Before backing a commercial vehicle, what should a driver do first?

49 CFR 383.111(a)(6); AAMVA CDL Manual Section 2.2.4, p.2-8

Many backing collisions happen because something changed in the path, a parked car, a curb, a low wire, since the driver last looked. Physically walking the path immediately before backing catches hazards that mirrors alone can miss. It's a simple habit that prevents a large share of backing-related property damage.