Why do people back into parking spaces?

[Anonymous]

I avoid all this nonsense by being one of the few who chooses to park in the way back of the parking lot. Getting extra steps in wherever I can, and avoiding all the pitfalls of parking close. Still have to navigate all the distracted and skills challenged drivers while walking through the parking lot, which is the reasons I choose off peak times to shop whenever possible.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:I avoid all this nonsense by being one of the few who chooses to park in the way back of the parking lot. Getting extra steps in wherever I can, and avoiding all the pitfalls of parking close. Still have to navigate all the distracted and skills challenged drivers while walking through the parking lot, which is the reasons I choose off peak times to shop whenever possible.

I agree with this-- and I note that if I'm walking down the roadway (i.e., no sidewalk) I feel much safer walking down a row where all the cars have backed into the spot rather than a row where all the cars parked front first. I can make actual eye contact with drivers that backed in, but I can't do that with those that front parked.

I used to be annoyed with drivers that backed-in back. It seemed like it was something that only men did and that they did it just as a show of how important they were and how they were entitled to slow everyone else down. When a friend explained he did it because it was actually safer I was sceptical, but gave it a try and saw that it really did provide better visibility-- at least better at the point when you are leaving the parking spot.

Anyway it wasn't how I was taught as a new driver, but I absolutely teach my kids this way.

[Anonymous]

Because they are selfish and don't care that they are causing a problem for the people right behind them.

[Anonymous]

Everyone thinks their way is the right one.

I’m still laughing at the person that says that people who back in always signal and indicate intention. That was cute.

[Anonymous]

I never back in and since I have a very good wide angle rear camera I’ve got pretty good visibility. If you are parked next to a huge SUV you are pretty blind without a good camera.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:This is big in Maryland, I don't get it, it takes up so much time in parking lot.

Maybe a get away car?

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Honestly because of this:


The fact is that backing into a parking space so that you can pull forward when leaving is actually safer and can help reduce your risks of injuries to yourself and others. The American Automobile Association (AAA) recommends all drivers back into parking spaces whenever possible.

Except I think it is more dangerous getting in. First, you are following someone down the row and then they suddenly stop and start backing into you. Or you are walking to your car and someone again just randomly starts backing into your path.

But this would happen in reverse too! If the car nosed in, upon return then the car has to back out into pedestrians randomly walking by.

AND with less visibility when backing out.

Anyone who thinks it’s safer to pull in needs to start backing in to learn the difference.

If you are parking somewhere turn on your signal.

I have more visibility backing out with a backup camera than driving out forward. Without a camera, visibility is similarly limited both ways, but backing into a space always takes longer than pulling in forward. There are times it’s warranted—concerts, sporting events, and tight parking garages. I always figured people who insist on backing in at places like Target are bad drivers.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Honestly because of this:


The fact is that backing into a parking space so that you can pull forward when leaving is actually safer and can help reduce your risks of injuries to yourself and others. The American Automobile Association (AAA) recommends all drivers back into parking spaces whenever possible.

Except I think it is more dangerous getting in. First, you are following someone down the row and then they suddenly stop and start backing into you. Or you are walking to your car and someone again just randomly starts backing into your path.

But this would happen in reverse too! If the car nosed in, upon return then the car has to back out into pedestrians randomly walking by.

AND with less visibility when backing out.

Anyone who thinks it’s safer to pull in needs to start backing in to learn the difference.

If you are parking somewhere turn on your signal.

I have more visibility backing out with a backup camera than driving out forward. Without a camera, visibility is similarly limited both ways, but backing into a space always takes longer than pulling in forward. There are times it’s warranted—concerts, sporting events, and tight parking garages. I always figured people who insist on backing in at places like Target are bad drivers.

You guys always say this, but you always conveniently neglect to make the other appropriate comparison, which is pulling out versus backing out.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Honestly because of this:


The fact is that backing into a parking space so that you can pull forward when leaving is actually safer and can help reduce your risks of injuries to yourself and others. The American Automobile Association (AAA) recommends all drivers back into parking spaces whenever possible.

Except I think it is more dangerous getting in. First, you are following someone down the row and then they suddenly stop and start backing into you. Or you are walking to your car and someone again just randomly starts backing into your path.

But this would happen in reverse too! If the car nosed in, upon return then the car has to back out into pedestrians randomly walking by.

AND with less visibility when backing out.

Anyone who thinks it’s safer to pull in needs to start backing in to learn the difference.

If you are parking somewhere turn on your signal.

I have more visibility backing out with a backup camera than driving out forward. Without a camera, visibility is similarly limited both ways, but backing into a space always takes longer than pulling in forward. There are times it’s warranted—concerts, sporting events, and tight parking garages. I always figured people who insist on backing in at places like Target are bad drivers.

You guys always say this, but you always conveniently neglect to make the other appropriate comparison, which is pulling out versus backing out.

Backing into a space takes longer than backing out. Pulling out of a space takes the same amount of time or longer then pulling into a space. So altogether, backing into a space takes longer.

[Anonymous]

My husband was required to back into spaces at work for safety reasons.

For some jobs (police for example), they have time when arriving but may need to leave in a hurry.

For me, sometimes I have to back into a space. Some indoor garages are too tight to turn around in when backing out. i have a large SUV (like everyone else).

At our summer pool. lazy idiots often park behind us along a fence. This means almost every car cannot back out at all. If you back into the space when you park, you can always get out.

[Anonymous]

To show off.

[Anonymous]

I sometimes key the cars of people I’ve been forced to wait on as they backed into a space.

Sorry, not sorry!

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Backing in is more secure. Safer. And more convenient. Other than that, great point!

Also many of us drive real American vehicles that are much more difficult to park pulling in forward than backing in (due to hood size and turning radius).

Don’t worry, we see you waiting. Steaming mad in your Prius. That’s a bonus.

Wow. you are an a-hat on so many different levels. What has gone wrong in your life that you are so mean and spiteful?

[Anonymous]

I wish people could just chill out and wait the extra minute while some one parks without experiencing so much rage

[Anonymous]

Stop driving suvs into parking garages. They aren’t designed for this.