What should you do before backing up your vehicle?

Before backing up your vehicle, it is crucial to check mirrors and look over your shoulder. This practice helps ensure that there are no obstacles, pedestrians, or other vehicles in your path that could cause an accident. Relying solely on mirrors may not provide a complete view of the area directly behind you. By turning your head and looking over your shoulder, you can gain a fuller perspective and enhance your situational awareness, significantly reducing the chances of a collision.

The other options may seem beneficial but do not directly address the critical safety requirements needed when reversing your vehicle. Adjusting mirrors or using hazard lights might have their places in certain scenarios, but they do not take the place of the necessary visual checks that ensure it is safe to back up. Turning down the radio can help minimize distractions, but it does not contribute to increasing awareness of your surroundings as effectively as physically looking.