Backing into Parking Spots - What is the deal and why are so many more people doing it? (4 Viewers)

[JAA]

This "Im going to steal a space from the backer-in" is preposterous.

Exhibit H: Driving into the city and needing to parallel park is a prime example of drivers properly indicating their parking intentions as well as the driver behind them understanding what is going on.

When I parallel park in Boston, I signal and pull up right before the spot. I brake to complete stop, then pull forward, line up, put it into reverse and park (which takes about 12 tries, but you get the point).

In the rare situations someone behind me isnt paying attention and pulls forward with me, I just stop. I leave my reverse on and just wait. This situation is on them. There may have been some times where they beep and me, but I aint moving. In all honesty, I do not remember a bad outcome from this. The person behind will always need to possibly back up before going around. But this is fn Boston and I ain't giving up my spot cause some doodleback wasn't paying attention to my indicators.

In closing though, this process is rather straightforward and folks who get confused by it prolly live far away from dense populations where people actually have to interact and co-exist.

 

[El Floppo]

You must not be married

I am, and while I often describe her time management as la-la land, she has a sense of humor about it, which is probably why we work well together. And thankfully, most of her time management issues result in self-inflicted problems, they don't impact the rest of us.

my wife and are simpatico about getting places early. so far has rubbed off on our kids thankfully.

my brother otoh- has led his life in myopic focus to the point of distraction and never, ever getting anywhere even close to on time. that's fun.

 

[El Floppo]

This "Im going to steal a space from the backer-in" is preposterous.

Exhibit H: Driving into the city and needing to parallel park is a prime example of drivers properly indicating their parking intentions as well as the driver behind them understanding what is going on.

When I parallel park in Boston, I signal and pull up right before the spot. I brake to complete stop, then pull forward, line up, put it into reverse and park (which takes about 12 tries, but you get the point).

In the rare situations someone behind me isnt paying attention and pulls forward with me, I just stop. I leave my reverse on and just wait. This situation is on them. There may have been some times where they beep and me, but I aint moving. In all honesty, I do not remember a bad outcome from this. The person behind will always need to possibly back up before going around. But this is fn Boston and I ain't giving up my spot cause some doodleback wasn't paying attention to my indicators.

In closing though, this process is rather straightforward and folks who get confused by it prolly live far away from dense populations where people actually have to interact and co-exist.

this is me too.

that said- and from what I've seen of Boston driving, it's even worse than here in NYC... I've seen people do exactly what you're describing and then have somebody try to pull into that spot the wrong way behind them. hijinks ensue

 

[zoobird]

This "Im going to steal a space from the backer-in" is preposterous.

Exhibit H: Driving into the city and needing to parallel park is a prime example of drivers properly indicating their parking intentions as well as the driver behind them understanding what is going on.

When I parallel park in Boston, I signal and pull up right before the spot. I brake to complete stop, then pull forward, line up, put it into reverse and park (which takes about 12 tries, but you get the point).

In the rare situations someone behind me isnt paying attention and pulls forward with me, I just stop. I leave my reverse on and just wait. This situation is on them. There may have been some times where they beep and me, but I aint moving. In all honesty, I do not remember a bad outcome from this. The person behind will always need to possibly back up before going around. But this is fn Boston and I ain't giving up my spot cause some doodleback wasn't paying attention to my indicators.

In closing though, this process is rather straightforward and folks who get confused by it prolly live far away from dense populations where people actually have to interact and co-exist.

this is me too.

that said- and from what I've seen of Boston driving, it's even worse than here in NYC... I've seen people do exactly what you're describing and then have somebody try to pull into that spot the wrong way behind them. hijinks ensue

Not sure how accurate this actually is, but I used to describe drivers in the three cities that I had spent much time in as follows...

New York - Highly aggressive and even somewhat reckless...but highly competent, so it's generally ok
Buffalo - Somewhat incompetent, but generally very cautious, so it's usually ok
Boston - Highly aggressive and even somewhat reckless...and somewhat incompetent...resulting in a total mess

 

[The Z Machine]

I prefer to back into tight spaces. Less likely to scrape the sides of the car. Backup cameras have made this even easier than with side mirrors.

So no, backing in doesn't bother me unless holding up traffic as noted previously.

