A 3-minute lesson from the New Hampshire course. Read the rules and examples, follow the handbook page references, and check your understanding before you move on.
Backing up and bad pavement both reduce your control. Going in reverse, you can't see directly behind the car. On curves, wet roads and water, your tires lose grip. The fix in every case is slower speed and better looking.
When backing:
Check behind the vehicle before getting in; children and small objects can't be seen from the seat
Use mirrors and head checks, knowing they don't show the area right behind you
Accelerate gently and keep speed slow; steer slightly in the direction the rear should go
If backing while turning, make quick checks to the front and sides
Keep looking to the rear until you've completely stopped
Curves: slow to a safe speed before entering, one that allows slight, constant acceleration through the curve. Slow more with poor traction, when following others, or when you can't see the curve's end.
Heavy rain has left pooled water across the highway. Slow down now: at speed your steering tires can ride up on the water like water skis and lose traction. Worn or underinflated tires make it more likely.
Check your understanding
Read the question, decide on an answer, then open it to check the explanation. These are Roadwise study questions based on the source handbook.
Before backing up, what should a driver do first?
Rely on the back-up camera display
Adjust the inside mirror only
Check behind the vehicle before getting in
Turn on the hazard flashers
Answer: Check behind the vehicle before getting in
Drivers should check behind the vehicle before even getting in, since small objects may not be visible from the seat.