Why Should You Check Behind and Around a Parked Car Before Driving?

Before a driver enters a vehicle, it is easy to assume the space behind it is clear. But people, pets and objects can be difficult—or impossible—to see from the driver's seat. Learning to check the full area around a parked car is an important first-lesson safety habit.

Quick answer: Check behind and around a parked car because children, pets, pedestrians and low obstacles may be hidden in the vehicle's blind zones. Before moving, walk around the vehicle and inspect its path. Then use your mirrors, look in the direction of travel, and check the backup camera if equipped. A camera is a helpful aid, not a replacement for checking the area yourself.

What hazards might be hiding around a parked car?

  • Children and pets: They may move into the driveway or behind a vehicle unexpectedly and may be too small to see from the driver's seat.
  • Bicycles, toys and sports equipment: A low object can be missed by mirrors and cameras yet still lie directly in the vehicle's path.
  • Pedestrians and cyclists: Someone may be using the sidewalk or crossing behind a parking space.
  • Shopping carts, curbs and posts: These hazards can damage the vehicle or require a different exit path.
  • Moving vehicles: Traffic approaching down a parking aisle or across a driveway can change the situation between your first look and the moment you back out.

A six-step safety check before moving

  1. Check the parking area: Before approaching the door, look for people, pets, children at play, bicycles, carts and moving traffic.
  2. Walk around the vehicle: Look in front, along both sides, and behind the car. Inspect the actual path you intend to take, including the space next to the tires.
  3. Look low and close: Small children, animals, toys and curbs can be hidden below the windows or outside the view of a rear camera.
  4. Check the route out: Notice nearby vehicles, driveway edges, parked cars, sidewalk users, uneven surfaces and any overhead clearance issue.
  5. Get in and prepare: Adjust seat and mirrors, buckle up, make sure passengers are secure, and check mirrors, surroundings and rear camera when equipped.
  6. Recheck while moving slowly: Look in the direction of travel and scan continuously. Stop immediately if your view is blocked or anyone enters your path.

Why a backup camera cannot replace a walk-around

Rearview cameras provide valuable additional visibility, but every camera has a limited viewing area. They can miss something close to the bumper, outside the image, or obscured by dirt or glare. Parking sensors have limitations too. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) recommends walking around a vehicle before backing, particularly to check for children.

The safe combination is a physical check before entering and continuous visual observation while moving. Do not treat a clear camera image as permission to reverse without looking around.

Why children are particularly at risk

Young children can be difficult to see near the front or rear of a vehicle. They may also move suddenly and not understand that a car is about to move. Larger vehicles, including SUVs, trucks and vans, can have extensive areas that are not visible from the driving position.

If children are nearby, make sure they are safely away from the car, that you know where they are, and that they remain visible before you begin moving. If you lose sight of a child, stop and do not move the vehicle until you know the area is clear.

What if you already checked but something changes?

The walk-around is a starting point, not a guarantee. A pedestrian can arrive, a dog can run behind the vehicle, or another car can enter the aisle after you get in. Before you select a gear, check again. While moving, look in the direction of travel, watch both sides, and back slowly enough to stop immediately. If uncertain, stop and reassess.

How this fits into NDT's first driving lesson

National Driver Training introduces vehicle awareness in Level One of its behind-the-wheel training. A complete pre-drive routine includes checking for tire damage and leaks, observing hazards around the parked vehicle, and preparing the seat, mirrors and passengers before driving.

For the entire routine, visit What Should You Check Before Getting Into Your Vehicle? or Why Should You Walk Around Your Vehicle Before Every Drive?.

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Frequently asked questions about checking around a parked car

Why should I walk around the car before backing out?

A walk-around helps you spot children, pets, bicycles, toys and other hazards that may be hidden from the driver’s seat or outside a camera’s view.

Is a backup camera enough to check behind a parked car?

No. Cameras and sensors help, but they have limited fields of view and may not show everything near the vehicle. Walk around first, then check mirrors, camera and surroundings while reversing.

What if children are playing near my driveway?

Wait until you know where every child is, have them move well away from the vehicle and remain where you can see them. Do not begin backing if you cannot confirm the area is clear.

Why do trucks and SUVs need extra attention before backing?

Larger vehicles often have bigger blind zones, particularly near the rear. A small child or low object may be hidden close to the vehicle.

What should I do if a person or pet enters my path while backing?

Stop immediately. Keep the vehicle stopped until the person or animal is clear and you have rechecked your full path. If visibility is uncertain, stop and get out to inspect again.

Should I check behind the car even if I am pulling forward?

Yes. Check the full area around the vehicle, including in front, along both sides, and behind. Look for low obstacles, passing pedestrians or cyclists and traffic near the space.

Related Beginner Driving Skills guides

Sources and further reading

Published October 29, 2026. General safety guidance; follow your vehicle owner's manual and exercise additional caution in crowded or low-visibility areas.