Ok, what do you guys think of parallel parking the wrong direction on the street? It annoys me just to look at the cars haphazardly parked whatever direction seems the most convenient. But that's just some OCD for me wanting symmetry.

They actually ticket you for that where I live. So not just your OCD!

Oh, I'm sure it's not legal and people get tickets for it, but I've seen it plenty of places.

https://www.greenfieldtownshippa.gov/wp-content/uploads/2021/01/illegallyparked-2-768x222.jpg

 

[the moops]

I've seen people do exactly what you're describing and then have somebody try to pull into that spot the wrong way behind them. hijinks ensue

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[Instinctive]

I just waited 23.7 seconds for someone to back out of a spot in Costco. Idk what happened. They just kinda sat there blocking traffic in both directions while we all watched. If only they had backed in and not wasted everyone's time when they left, I could have parked that much sooner!


ETA it was probably more I guess. Add the time to laugh and grab my phone to start stopwatch app.

 

[SWC]

here is another one i will never understand the people at the gym that circle forever trying to find a spot near the door i mean you are the gym for a reason take the universes hint and walk a little take that to the bank bromigos

 

[JAA]

I've seen people do exactly what you're describing and then have somebody try to pull into that spot the wrong way behind them. hijinks ensue

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No drama here, but I would literally leave my car. I would lock up and walk away.

Im not from Boston, but I can tell you about Boston. Any and every person walking by this would be cursing that other guy. They might even tiktok him till he leaves. In no Boston world would that be acceptable. The only worse thing in Boston would be to move a chair out of an already shoveled parking space.

 

[Instinctive]

I just waited 23.7 seconds for someone to back out of a spot in Costco. Idk what happened. They just kinda sat there blocking traffic in both directions while we all watched. If only they had backed in and not wasted everyone's time when they left, I could have parked that much sooner!

Y'all would not believe when I came out either. This is Texas. The lane and the spots are HUGE so pleeeeenty of room to go forward or back in one go with ease. A novice could do it.

This Model X had to do an extra two turns to get into a giant spot and is STILL over the parking line on one side with a full two feet on the other. And she took an eternity to do it. It was crazy. Just made me think of this thread again and remind us all that most people are morons and which direction they go isn't relevant.

 

[SWC]

I just waited 23.7 seconds for someone to back out of a spot in Costco. Idk what happened. They just kinda sat there blocking traffic in both directions while we all watched. If only they had backed in and not wasted everyone's time when they left, I could have parked that much sooner!

Y'all would not believe when I came out either. This is Texas. The lane and the spots are HUGE so pleeeeenty of room to go forward or back in one go with ease. A novice could do it.

This Model X had to do an extra two turns to get into a giant spot and is STILL over the parking line on one side with a full two feet on the other. And she took an eternity to do it. It was crazy. Just made me think of this thread again and remind us all that most people are morons and which direction they go isn't relevant.

i am not a tesla guy but i thought those things had all sorts of stuff to basically all but park the car for you am i just totally wrong on that or what take that to the bank bromigos

 

[ThaPenguin]

I've seen people do exactly what you're describing and then have somebody try to pull into that spot the wrong way behind them. hijinks ensue

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Thought of this exact episode when I read it, thank you for posting.

 

[Terminalxylem]

I’m far more likely to be in a time crunch arriving than departing

Why is this?

Work, restaurant reservations, ski lifts opening, meeting somebody at a designated time, etc.

Sure, some of those things can be back-to-back, but I’m typically less time constrained on the back end.

My objective is to always be 15 mins early, that way if I'm running late I'm generally still 5-10 mins early. I block off my calendar before / after meetings to accommodate and minimize the likelihood I'll be 'late.'

Yeah, I’m rarely late.

The truth of the matter is, I’m impatient and dislike inefficiency. And I hate delaying others, so it’s baffling others think it’s nbd.

You should be backing in if you dislike inefficiency

Huh? It’s slower…ergo, less efficient.

I mean, I can acknowledge exiting by pulling forward is safer. And maybe it’s easier to back into a tight space, especially for larger vehicles.

But please, let’s not act like there is no downside to the process. It’s unquestionably slower, even for the best drivers, and far more likely to result in multiple readjustments for the common man. These readjustments create delays, both for the driver and anyone unlucky enough to be near them, as they block traffic both ways.

