Reversing out of a parking space across the sidewalk
Look at the picture, read the situation, and mark each of the three statements true (○) or false (✕). All three right scores 2 points.
You are about to reverse out of a parking lot across the sidewalk. Looking back, you see a pedestrian crossing the sidewalk right behind you. The cars parked beside you make it hard to see to the left and right. It is a store parking lot, in the daytime. Answer true or false for each of the following.
- (1)You have checked behind you in the rearview mirror, so you go ahead and reverse.
- (2)Before reversing, you bring the car to a full stop and check for pedestrians by looking directly, including through the passenger-side window.
- (3)If you sound the horn the pedestrian will notice you, so you go ahead and reverse.
Show the answers and explanation
- (1) ✕ FalseYou have checked behind you in the rearview mirror, so you go ahead and reverse.
- (2) ○ TrueBefore reversing, you bring the car to a full stop and check for pedestrians by looking directly, including through the passenger-side window.
- (3) ✕ FalseIf you sound the horn the pedestrian will notice you, so you go ahead and reverse.
Explanation
When reversing, the mirrors leave large blind spots, and there is a high risk of overlooking a pedestrian, child or bicycle (Rules of the Road (kyōsoku), Ch. 5, Sec. 5, 3(1)). The rule is to come to a full stop and check all around, 360 degrees, with your own eyes. You must not reverse when doing so could obstruct pedestrians (Road Traffic Act, Art. 25-2).
Source: Rules of the Road (kyōsoku), Ch. 5, Sec. 5, 3(1) (safety checks when reversing) / Road Traffic Act, Art. 25-2 (prohibition on crossing, U-turns and reversing)
