Backing into Parking Spots - What is the deal and why are so many more people doing it? (2 Viewers)

[Navin Johnson]

I worked as a valet for a couple years in college and backing in is always better if space is an issue.

 

[E Street Brat]

Usually, you need to either back in or back out. I’d just as soon get it out of the way and make leaving easier. Delayed gratification and all.

I like the pull through move, if the spaces are back to back, and both spots are empty.
No backing up involved, and you piss of the people that think you backed in.

Gratification coming and going.

 

[CletiusMaximus]

Depends on the situation, but I can be more precise with the rear camera into a tight space then if I gauge it going straight in. If it's busy or something I won't bother. But if I have the time and there are straight spaces and not slanted..i'll back it in.

Easy out for the win.

This. @urbanhack knows.

Don't do it if backing in is going to hold up traffic. But otherwise, it's optimal.

This is exactly right. People who back in when they have a couple cars behind them are basically saying that their time is more important than everyone else's. I think it's very inconsiderate.

Counterpoint - people in general and especially car drivers need to chill out a bit and back off. I admit that 10 seconds of a stranger's time is not important to me.

 

[JAA]

It is a safety issue. Go to any OSHA managed work space. Try any electrical utility agency for starters.

No offense FFA brethren, but this is a safety issue and everyone should be backing into parking spots.

 

[FarFromHome]

I've had a license for over 30 years and literally have never backed in my personal vehicle. I also didn't know this was a thing. I'm not a patient person in general, but can't think of a time I got upset when someone in front of me took the time to back in. Interesting thread nonetheless.

 

[Gatorade]

I used to be a Smith System driving instructor 20 years ago for Frito Lay. We were always told that 90% of all accidents in a parking lot happened when people were backing out of a spot. I always try to pull thru when possible. Otherwise I always back in. Not sure why it seems to happen more now, but probably because most people now have back up cameras . I know my wife would never attempt to back in until she got a back up camera.

 

[Bracie Smathers]

the rear camera

Why the increase of backing into parking spaces?
Tech has made it easier to back into spaces.
----------------------------------------------------------------------
... data gathered by NHTSA between the years 2008 and 2011. In this period, the number of cars with backup cameras installed “more than doubled from 32 percent to 68 percent of all new cars sold”
Today, backup cameras are a standard feature in many vehicles, including:

• 40% of all new vehicles sold in the United States
• 60% of vehicles available in Europe
• 90% of luxury and high-end vehicles

 

[CletiusMaximus]

I used to be a Smith System driving instructor 20 years ago for Frito Lay. We were always told that 90% of all accidents in a parking lot happened when people were backing out of a spot. I always try to pull thru when possible. Otherwise I always back in. Not sure why it seems to happen more now, but probably because most people now have back up cameras . I know my wife would never attempt to back in until she got a back up camera.

When I was teaching my son, I wanted to turn the camera off or cover it. I'm sure I sound like an old codger but its much easier and safer backing up with the mirrors. The one thing the camera adds is you can see something in the blind spot, like a dog or a basketball or something on the ground directly behind you. For me its much easier and faster to back into our garage at home and my spot at work as compared to pulling straight in.

 

[Osaurus]

If I am going someplace where it’s very crowded (and most of FL is 24/7), I’ll back into a spot, BUT only when it’s completely clear to do so. I am not going to impede traffic like most folks I see do.

 

[CletiusMaximus]

the rear camera

Why the increase of backing into parking spaces?
Tech has made it easier to back into spaces.
----------------------------------------------------------------------
... data gathered by NHTSA between the years 2008 and 2011. In this period, the number of cars with backup cameras installed “more than doubled from 32 percent to 68 percent of all new cars sold”
Today, backup cameras are a standard feature in many vehicles, including:

• 40% of all new vehicles sold in the United States
• 60% of vehicles available in Europe
• 90% of luxury and high-end vehicles

The other tech thing newish cars have is the parking assist, where you have sensors at the four corners and rear. Backing into my garage, I can put the car an inch from the walls so my wife has plenty of room to park her car and we both have room to load stuff in and out. Its essentially taken the place of the iconic hanging tennis ball our dads all had in their garages.

 

[the moops]

I'm sure I sound like an old codger but its much easier and safer backing up with the mirrors.

You sound more delusional than old

 

[Uruk-Hai]

Depends on the situation, but I can be more precise with the rear camera into a tight space then if I gauge it going straight in. If it's busy or something I won't bother. But if I have the time and there are straight spaces and not slanted..i'll back it in.

Easy out for the win.

This. @urbanhack knows.

Don't do it if backing in is going to hold up traffic. But otherwise, it's optimal.

This is exactly right. People who back in when they have a couple cars behind them are basically saying that their time is more important than everyone else's. I think it's very inconsiderate.