I don’t have a big vehicle, so pulling in/backing out is rarely difficult. So it all boils down to safety versus efficiency. And really, do we have good data to elaborate the safety advantage?

There’s no debating that it’s much faster and more efficient to back into a tight spot when parallel parking, rather than pulling straight in and readjusting. There’s a reason for that - because it’s easier to put your car where it has to be on one go when backing in. If all four wheels turned, it would be different but with most cars your rear end is along for the ride.

Wait, are we talking about parallel parking???

And it isn’t hard to pull forward in most lots, most of the time. Rear end and all. Are you guys bus drivers?

 

[Terminalxylem]

Waiting on one of these idiots to spend 3 minutes backing in so you can get through has to be one of life’s great minor annoyances.

It seems to happen way more to some of us than others. I can’t remember ever being troubled by this but I seem to live in the land of wide open parking lots.

Seems like 90% of FBG live in Wisconsin. I imagine parking is pretty tight there, between ice fishing holes.

 

[Terminalxylem]

i don't think, I've spent even 10 seconds of my life worrying about how other people park. This is kind of a fascinating thread to me in that respect.

I agree, and am equally amazed people get wrapped up discussing the economy. Sure you can vote, but eternal worrying about an inevitable downturn seems counterproductive to mental health.

Now parking, that’s an area where I can make a difference!

 

[Terminalxylem]

Everybody thinks they’re that superior driver who can back into a space in 10 seconds without inconveniencing anyone. Maybe you are since this is the shark pool but in my experience it’s maybe 1 out of 5 who can get it their first try. The majority make the fiasco into an eight point turn.

Arent these the same people who will be backing out of the space later on?

There. is. more. room. backing. out. into. a. lane.

So the potential for a multi-point turn is pretty low, except in the tightest of lots.

How is there “more room”? Like a fourth dimension?

1. Parking spots are more narrow than the lanes which access them.
2. It’s easier to back into a wider lane than narrow space.
3. Because it's easier, backing out is less likely (than backing in) to result in a multi-point turn.
4. Multi-point turns take additional time, delaying you and other drivers, potentially.
5. Delaying others is inconsiderate.

 

[Terminalxylem]

I probably worry about inconveniencing other people and being a jerk more than the average person, so that may contribute to my dislike of it.

Arguably one of the most important rules to live by, an extension of the Golden Rule.

Time is valuable, the most precious thing we have, and we all should be worried about wasting it. All those 10 second delays add up over a lifetime.

Guarantee I back in to a spot faster than you back out of one

Since you have to pass the spot to do so, impossible.

nope

So, you are able to pull an entire car length + width of space further than the forward parker, whip it into reverse, and still win the race?

What model McLaren do you drive?

ordinarily i find your takes to be well reasoned and normally in keeping with good behavior but this is not one of those times and i wonder if you are actually a ministrone of pain alias at this point take that to the bank brohan

Really doesn’t matter at which bank you park, forward is faster, brolita.

 

[TennesseeJed]

Backing in is a piece of cake with the ubiquitous rearview cameras.

If you are doing multi-point turns to back into a space, its probably time to hand in your driver's license and just go full time uber.


Having said that, I am the guy who parks in the back of the lot with loads of empty spaces, so I don't have to fight the drivers for the spot 20' closer. I park, get out and walk, before most drivers find a closer spot.

 

[the moops]

Was just at Trader Joe’s and there were two spots right in front of the door. I was following a guy closely and like ******* olympic synchronized swimmers we both pulled off the simultaneous back in the spot together. He took the far one, I took the closer. It was beautiful and I so wanted to hug him

 

[Terminalxylem]

Backing in is a piece of cake with the ubiquitous rearview cameras.

If you are doing multi-point turns to back into a space, its probably time to hand in your driver's license and just go full time uber.


Having said that, I am the guy who parks in the back of the lot with loads of empty spaces, so I don't have to fight the drivers for the spot 20' closer. I park, get out and walk, before most drivers find a closer spot.

I also park in the distal recesses of the lot, so usually not a problem. My issue is mainly in parking decks, where there is often only one way to go, and it serves people entering and exiting.

Specifically, my work deck. I probably get delayed ~20% of the time I park there.

And FTR, neither of my family’s two vehicles has a rear view camera. But me and my wife both are too considerate of others to back into spaces, at work or elsewhere.

