What must you do before backing out of a parking space?

Before backing out of a parking space, it is essential to check mirrors and look over your shoulder. This practice ensures that you have a clear view of your surroundings in all directions. Using your mirrors helps you see what may be directly behind you and any vehicles or pedestrians that may not be immediately visible.

Looking over your shoulder provides additional visibility, allowing you to spot any potential hazards that might be in your blind spots. This combined approach increases safety and reduces the risk of accidents, such as colliding with other vehicles, pedestrians, or obstacles that may not be apparent from just using mirrors alone.

While simply looking over your shoulder might seem sufficient, it lacks the comprehensive awareness that checking mirrors provides. Similarly, just putting the car in reverse without ensuring the area is clear is dangerous, and waiting for a guide is not practical or always available. Therefore, the correct approach considers multiple aspects of the surrounding area to promote safe backing maneuvers.