When backing up, what should you do with your right arm?

The optimal approach when backing up is to rest your right arm on the back of the seat. This allows you to turn your body and head to look through the rear window, maximizing your visibility and awareness of your surroundings. Utilizing this technique not only enhances your ability to see what’s behind you but also ensures better control of the vehicle, as your left hand continues to steer.

Maintaining one hand on the steering wheel can limit your ability to look back effectively, whereas resting your arm offers a more natural position for observation. Controlling the rearview mirror is also necessary, but it does not replace the need for turning your head to get a full view of what’s directly behind you. Joining your right arm with your left hand could lead to a less effective maneuver when backing up, as it may restrict your visibility and ability to react quickly to any obstacles. Therefore, resting your arm on the back of the seat provides the best combination of visibility and control when reversing a vehicle.