 

[Instinctive]

Backing in is a piece of cake with the ubiquitous rearview cameras.

If you are doing multi-point turns to back into a space, its probably time to hand in your driver's license and just go full time uber.


Having said that, I am the guy who parks in the back of the lot with loads of empty spaces, so I don't have to fight the drivers for the spot 20' closer. I park, get out and walk, before most drivers find a closer spot.

I also park in the distal recesses of the lot, so usually not a problem. My issue is mainly in parking decks, where there is often only one way to go, and it serves people entering and exiting.

Specifically, my work deck. I probably get delayed ~20% of the time I park there.

And FTR, neither of my family’s two vehicles has a rear view camera. But me and my wife both are not considerate enough of others to back into spaces, at work or elsewhere.

FTFY

 

[Manster]

I back into my spot at work. I just like to do it. And I can whip in one shot every time. I've backed plenty of trailers over the years. I have a pretty good feel for what why truck does.

Muuuuuuch more annoying are the people who pull into a parking spot unevenly between the lines. I'd wager half the people I work with can't properly park between the lines. Shouldn't be out driving if you can't properly park a vehicle.

 

[Instinctive]

This thread really has been interesting. Something I never thought about (I basically always have parked nose in), then actually researched, and the NHTSA, every blue collar profession that involved parking a lot (construction, lineman for utilities, gas, etc), random sources, and Fire Depts unanimously agree it takes less overall time AND increases safety to back into parking spots.

One of the few things where I came in with a "this doesn't matter" opinion and am now thoroughly eye opened to how much it does matter.

 

[ericttspikes]

If possible, I'll "pull through". Otherwise, the only situation where I backed in was at an old job of mine. It was a multi-level structure and there was this one spot that was almost ALWAYS open that was at the end of an aisle, right near the stairway down to the ground level. It didn't have another parking space to its right and there was an easy way to turn around and back in. This was before the days of backup cameras, too, and I still had an easy time backing in and it made it easy to just pull forward when leaving and head right down the ramp to the ground level and exit.

I never back in at a busy parking lot. I will admit, though, it's nice to try doing so at a large event where backing out of your spot could eventually be a challenge.

I'm a pull through guy if available. Don't have the patience to back in.

 

[Ministry of Pain]

Total Epidemic around here in Florida/South Florida

Am I the only person that parks far away from the other cars whenever possible? I don't mind the extra steps to and from the door
I worry more about getting my car dinged

 

[Terminalxylem]

Backing in is a piece of cake with the ubiquitous rearview cameras.

If you are doing multi-point turns to back into a space, its probably time to hand in your driver's license and just go full time uber.


Having said that, I am the guy who parks in the back of the lot with loads of empty spaces, so I don't have to fight the drivers for the spot 20' closer. I park, get out and walk, before most drivers find a closer spot.

I also park in the distal recesses of the lot, so usually not a problem. My issue is mainly in parking decks, where there is often only one way to go, and it serves people entering and exiting.

Specifically, my work deck. I probably get delayed ~20% of the time I park there.

And FTR, neither of my family’s two vehicles has a rear view camera. But me and my wife both are not considerate enough of others to back into spaces, at work or elsewhere.

FTFY

I know this is in jest, but in no universe can backing in be construed as considerate.

Are you suggesting people backing in are doing so to help anyone but themselves?

 

[Terminalxylem]

This thread really has been interesting. Something I never thought about (I basically always have parked nose in), then actually researched, and the NHTSA, every blue collar profession that involved parking a lot (construction, lineman for utilities, gas, etc), random sources, and Fire Depts unanimously agree it takes less overall time AND increases safety to back into parking spots.

One of the few things where I came in with a "this doesn't matter" opinion and am now thoroughly eye opened to how much it does matter.

I’ll concede a possible safety advantage, but the bolded has not been established in any shape or form, no matter what color collars the parkers are wearing.

 

[Instinctive]

This thread really has been interesting. Something I never thought about (I basically always have parked nose in), then actually researched, and the NHTSA, every blue collar profession that involved parking a lot (construction, lineman for utilities, gas, etc), random sources, and Fire Depts unanimously agree it takes less overall time AND increases safety to back into parking spots.

One of the few things where I came in with a "this doesn't matter" opinion and am now thoroughly eye opened to how much it does matter.

