While backing up, use a spotter to ensure safety

  • Published
  • Submitted by 341st Missile Wing Safety Office staff
MALMSTROM AIR FORCE BASE, Mont. --  At what speed do most driving incidents happen? Since speed is the most common cause of vehicle mishaps, you probably think it is between 25-40 mph. However, the most common type of vehicle accident occurs when drivers are backing up, where their speed is and should be no more than 2 mph.

There are probably several reasons for these type of accidents. One could be limited vision out of the back window, especially those with a long vehicle and/or equipment bodies. Another may be that drivers fail to use their typical precautions because the vehicle is being operated at low speed. Some occur because drivers rely too heavily on their mirrors, not recognizing that even with the best of mirrors, there are still blind spots on the sides and the back of vehicles.

Over the past two years, Air Force Global Strike Command Airmen of Wing One have experienced 16 government motor vehicle backing mishaps, 11 of which occurred while the driver was using a spotter. Of those 11 mishaps, one includes an instance where the driver actually bumped into the spotter. While some of you may find that amusing, please know that PACAF experienced a fatality this year when a fire truck crushed its spotter against a cement pillar.

Although ultimately the responsibility of backing safely falls on the driver, it is helpful to use a reliable, well-trained spotter whenever possible to assist when backing. An extra set of eyes could make all the difference, particularly in situations where there are blind spots or when someone or something could come into your path. The driver and spotter should use recognized hand signals instead of verbal ones. The spotter should not be walking backwards while giving instructions and should always be in a position to simultaneously monitor the vehicle and the hazards in that area. These hazards could be not only at the side and rear clearances, but remember to look for overhead clearances and other overhangs as necessary.

Some basic driver/spotter safety tips:
  • Never back a vehicle when any mirror is covered with dirt, frost, snow or other substances that keep you from visually clearing the path the vehicle will take.
     
  • Assume that other vehicles or individuals do not see you coming.
     
  • Driver and spotter, if available, will conduct a walk around to identify possible hazards.
     
  • Establish eye contact with the guide before backing and keep the guide in sight at all times while backing. If you lose sight of the spotter, STOP and determine their location.
     
  • If you act as a spotter never assume that the driver can see you or knows where you are going.
     
  • Sound the horn prior to backing up if the vehicle is not equipped with an automatic backing alarm.
     
  • Back slowly and cautiously. Have complete control of the vehicle. Use the lowest possible gear or idle speed, and do not accelerate

Using these tips will ensure both the equipment and the Airman remain safe and mishap free. For more detailed driver and spotter responsibilities, reference 341 MWMAN 24-301.