Mastering the Art of Backing Around a Corner: A Comprehensive Guide

Backing around a corner can be a challenging maneuver for many drivers. But with a bit of practice and the right technique, it can become a seamless part of your driving skills. This guide will walk you through the steps to tackle this tricky task with confidence.

Prepare for the Maneuver

Check Your Mirrors: Adjust your side and rearview mirrors to a comfortable position, ensuring that you can see the vehicle next to you and the area behind your car. Ideally, you should see the rear door handle in the lower corner of your side mirrors. Signal: Use your turn signal to indicate your intention to back up. Observe: Look both ways to ensure it is safe to proceed with the maneuver.

Back Up in a Controlled Manner

Start by backing up slowly in a straight line until you can see the rear bumper of the car next to you over your front fender. This is a crucial step, especially for drivers in high or long vehicles, since it can put you too far out.

Turn the Steering Wheel

Full Lock Turn: Turn the steering wheel to full lock in the direction you want the car to reverse. Ensure you have at least one car's length of space in this direction to avoid hitting anything.

Check for Obstacles and Perform the Maneuver

Continue to back up, checking all mirrors closely for any obstacles. For high or long vehicles, leave extra room for error until you learn where your rear bumper is in relation to the rear quarter panel. Stop when you can see the rear bumper of the car next to you at the other corner of your bonnet, or when you reach a safe stopping point.

Turn Back in the Opposite Direction

Shift to First Gear: Turn the steering wheel in the opposite direction to full lock.

Pull Forward Securely

Now, slowly pull forward until you are clear of the car next to you or have a clear view over your bonnet. If necessary, repeat the steps outlined above. In tight spaces, you may need to perform this maneuver several times to get into the desired position.

Pro Tips

Timing is Key: Be mindful of when to start turning the steering wheel. Turning too soon can cause your front fender to bump into the neighboring car, while turning too late leaves you with limited maneuvering space. Smooth and Gentle Movements: To ease into the maneuver, you can turn the wheel slightly when the car is about halfway out, but be cautious not to knock the fender into the adjacent vehicle.

By following these steps and practicing regularly, you can master the art of backing around a corner with confidence. Always prioritize safety during the maneuver, and be prepared to adjust your approach as you gain more experience.