I’ll concede a possible safety advantage, but the bolded has not been established in any shape or form, no matter what color collars the parkers are wearing.

Maybe not in this thread. But it seems to be the opinion of every source I looked at.

It feels just like the highway merging for construction. Every educated source says waiting until the last possible second and zippering creates the least traffic impacts (and is therefore most considerate) and yet the common sense is to "merge early."

 

[SWC]

Backing in is a piece of cake with the ubiquitous rearview cameras.

If you are doing multi-point turns to back into a space, its probably time to hand in your driver's license and just go full time uber.


Having said that, I am the guy who parks in the back of the lot with loads of empty spaces, so I don't have to fight the drivers for the spot 20' closer. I park, get out and walk, before most drivers find a closer spot.

I also park in the distal recesses of the lot, so usually not a problem. My issue is mainly in parking decks, where there is often only one way to go, and it serves people entering and exiting.

Specifically, my work deck. I probably get delayed ~20% of the time I park there.

And FTR, neither of my family’s two vehicles has a rear view camera. But me and my wife both are not considerate enough of others to back into spaces, at work or elsewhere.

FTFY

I know this is in jest, but in no universe can backing in be construed as considerate.

Are you suggesting people backing in are doing so to help anyone but themselves?

it helps everyone when there is no accident pulling out which then causes a major backup end jam in the parking lot take that to the bank, brohan

 

[STEADYMOBBIN 22]

This thread really has been interesting. Something I never thought about (I basically always have parked nose in), then actually researched, and the NHTSA, every blue collar profession that involved parking a lot (construction, lineman for utilities, gas, etc), random sources, and Fire Depts unanimously agree it takes less overall time AND increases safety to back into parking spots.

One of the few things where I came in with a "this doesn't matter" opinion and am now thoroughly eye opened to how much it does matter.

I’ll concede a possible safety advantage, but the bolded has not been established in any shape or form, no matter what color collars the parkers are wearing.

You are on an island, sir.

 

[Terminalxylem]

This thread really has been interesting. Something I never thought about (I basically always have parked nose in), then actually researched, and the NHTSA, every blue collar profession that involved parking a lot (construction, lineman for utilities, gas, etc), random sources, and Fire Depts unanimously agree it takes less overall time AND increases safety to back into parking spots.

One of the few things where I came in with a "this doesn't matter" opinion and am now thoroughly eye opened to how much it does matter.

I’ll concede a possible safety advantage, but the bolded has not been established in any shape or form, no matter what color collars the parkers are wearing.

Maybe not in this thread. But it seems to be the opinion of every source I looked at.

It feels just like the highway merging for construction. Every educated source says waiting until the last possible second and zippering creates the least traffic impacts (and is therefore most considerate) and yet the common sense is to "merge early."

I agree the zipper merge's benefits may seem counterintuitive, but there are traffic studies to show it is more efficient. And when you take time to think about it, it makes sense. Of course, real world conditions like road rage may muck up the perfect zipper, but the theory is still solid, and evidence-based.

Likewise, there is data to suggest pulling out of a space is safer that backing out. With reflection this also makes sense, as your field of view pulling forward is superior to backing up, cameras and all.

What there isn't: any objective measure to show backing in to a space is more efficient, or that the total time backing in/pulling out is quicker than the converse. People can extol the safety virtues all they want, argue backing in is better for tight spaces, etc., but none of that objectively proves the process is quicker.

Well, I guess if you get in an accident backing out is less efficient, and being safer is arguably more considerate. But accidents are such a small % of total parking events, it doesn't move the average time much. On the other hand, I see people struggling to back in multiple times each week (waaaay more frequently than pulling out) , wasting a lot of time, cumulatively.

 

[SWC]

i am starting to think that terminal got in some type of a road rage incident with his mom when she backed in and is now trying to justify his anger well it is not going to work you were wrong then and you are wrong now so you should just go say sorry to your mom about yelling at her for backing in and also incidentally be nicer to your mom take that to the bank bromigos

 

[beer 30]

i am starting to think that terminal got in some type of a road rage incident with his mom when she backed in and is now trying to justify his anger well it is not going to work you were wrong then and you are wrong now so you should just go say sorry to your mom about yelling at her for backing in and also incidentally be nicer to your mom take that to the bank bromigos

never dis mom, your time with her is short.

