Before reversing your vehicle, what is the recommended practice?

The recommended practice before reversing your vehicle is to exit the vehicle and check the path it will take. This action is important because it allows you to gain a clear and complete view of the area behind your vehicle, which may not be fully visible from the driver's seat. By physically inspecting the space, you can spot any obstacles, pedestrians, or other vehicles that you may not have seen otherwise. This precaution significantly reduces the risk of accidents or collisions while backing up.

Flashing the brake lights or sounding the horn alone would not provide adequate safety measures, as these actions do not ensure awareness of your surroundings. Similarly, relying solely on rearview mirrors can also be insufficient, as mirrors can have blind spots and may not reveal everything that is behind you. Therefore, stepping out of the vehicle and checking the reversing path is the safest and most comprehensive approach when preparing to back up.