Backing into parking spots

[madguy30]

Backing can be dangerous if not done with care because depending on the vehicle the first thing you can see out of your back window just above the the bottom sill can be over 20 feet away and obstructed from view (kids, animals, etc.). Same goes similarly involving less obstructed view with side windows and panels.

Rear hazard cameras help quite a bit if used correctly.

I've seen people back right into one another in parking lots with new cars so the cameras apparently aren't fool proof. Was kind of funny to watch though.

All that said I don't care about people backing into the stall. It's probably for easier exit.

 

[peatyscotch]

This thread got me thinking. It seems to me that it is less about backing in-driving out and driving in-backing out. I'm asking myself who cares. Why are we getting to be so judgmental? Why does everyone have to do things the way we do them. Regarding waiting, it probably comes down to do I wait for the person to back into their space, or do I wait for them to back out of their space.

But I'll tell you why I back into spaces, driveways, etc. I hope I am not bringing up awful memories of people on here, but I know two Dads who backed over their sons - one in their driveway at home and one at their cottage. Both vehicles were equipped with backup cameras. It is such an awful thing. Plus, on our street, there was a kid about 6 or 7 years old who would play chicken when you drove down the street, running in front of you or running behind you when you were backing up. I never understood why he did it, but it scared the heck out of me. Finally, the number of people who walk behind you in a mall parking lot, either oblivious to a car backing out of their space, or whatever. And back up cameras - at least mine - do a good job of showing what is directly behind your vehicle, but not a very good job of what is coming from the side. So, I always look backwards if I drove into a parking spot.

But I return to my first point. Can we please be less judgmental? Live and let live. We live in a country of bounty and beauty. Let's enjoy it.

 

[AllInForISU]

I’ll back in when I know it will be a tough exit. Some lanes are not the same as others and my vehicle is about 22 ft long.

 

[NorthCyd]

I'm interested in seeing the data. There are lots of things done because "logic obviously tells us its safer" that don't align with reality.

This article claims there are studies that show backing in is safer, but you'll have to do some digging if you want to see the actual numbers.

Study Claims That Parking In Reverse Is More Than a Flex, It’s Actually Safer

Generally, it is assumed that people who park in reverse use it as a way to low-key brag about their driving skills. However, according to a study conducted by Wilmar Inc, individuals using this ma...

www.powernationtv.com

 

[stateofmind]

Physics say it's much easier to back a vehicle into a stall. I have a pickup and many small lots are impossible to pull in. And before you say it, I've driven busses, limos, straight trucks, tractors, etc. I can parallel park my truck in one try in a tight spot. I know how to drive.

But I will give up a spot to people behind me if I don't have time to back in before they are upon me. Because I get that it can be confusing to those driving, not expecting me to back in. If I'm in my wife's SUV or a car I usually pull in given the same time constraints.

Those that can't see how much safer it is too pull out blow my mind. 2 cars backing out at same time is one of the most common accidents. Or pedestrians not noticing you leaving.

 

[BCClone]

Maybe their dads told them to.

 

[Dopey]

This statement is completely false.

This is exactly why blinkers were invented.

100%

When you're parallel parking.

 

[Erik4Cy]

100%

When you're parallel parking.

Or to signal to those behind you intend to stop or back up or to indicate disabled vehicle or getting pulled over by police or unloading/loading passengers...etc.

Most drivers do not utilize their hazard blinkers, but it doesn't surprise me. Heck, a lot of drivers struggle mightily just to use their turn signal when switching lanes or even when their about to turn.

 

[TitanClone]

Never back in if someone's behind me or there's a good spot to pull through. Also never at a golf course or grocery store for obvious reasons. But it doesn't take much longer, and may be quicker, if you know what you're doing, turn away from the spot then back right in. Easy.

Also, would it help the Hilton traffic if everyone was facing out vs backing up?

 

[Erik4Cy]

I'm interested in seeing the data. There are lots of things done because "logic obviously tells us its safer" that don't align with reality.

Like someone else said, you'll have to do some digging for the stats on Google, but they are out there. NHTSA I know has some PDFs and info on crash stats if you search them up.

I'd say AAA & NHTSA both being on board with backing first being the safest option in most situations is enough for me. I don't see what they have to gain from hypothetically fabricating the safety of it. Many businesses that have workers who do a lot of company vehicle driving definitely make you watch videos and training including it (in my case it was monthly, sometimes weekly training on it.)

NHTSA I know does point out like a different poster did that angled parking is not an ideal situation to back first (I'm looking at you Zombie Burger in the East Village, DSM.)

 

[CYCLNST8]

Backing in with a pickup is the natural thing to do. Pulling in forward would be like sitting down to pee.

 

[3TrueFans]

Someone tries to back into a parking space I'm swiping that ****.

 

[madguy30]

Someone tries to back into a parking space I'm swiping that ****.

Swiping like hitting it or stealing it or both?

 

[3TrueFans]

Swiping like hitting it or stealing it or both?

I see the confusion, I could have gone with yoinking, but the spot, just the spot. I'll be in the store, out and gone before he's done the trigonometry calculations to finally get inside the lines to come confront me.

 

[Clonefan94]

I've never yet seen someone need to readjust while backing out to a wide open aisle.

I'm constantly waiting for Billy bad asses to readjust as they attempt to back in between two vehicles.

this is the same **** as someone reclining their seat on an airplane, right? I mean, who gives a **** really. Let the guy park. You aren’t that ******* busy.

 

[cstrunk]

It's much easier and safer. Especially in a truck.

Although cameras have made it safer if you're too scared to try backing in, you probably won't run over a small child.

 

[Al_4_State]

This is one of those topics where I don't understand having a passionate opinion.

Unless you're backing a receiver hitch over a walking path. That's a **** move.

 

[BWRhasnoAC]

If you have a truck it's vastly easier to back in.

 

[Cyhig]

What is up with people that feel they HAVE to always back into parking spots? Any of you out there that can explain this? I have nothing against it, just find it odd and interesting.

I will say... I will try to find spots in parking lots where I can just "pull through" the spot and into the the spot opposite of it because it does make it easier to leave... but that doesn't require backing up into it.

We have neighbors on our street that ALWAYS back their vehicles up into their garage even. Have never seen them just pull in normally.

It is actually safer to back into a spot. When you back into a spot, you are fully aware of your surroundings. You know if there are anyone around you. When you leave. you have clear visibility ahead of you to see other people

If you back up to leave, you have many blind spots and is difficult to see your entire surroundings

 

[3TrueFans]

Before you can buy a vehicle there should be a test to make you prove that you can park it normally, if you fail you have to keep downsizing until you successfully park.