 

[Instinctive]

This thread really has been interesting. Something I never thought about (I basically always have parked nose in), then actually researched, and the NHTSA, every blue collar profession that involved parking a lot (construction, lineman for utilities, gas, etc), random sources, and Fire Depts unanimously agree it takes less overall time AND increases safety to back into parking spots.

One of the few things where I came in with a "this doesn't matter" opinion and am now thoroughly eye opened to how much it does matter.

I’ll concede a possible safety advantage, but the bolded has not been established in any shape or form, no matter what color collars the parkers are wearing.

Maybe not in this thread. But it seems to be the opinion of every source I looked at.

It feels just like the highway merging for construction. Every educated source says waiting until the last possible second and zippering creates the least traffic impacts (and is therefore most considerate) and yet the common sense is to "merge early."

I agree the zipper merge's benefits may seem counterintuitive, but there are traffic studies to show it is more efficient. And when you take time to think about it, it makes sense. Of course, real world conditions like road rage may muck up the perfect zipper, but the theory is still solid, and evidence-based.

Likewise, there is data to suggest pulling out of a space is safer that backing out. With reflection this also makes sense, as your field of view pulling forward is superior to backing up, cameras and all.

What there isn't: any objective measure to show backing in to a space is more efficient, or that the total time backing in/pulling out is quicker than the converse. People can extol the safety virtues all they want, argue backing in is better for tight spaces, etc., but none of that objectively proves the process is quicker.

Well, I guess if you get in an accident backing out is less efficient, and being safer is arguably more considerate. But accidents are such a small % of total parking events, it doesn't move the average time much. On the other hand, I see people struggling to back in multiple times each week (waaaay more frequently than pulling out) , wasting a lot of time, cumulatively.

You're obviously not particularly open minded here. And confusing anecdotal evidence (people struggling) with obvious confounding variables.

Do you never watch those people struggle to back out of a spot? You need to think through equally abled drivers.

Just Google it too.

First result from the AI thing "Generally, backing into a spot and pulling out of it is faster and safer than pulling in and backing out."

Drivers ed sources - appropriate caution means backing out, which is the most blind option, is MUCH slower than when you back in because when backing in, you've already seen the area is clear.

I'm not gonna fight you any more on it. I came in with an open mind and learned something. You don't seem to want to learn.

 

[jhib]

I back into my spot at work. I just like to do it. And I can whip in one shot every time. I've backed plenty of trailers over the years. I have a pretty good feel for what why truck does.

Muuuuuuch more annoying are the people who pull into a parking spot unevenly between the lines. I'd wager half the people I work with can't properly park between the lines. Shouldn't be out driving if you can't properly park a vehicle.

I'm with you. I don't really care so much if you pull in forward or back. My problem is always with the people who don't carry out their chosen method well, either in the process itself (taking too long) or in the end result (poorly spaced within lines).

 

[Dr. Manhattan]

Doesn't the time it take to back into a spot equal the time it takes to back out?

You'd feasibly be holding people up the same just at a different point. The assertation you're holding up someone waiting for your spot is far from true 100% of the time, but it definitely happens.

The best argument for backing into spots is safety. Backing up is always dangerous due to obstructed views. When you back out of a spot you have moving vehicles and pedestrians to worry about. Backing in you only need to worry about stationary vehicles.

When you are ready to leave you have full view and can pull out without risking hitting a pedestrian. A year or so back a pedestrian was sadly killed due to someone backing out of a spot.

It's undeniably safer to back in, it's a matter of is the slight extra inconvenience worth it.

 

[The Z Machine]

I back into my spot at work. I just like to do it. And I can whip in one shot every time. I've backed plenty of trailers over the years. I have a pretty good feel for what why truck does.

Muuuuuuch more annoying are the people who pull into a parking spot unevenly between the lines. I'd wager half the people I work with can't properly park between the lines. Shouldn't be out driving if you can't properly park a vehicle.

I'm with you. I don't really care so much if you pull in forward or back. My problem is always with the people who don't carry out their chosen method well, either in the process itself (taking too long) or in the end result (poorly spaced within lines).

Now do parallel parking.

Now do parallel parking on the left hand side of a one way street.

 

[Dr. Manhattan]

I'd also add, with backup cameras being mandatory it sort of helps both sides a bit. It's easier to back into spots with them, and it's safer to back out with them.

