Backing incidents can account for up to half of all reportable fleet incidents.
Virtually all backing collisions are preventable though. We drive in reverse only a fraction of the distance that we go in the forward direction, yet it seems that backing is a serious problem in most fleets.
Leader Tip: Check and note your organization’s percentage of incidents associated with backing.
The Question for this Meeting:

Why do you think there are so many backing incidents?
Answers may be:
■ Driver is unskilled at backing.
■ Visibility is poor and it’s therefore easier to miss seeing a hazard.
■ Driver is in a hurry and fails to take the time to ensure no hazards.
■ Driver didn’t use a guide.
■ Driver was backing in a situation where it could have been avoided.
■ Driver was going too fast to properly control vehicle.
■ Driver failed to walk around to check for hazards.
■ Other reasons?
Backing incidents at best are expensive but at worst can end up as fatalities. Not only on the job, but also at home! Across North America, every year, over 250 children are killed in the driveways of their own homes, in back over incidents where a parent, relative or friend backs up while the child is behind the vehicle and can’t be seen. Even if you don’t have small children of your own, are there any kids in your neighbourhood?

How many of us have jumped into the car or truck and just backed out of the driveway without looking behind first?
How many have run over a bicycle or child’s toy in the driveway?

Tailgate Tips:
7 Tips to Avoid Backing Incidents
1. Avoid Backing
– Find a spot to pull through to park.
– Back in when you have to stall park to allow your first move to be forward.
2. Circle Check
– If your vehicle has been parked for a while, walk around before moving it to make sure that there are no hazards that you are unaware of.
3. Look Back
– Either look out the centre of the rear window by turning in your seat or adjust and use your mirrors effectively.
4. Back Slowly
– Keep your speed to a walking pace maximum to ensure that you can control the vehicle and react to problems if they arise.
5. Use a Guide
– If there is a reliable person who can help guide you back, USE THEM! Agree on signals before starting back and keep them in sight. Stop if you lose sight of your guide.
6. Avoid Distractions
– As with any driving, avoid use of mobile devices, radios or other electronics when backing.
7. Practise
– We back-up infrequently and many of us don’t have a high level of confidence. If you are unsure of your ability, take some time and practise. Set up some cones to back around or just find a quiet parking lot and practise backing into empty stalls.

ICBC is a partner with government on the new BC Services Card program that will be implemented on February 15, 2013.

The BC Services Card is a secure, government-issued identification that will allow the card holder to access provincial government services, beginning with the Medical Services Plan.

Card Features

The card design includes security features to help protect the card holder from identity theft and help prevent misuse of government services. Features include:

• an embedded chip (similar to the ones used by debit cards) that stores no personal information and can be de-activated if stolen.
• In the future, the card can be used with a card reader at a point of service (e.g., medical clinic) to help validate the card holder’s identity.
• Cards have an expiry date clearly indicated on the front.

There are three types of BC Services Card:

1. A photo (for those 19 years of age and older and 75 years of age and under).
2. A combined photo BC driver’s licence and services card (with a brand new background) — British Columbia will be the first province in North America to have a chip embedded in a driver’s licence when combined with a Services Card.
3. Non-photo for those under 19 years and over 75 or for those exempt from a photo BC Services Card.

The attached brochure provides further details and samples of all cards that will be in circulation on February 15.

The government web site, BCServicesCard.ca, provides information on how to apply for a card along with an overview of the features of each card type.

Please share this information with your staff and encourage them to check for important news and updates on our driver training web site dtcbc.com.

ICBC launches online Road Ready Quiz—helping customers prepare for road test

A new online practice quiz is now available on ICBC’s main web site (icbc.com) to help reduce the most common errors that drivers make when taking their road test.

Although it was designed to help customers better prepare for their class 5 or 7 road test, the new quiz is not a substitute for training and is not considered to be a practice road test.

In building the content for the quiz, ICBC’s Driver Licensing has taken existing material from its driving guides and examined feedback from Driver Examiners and the driver training industry to understand what common errors occur during ICBC road tests.

Let us know what you think! Try out the new Road Ready Quiz on icbc.com.

As of January 7, 2013, upon qualification of a BC Driver’s Licence, customers possessing a Non-Reciprocal driver licence must surrender it to an ICBC Driver Licensing Office. The public and law enforcement will be given 90 days notice.

Learn more about Getting a B.C. driver’s licence when moving from most countries on ICBC’s main website (icbc.com).