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Loss Lessons
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BACKING YOUR VEHICLE
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PestSure Members,
Backing a vehicle means operating with limited visibility.
This limited visibility is more pronounced for pest control
technicians because they often have a shell cover on the truck
bed. In one PestSure accident, a pest control technician was
backing out of a driveway of a home when he struck a pedestrian
who was walking on the sidewalk in front of the home. The
pedestrian was struck by the front quarter panel of the vehicle
as the driver completed the swing and backed out into the
street. The pedestrian was 78 years old and sustained a broken
hip from the impact.
In this accident, the technician may have visually cleared
the rear of the vehicle before backing and may have had a
good view as he moved, in reverse, down the driveway. Backing
a vehicle, however, requires the driver to turn his head or
to use mirrors to see behind him thus leaving the front and
sides of the vehicle unobserved.
Lesson:
- Backing your vehicle should be avoided whenever
possible.
- If it is necessary to back a vehicle, do so on
arrival when you are able to visually clear the area into
which you will back.
- Before moving in reverse, tap your horn in two
quick taps to alert anyone in the area of your motion.
- Be aware of any pedestrians in the area. Communicate
with them by making eye contact and be certain they are
aware of your intention to move the vehicle.
- Use a person outside of the vehicle as a guide to assist
you in backing your vehicle into very tight or limited
visibility areas.
The very best way to avoid backing accidents is to avoid backing
altogether. Study the area for places to park that will allow
you to pull in and away in a forward motion. Backing on arrival,
or not backing at all could have prevented this accident.
Make certain all of your drivers are aware of the increased
hazards involved with vehicle backing. Discuss specific techniques
to help your drivers avoid backing whenever possible. Please
share and discuss this Loss Lesson with your entire team so
they can apply the knowledge in the field and we can all learn
from this event.
Linda Midyett
Area Manager
Safety and Loss Prevention, PestSure
Arthur J. Gallagher Risk Management Services, Inc.
14241 Dallas Parkway, Suite 300
Dallas, TX 75254
972.663.6199
800.326.6203 |
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