I personally don't back in much, as I use my tailgate when at the grocery store.

But if it's a big even or a place where I anticipate traffic when I'm leaving I'll back in to save myself that hassle.

 

[dino259]

How about parking in a lot that is slightly covered in snow so you can not see the lines. It is especially bad with angled parking. You don't stop door to door. No lines, no proper spacing.

 

[jhib]

I back into my spot at work. I just like to do it. And I can whip in one shot every time. I've backed plenty of trailers over the years. I have a pretty good feel for what why truck does.

Muuuuuuch more annoying are the people who pull into a parking spot unevenly between the lines. I'd wager half the people I work with can't properly park between the lines. Shouldn't be out driving if you can't properly park a vehicle.

I'm with you. I don't really care so much if you pull in forward or back. My problem is always with the people who don't carry out their chosen method well, either in the process itself (taking too long) or in the end result (poorly spaced within lines).

Now do parallel parking.

Now do parallel parking on the left hand side of a one way street.

Same concept. I happen to think the best way is almost always to back in, but if you are good at judging the size of your car vs the space available and can get in that spot going head first quickly and well-spaced, then have at it. If you suck at parking (going either direction), that's the only time I'm really annoyed.
I don't get why the one-way thing is different. Are there parking spots there? I'm guessing people generally aren't good at parking there since they're not used to the opposite movements to get in there?

Now, parking the wrong direction on a 2-way street... get out of here with that garbage.

 

[Manster]

I back into my spot at work. I just like to do it. And I can whip in one shot every time. I've backed plenty of trailers over the years. I have a pretty good feel for what why truck does.

Muuuuuuch more annoying are the people who pull into a parking spot unevenly between the lines. I'd wager half the people I work with can't properly park between the lines. Shouldn't be out driving if you can't properly park a vehicle.

I'm with you. I don't really care so much if you pull in forward or back. My problem is always with the people who don't carry out their chosen method well, either in the process itself (taking too long) or in the end result (poorly spaced within lines).

Now do parallel parking.

Now do parallel parking on the left hand side of a one way street.

I still parallel park from time, to time. Its entertaining to me watching someome try, and struggle with it.

 

[SWC]

the best thing is watching fibs try to back a boat in at launches up north i am not saying we used to grab a beer and sit on our hood and laugh at them but we did used to do that one guy was so bad that after 15 minutes my uncle did it for him take that to the bank brohans

 

[The Z Machine]

the best thing is watching fibs try to back a boat in at launches up north i am not saying we used to grab a beer and sit on our hood and laugh at them but we did used to do that one guy was so bad that after 15 minutes my uncle did it for him take that to the bank brohans

Yeah, backing up a trailer with a boat on it is no joke, especially down a steep and possibly slippery launch. That takes real skill, just like making tight turns in a big rig with a 40' container on it.

 

[Terminalxylem]

i am starting to think that terminal got in some type of a road rage incident with his mom when she backed in and is now trying to justify his anger well it is not going to work you were wrong then and you are wrong now so you should just go say sorry to your mom about yelling at her for backing in and also incidentally be nicer to your mom take that to the bank bromigos

Funny you should mention this. Not my mom, but father-in-law, a habitual backer-inner, once backed into my wife’s car as she was preparing to back out of our driveway. Worse yet, it was a hit and run, as he then drove off.

Against all odds, we were able to track him down, at the farmers’ market we had intended to carpool to, before the incident.

 

[Terminalxylem]

This thread really has been interesting. Something I never thought about (I basically always have parked nose in), then actually researched, and the NHTSA, every blue collar profession that involved parking a lot (construction, lineman for utilities, gas, etc), random sources, and Fire Depts unanimously agree it takes less overall time AND increases safety to back into parking spots.

One of the few things where I came in with a "this doesn't matter" opinion and am now thoroughly eye opened to how much it does matter.

I’ll concede a possible safety advantage, but the bolded has not been established in any shape or form, no matter what color collars the parkers are wearing.

Maybe not in this thread. But it seems to be the opinion of every source I looked at.

It feels just like the highway merging for construction. Every educated source says waiting until the last possible second and zippering creates the least traffic impacts (and is therefore most considerate) and yet the common sense is to "merge early."

