Trucks
3. The reversing truck
You’re walking or cycling near a truck that’s starting to reverse. You hear the beeping sound and see it backing up slowly. You need to get past it, but which action could put you in danger around a reversing truck?
Select an answer
I trust that the driver has seen me and keep going.
The truck reverses, I wait for it to finish, then go.
I go around the front, keeping my distance, so as to be seen.
Correct
This is dangerous. That warning sound doesn’t always mean that the driver will see you – distractions, limited visibility, or assumptions about your movements can still make you unnoticed. No safety technology can replace your own attention.
To wait until the driver has finished reversing, or to walk around the front at a safe distance where the driver can clearly see you, are both smart moves.
To stay safe:
- Wait until the truck finishes reversing before crossing or approaching.
- If you’re near the front of the truck, keep a safe distance.
Not quite…
To wait until the driver has finished reversing, or to walk around the front at a safe distance where the driver can clearly see you, are both smart moves.
Assuming that the driver has seen you is dangerous. That warning sound doesn’t always mean that the driver will see you – distractions, limited visibility, or assumptions about your movements can still make you unnoticed. No safety technology can replace your own attention.
To stay safe:
- Wait until the truck finishes reversing before crossing or approaching it.
- If you're near the front of the truck, keep a safe distance.
Not quite…
To walk around the front at a safe distance where the driver can clearly see you, or to wait until the driver has finished reversing, are both smart moves.
Assuming that the driver has seen you is dangerous. That warning sound doesn’t always mean that the driver will see you – distractions, limited visibility, or assumptions about your movements can still make you unnoticed. No safety technology can replace your own attention.
To stay safe:
- Wait until the truck finishes reversing before crossing or approaching it.
- If you’re near the front of the truck, keep a safe distance.
