful.
Every novice driver should know that to turn the trailer to the left, the steering wheel must be turned to the right, and vice versa. For most drivers, this rule causes a number of difficulties. Subsequently, the maneuver can be broken down into four steps:
- Turning the trailer in the direction of arrival, turning the steering wheel in the opposite direction;
- The handlebars are then turned back, making a slow backward motion until they are fully aligned;
- Reverse movement is carried out before turning;
- When cornering, turn the car smoothly to cover the path smoothly.
The main factor is the correct position of the trailer relative to the car - they, as mentioned earlier, should be on the same straight line, without interfering with other drivers and for performing other actions.
When maneuvering with a trailer, all movements should be light and smooth without sudden jerks and stops, since the trailer has no brakes and it will not be able to stop immediately, but will continue to move. Reversing is a rather difficult task, which implies many nuances: the maneuverability of the trailer, its turns, the length of the distance from the towbar to the axle, and many others.
Compliance with traffic rules when driving back
When driving backwards, make sure that you are acting in accordance with traffic rules. Traffic rules allow you to maneuver backwards, if its safety is respected and at the same time it does not interfere with other road users.
Remember that if you hit a nearby car while driving backwards, then you will be the culprit of the road accident.
If, while maneuvering backwards, you notice that another car is driving towards you, stop driving and apply a sound signal. Only after making sure of safety, you can continue driving.
Alarm
When making a maneuver in reverse, you can apply hazard warning lights that can distinguish your car from a number of other vehicles and thereby prevent an emergency. And in the dark, an emergency gang will help illuminate the space behind the car.
Parktronic and rear view camera
These options are not installed in every car, but where they are, parking sensors and a rear view camera will help a novice driver navigate during parking and any other reversing of the car. But do not forget that these automotive functions are only of an auxiliary nature - the main task lies directly on the shoulders of the driver.
To summarize, we can say that reversing is an important and integral skill when driving. Mastering backward movement will save the driver from parking problems and movement in narrow openings. Subject to the basic rules, any driver can learn to reverse properly.