I agree the zipper merge's benefits may seem counterintuitive, but there are traffic studies to show it is more efficient. And when you take time to think about it, it makes sense. Of course, real world conditions like road rage may muck up the perfect zipper, but the theory is still solid, and evidence-based.

Likewise, there is data to suggest pulling out of a space is safer that backing out. With reflection this also makes sense, as your field of view pulling forward is superior to backing up, cameras and all.

What there isn't: any objective measure to show backing in to a space is more efficient, or that the total time backing in/pulling out is quicker than the converse. People can extol the safety virtues all they want, argue backing in is better for tight spaces, etc., but none of that objectively proves the process is quicker.

Well, I guess if you get in an accident backing out is less efficient, and being safer is arguably more considerate. But accidents are such a small % of total parking events, it doesn't move the average time much. On the other hand, I see people struggling to back in multiple times each week (waaaay more frequently than pulling out) , wasting a lot of time, cumulatively.

You're obviously not particularly open minded here. And confusing anecdotal evidence (people struggling) with obvious confounding variables.

Do you never watch those people struggle to back out of a spot? You need to think through equally abled drivers.

Just Google it too.

First result from the AI thing "Generally, backing into a spot and pulling out of it is faster and safer than pulling in and backing out."

Drivers ed sources - appropriate caution means backing out, which is the most blind option, is MUCH slower than when you back in because when backing in, you've already seen the area is clear.

I'm not gonna fight you any more on it. I came in with an open mind and learned something. You don't seem to want to learn.

I’m using anecdotes when empiric evidence doesn’t exist - it's the best one can do, until someone actually times both processes in a controlled environment. Heck, I’d even accept a decent sized observational study. But none of that has been presented, likely because it doesn’t exist, as the total time saving hypothesis is probably wrong. Even though I can find statements like you summarize from Google searches, they’re usually tacked on to safety concerns (something I learned btw), without data to back up their assertions.

And yes, I’ve seen people struggle backing out, but it happens a fraction of the time backing in fails on the first go.

My mind is certainly open to legitimately collected evidence. When I see it, I’ll happily change my ways. Until then, I’m gonna respect my fellow man, enjoy my extra free time, and pull in whenever possible.

 

[skol asylum]

The world is on fire. A fast get away could be crucial in today's circumstances.

 

[Terminalxylem]

It's undeniably safer to back in, it's a matter of is the slight extra inconvenience worth it.

This is a reasonable conclusion. It really boils down to how slight one views the inconvenience, vs. the magnitude of the safety benefit.

But no, people want to make it seem like a slam-dunk, by fabricating the idea backing in is both safer and more efficient.

 

[Uruk-Hai]

And yes, I’ve seen people struggle backing out, but it happens a fraction of the time backing in fails on the first go.

Really? And what would that fraction be?

 

[JAA]

Backing in is a piece of cake with the ubiquitous rearview cameras.

If you are doing multi-point turns to back into a space, its probably time to hand in your driver's license and just go full time uber.


Having said that, I am the guy who parks in the back of the lot with loads of empty spaces, so I don't have to fight the drivers for the spot 20' closer. I park, get out and walk, before most drivers find a closer spot.

I also park in the distal recesses of the lot, so usually not a problem. My issue is mainly in parking decks, where there is often only one way to go, and it serves people entering and exiting.

Specifically, my work deck. I probably get delayed ~20% of the time I park there.

And FTR, neither of my family’s two vehicles has a rear view camera. But me and my wife both are not considerate enough of others to back into spaces, at work or elsewhere.

FTFY

I know this is in jest, but in no universe can backing in be construed as considerate.

Are you suggesting people backing in are doing so to help anyone but themselves?

Absolutely helps others not colliding when backing out of the spot

 

[JAA]

This thread really has been interesting. Something I never thought about (I basically always have parked nose in), then actually researched, and the NHTSA, every blue collar profession that involved parking a lot (construction, lineman for utilities, gas, etc), random sources, and Fire Depts unanimously agree it takes less overall time AND increases safety to back into parking spots.

One of the few things where I came in with a "this doesn't matter" opinion and am now thoroughly eye opened to how much it does matter.

I’ll concede a possible safety advantage, but the bolded has not been established in any shape or form, no matter what color collars the parkers are wearing.

It has been established :e:

Ask OSHA