Counterpoint - people in general and especially car drivers need to chill out a bit and back off. I admit that 10 seconds of a stranger's time is not important to me.

This. Leave your house 20 seconds earlier if it's such an inconvenience for you to watch someone back in.

The company I recently retired from instituted an official "back in" policy for their North American offices several years ago. It was never enforced, but I'm sure they got an insurance break with having 10s of thousands of vehicles in their fleet.

If it's somewhere like a grocery store, I just pull through to the out-facing space.

 

[acarey50]

I worked as a valet for a couple years in college and backing in is always better if space is an issue.

My older two sons both work as valets and this is also how they are taught. Always back in when possible.

The driver training at work also has our guys back in whenever possible - and the fleet is a mix of vehicles from F-150 type trucks all the way up to the heavy F-550 and larger commercial size vehicles.

 

[snogger]

If given a chance I always pull through a open space into the space in front. May "look" like I backed in.

Exactly, this is what I try to do. And since I'm not one to wait for a closer space it's usually done easy in places with good sized parking lots.

I purposely park at the back of a lot so I can pull through. Also, the added benefit of others parking far away from me.

 

[cheese]

Depends on the situation, but I can be more precise with the rear camera into a tight space then if I gauge it going straight in. If it's busy or something I won't bother. But if I have the time and there are straight spaces and not slanted..i'll back it in.

Easy out for the win.

This. @urbanhack knows.

Don't do it if backing in is going to hold up traffic. But otherwise, it's optimal.

This is exactly right. People who back in when they have a couple cars behind them are basically saying that their time is more important than everyone else's. I think it's very inconsiderate.

Counterpoint - people in general and especially car drivers need to chill out a bit and back off. I admit that 10 seconds of a stranger's time is not important to me.

This. Leave your house 20 seconds earlier if it's such an inconvenience for you to watch someone back in.

The company I recently retired from instituted an official "back in" policy for their North American offices several years ago. It was never enforced, but I'm sure they got an insurance break with having 10s of thousands of vehicles in their fleet.

If it's somewhere like a grocery store, I just pull through to the out-facing space.

Its easy to enforce if they wanted to (probably didn’t) for company vehicles. GPS systems can send alerts or ding your driver score if first move is backwards. But you’re absolutely right they probably care more about the insurance break than the safety.

 

[FarFromHome]

I used to be a Smith System driving instructor 20 years ago for Frito Lay. We were always told that 90% of all accidents in a parking lot happened when people were backing out of a spot. I always try to pull thru when possible. Otherwise I always back in. Not sure why it seems to happen more now, but probably because most people now have back up cameras . I know my wife would never attempt to back in until she got a back up camera.

Interesting stat . I had no idea. At my age I ain't changing how I drive but I respect the argument. Ha ha

 

[ConstruxBoy]

Good discussion, thanks.
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.
Agree that big event parking is different.
I'm also surprised that so many people think backing in is easier. I think it's easier to pull in forward, than back in, even with the camera.

I also don't buy the "it's hard to see someone coming when backing out" from the people with the huge SUVs or Pickup trucks. You're above everyone. You can see that lane fine. It would make more sense to me if the back in people were mostly sedans, but it seems like primarily big SUVs and Pickups here. Again, in NC though so maybe more of those type of vehicles.

I still don't like it and will continue to pout about the issue.

 

[Uruk-Hai]

Depends on the situation, but I can be more precise with the rear camera into a tight space then if I gauge it going straight in. If it's busy or something I won't bother. But if I have the time and there are straight spaces and not slanted..i'll back it in.

Easy out for the win.

This. @urbanhack knows.

Don't do it if backing in is going to hold up traffic. But otherwise, it's optimal.

This is exactly right. People who back in when they have a couple cars behind them are basically saying that their time is more important than everyone else's. I think it's very inconsiderate.

Counterpoint - people in general and especially car drivers need to chill out a bit and back off. I admit that 10 seconds of a stranger's time is not important to me.

This. Leave your house 20 seconds earlier if it's such an inconvenience for you to watch someone back in.

The company I recently retired from instituted an official "back in" policy for their North American offices several years ago. It was never enforced, but I'm sure they got an insurance break with having 10s of thousands of vehicles in their fleet.

If it's somewhere like a grocery store, I just pull through to the out-facing space.

Its easy to enforce if they wanted to (probably didn’t) for company vehicles. GPS systems can send alerts or ding your driver score if first move is backwards. But you’re absolutely right they probably care more about the insurance break than the safety.

Oh, they could have enforced it if they were worried about anything other than the financial break. We had security cameras everywhere. We also had the GPS system you mentioned on our company vehicles (if a driver went 10 mph over the speed limit, he got a week's vacation w/o pay).

It's funny, because our regional VP would come by 5 or 6 times a year and would park nose-in. Everyone would give him crap about it, because he couldn't fire you for that

 

[WDIK2]

If given a chance I always pull through a open space into the space in front. May "look" like I backed in.

