What should you check before reversing your vehicle?

Before reversing your vehicle, it's essential to check your surroundings for obstacles and pedestrians. This practice is crucial for safety, as you need to ensure that there are no obstructions behind you that could lead to a collision or injury. Additionally, being aware of pedestrians is vital, as they may be in your path, especially in residential areas or near parking lots.

Relying solely on your rearview mirror or blind spot could leave blind spots unchecked, and not accounting for objects or individuals in your path can result in dangerous situations. Furthermore, while checking your speed and gear is important when driving, it is less relevant when preparing to reverse, as the focus should be on ensuring a clear and safe area behind the vehicle. Hence, the most comprehensive and responsible action is to scan your entire surroundings before proceeding to reverse.