Most Effective Back Up Guide for Semi-Truck Drivers

The most challenging trucking maneuver for most of the drivers is how to back up properly. Numerous backing situations are there that the professional truck drivers face almost regularly. The dimensions of the truck and the driver's lack of ability, to see the extreme end of the trailer from the seat, are most likely to cause a backing accident.
If the driver can’t see the area behind then he or she is more prone to creating some serious issue. However, this move is pretty difficult and is a very popular cause of truck and property damage.

Semi trucks are usually articulated, meaning they rotate in the middle (commonly known as kingpin), so the truck along with the trailer move altogether, in a type of bending position.  Hence, backing a truck is considered as one of the trickiest skills a professional semi-truck driver practices during his or her entire job.

Here are some tips on how to back up a semi-truck properly and in the easiest way possible:

·        While Backing A Semi, Keep Eye on The Bottom Of The Steering Wheel

It is very simple. During the backup process, the trailer rotates in the exact same direction as in the way the bottom of the steering wheel is rotated. It’s properly the opposite of while moving forward.

·        Engage a spotter

A spotter must be used wherever possible. Place the spotter in a place from where he or she is able to see what you cannot. Also, it is 20’-25’ out from the right front corner of the truck. Choose some proper hand signals that the spotter can use to make you understand towards what direction you should move. The stop is the most important signal of all. Whenever you can’t see the spotter you must proceed to press the brake and STOP. Ensure that your tractor and trailer are aligned straight with the parking area. Roll your windows down while parking or backing as it clears the visibility of your mirrors, which should be constantly checked.

·        Use mirrors

The mirrors on the two sides are same way important while backing up. You have to use both mirrors to direct you while making backing adjustments. You should carefully hear the sound of the horn before backing (two toots are common, first one to get their attention and the second to know the direction it is coming from). You can also use the four-way flashers while the vehicle is in reverse mode. 

Conclusion

Clearly, when you are driving forward the trailer will follow your truck and alternatively when you are heading backward your truck is pushing the trailer it bends at the fulcrum (5th wheel). This bending makes the trailer move in the opposite direction where the truck is turned. It is easier to understand in a physics way- put two different items- one in front of the other and push the backside one in backward with the front one while turning the one in front. This way you would be able to see the physics of how it functions properly on a basic level.