Exactly, this is what I try to do. And since I'm not one to wait for a closer space it's usually done easy in places with good sized parking lots.

I purposely park at the back of a lot so I can pull through. Also, the added benefit of others parking far away from me.

Came here to say this. I've never backed into a spot, but always pull through if it's open. Always easier to do in the very last row. The closer spots are for old people.

 

[MAC_32]

Its the millennials and Genz'ers using their backup cameras....was never a thing before the cameras....it's all about...look at me....I can back in and hold you up and look cool

We don't have a backup camera in either vehicle, I back in ~90% of the time I don't pull through. Muscle memory has developed well enough that I can do it almost as quickly as just pulling in.

 

[El Floppo]

Gotta back up one way or the other.

That people get panty bunched over which one rules... Well .. ok

 

[AAABatteries]

I have to ask if this is happening anywhere else. I live in NC. Up until 6 months or so ago, I would estimate that maybe 5-7% of parking spots around my area had someone who backed into the spot. That made sense to me because it's a sub-optimal practice, IMO, and I wouldn't expect many people to do it.

But over the last 6 months or so that percentage has increased to 40-45% around me. Out of nowhere. At first I thought it was maybe a political thing, since a lot of the vehicles had Trump bumper stickers on them. But then I remembered that I live in NC. Anyway, a few weeks ago we went to dinner with our very left-leaning neighbors and they backed in. So scratch that theory.

Two questions:

1) Is anyone else noticing this in their area?
2) Does anyone have any idea why the practice has increased? I'm not much of a social media guy but is there some Tik Tok or Instagram thing that went viral exhorting the benefits of backing into a parking space?

TIA.

If given a chance I always pull through a open space into the space in front. May "look" like I backed in.

Came to say this - I never back in to a spot but will always pull through if available

 

[AAABatteries]

Depends on the situation, but I can be more precise with the rear camera into a tight space then if I gauge it going straight in. If it's busy or something I won't bother. But if I have the time and there are straight spaces and not slanted..i'll back it in.

Easy out for the win.

This. @urbanhack knows.

Don't do it if backing in is going to hold up traffic. But otherwise, it's optimal.

This is exactly right. People who back in when they have a couple cars behind them are basically saying that their time is more important than everyone else's. I think it's very inconsiderate.

I’ve waited just as long for people backing out of spots making a 5 point turn. I think it ends up being a wash during our life times but nobody will want to admit it.

 

[Terminalxylem]

Usually, you need to either back in or back out. I’d just as soon get it out of the way and make leaving easier. Delayed gratification and all.

I like the pull through move, if the spaces are back to back, and both spots are empty.
No backing up involved, and you piss of the people that think you backed in.

Gratification coming and going.

I dislike backer inners when they make me wait, especially if they can’t get it right on their first attempt. As irritating as I find that behavior, I couldn’t care less about parked vehicles, regardless of which direction they face.

But if you have a giant truck/SUV, there’s a good chance you’re infringing on adjacent parking spaces one way or the other. So I guess you may a few people that way, too, as a bonus.

 

[Terminalxylem]

Depends on the situation, but I can be more precise with the rear camera into a tight space then if I gauge it going straight in. If it's busy or something I won't bother. But if I have the time and there are straight spaces and not slanted..i'll back it in.

Easy out for the win.

This. @urbanhack knows.

Don't do it if backing in is going to hold up traffic. But otherwise, it's optimal.

This is exactly right. People who back in when they have a couple cars behind them are basically saying that their time is more important than everyone else's. I think it's very inconsiderate.

Counterpoint - people in general and especially car drivers need to chill out a bit and back off. I admit that 10 seconds of a stranger's time is not important to me.

Wait, are you suggesting car drivers are less patient than people who drive other vehicles?

 

[zamboni]

I like the pull through move, if the spaces are back to back, and both spots are empty.

Just have to be careful that when you pull through into a spot, another car isn't parking into the spot simultaneously or is just about to. Have seen a few incidents where people get enraged when they miss out on a spot in a crowded lot because someone pulled through.

 

[ConstruxBoy]

Depends on the situation, but I can be more precise with the rear camera into a tight space then if I gauge it going straight in. If it's busy or something I won't bother. But if I have the time and there are straight spaces and not slanted..i'll back it in.

Easy out for the win.

This. @urbanhack knows.

Don't do it if backing in is going to hold up traffic. But otherwise, it's optimal.

This is exactly right. People who back in when they have a couple cars behind them are basically saying that their time is more important than everyone else's. I think it's very inconsiderate.

Counterpoint - people in general and especially car drivers need to chill out a bit and back off. I admit that 10 seconds of a stranger's time is not important to me.

Wait, are you suggesting car drivers are less patient than people who drive other vehicles?

