@ OP I think you know you goofed. Hitting a stationary object is never good.
You are right we have all made a bad move at one time or another.
But one thing I always do is get out and walk the site. I observe any gotchas.
I make sure electric appears OK . I note where all utilities are.
I look for things I may not be able to see from the driver's seat like a fire ring. I take notice of any tree limbs.
Yes I do this each and every time.
Trying to scan things from the drivers seat without actually walking the site can/will/may lead to a mishap.