Yeah, this is the attitude that I abhor. Something something America. Sigh.

 

[Fat Nick]

I asked this on Facebook a decade or so ago...and have since changed my tune for a few reasons. First, my SUV now has those overhead cameras...not saying I can't pull a car in straight, but I can pull it in on a dime with those cameras...and nearly as fast as I can pull in front first. My truck is long - it's much easier to back it in than back it out in tight spaces. Lastly, a lot of it has to do with "traffic" in the parking lot. If I'm in a garage or any other area prone to a mass-exodus, I'll back in simply because I can more quickly and easily get out. Add in the fact that with kids, we are often at events with other kids, and I'd rather pull out forward when there are lots of kids around.

 

[STEADYMOBBIN 22]

Completely biased opinion forthcoming:

They annoy me so bad, I have decided to equate people that do that with not knowing how to drive.

I find the opposite true.


I can back into any spot with only one attempt. The only time it’s an issue is if a not yet formed frontal lobe is following too close. I can usually alleviate this issue by parking very far away from the place I’m visiting.

You are backing in or out one way or another.

 

[Todem]

Unless it’s a big truck (I get that), it annoys the **** out of me. Particularly if it’s a busy parking lot and you’re holding up traffic to do your back and forth attempt to get into the space. What’s even better is since the person has to pull past the spot to back in, everyone else right behind them has to back up to give them room. You pull past the spot and I’m sweeping in to the spot right behind you……fight me.

I have a new 2024 Z and my car is very low with a huge front bumper and ground effects. I do not want to take any chance of scrapping my front end on a parking bumper.

If there is no bumper and I am not at a large event (Hockey game, concert) I park typically (not always depending on said parking lot) head in.

If however I see a concrete parking bumper or am at a large event with no bumpers I back in for ease of getting out of the event and also protecting my under carriage front end from any possible scrapping.

And to be honest it is safer down here in South Florida backing in and having a full field of vision leaving the space because we have a ton of lunatics flying by in parking lots. Yeah it’s gotten horrific.

Park the way you want…..just don’t take up two spaces being a doosh bag and slanting your car.

 

[ConstruxBoy]

Completely biased opinion forthcoming:

They annoy me so bad, I have decided to equate people that do that with not knowing how to drive.

I find the opposite true.


I can back into any spot with only one attempt. The only time it’s an issue is if a not yet formed frontal lobe is following too close. I can usually alleviate this issue by parking very far away from the place I’m visiting.

You are backing in or out one way or another.

Counterpoint: Even fully formed frontal lobes assume someone pulling in "correctly" would not need 20 yards of space to back in.

 

[Todem]

I've had a license for over 30 years and literally have never backed in my personal vehicle. I also didn't know this was a thing. I'm not a patient person in general, but can't think of a time I got upset when someone in front of me took the time to back in. Interesting thread nonetheless.

Anyone honestly who complains about this kinda thing needs to really and I mean really get a life.

I will leave it at that.

 

[beer 30]

Does anyone have any idea why the practice has increased?

I don't know about others but the company I work for (who drive a lot of white Ford F150's and are prevalent in NC & SC) mandate you back in or pull through. Stats prove out you are involved in less fender benders when you don't back out of a parking space. I've been doing it for years, rarely do I hold up any traffic because I'm just that good at it. Its also not hard to find a pull through, the extra few steps you will have to walk are good for you.

 

[nirad3]

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.

 

[DocHolliday]

I used to be a Smith System driving instructor 20 years ago for Frito Lay. We were always told that 90% of all accidents in a parking lot happened when people were backing out of a spot. I always try to pull thru when possible. Otherwise I always back in. Not sure why it seems to happen more now, but probably because most people now have back up cameras . I know my wife would never attempt to back in until she got a back up camera.

This.
I have worked for a large transportation company for many years and our drivers are trained to pull through or back into a spot upon arrival for safety reasons. You can see what’s behind and around you upon arrival much better than departure. Everyone should pull through or back in upon arrival to avoid hitting pedestrians, especially children in busy parking lots.

Anyone complaining about having to wait 5-10 seconds for others to back into parking spots need to get a life or just admit they cannot back a vehicle and let their wife drive.

 

[Instinctive]

Why do y'all think it takes longer to back in than it does to pull in frontwards? I would think that varies heavily with: width of lane, width of spots, how lopsided the adjacent cars did at parking in their spot, width of car, length of car

One thing I really noticed when I moved from our Crosstrek to our Air (which is a solid 2 feet longer) was that sometimes pulling in, I have to actually stop, reverse a bit, and then make a second turn to get into the spot. Not every spot, not every lot, but sometimes. So I sweep out to the side and make a big turn to line up to spot...and sometimes you have to reset a bit still because the lane was too narrow to get out wide enough or maybe the spot is super narrow so you have to be lined up perfectly, etc.

In those situations I think maybe I should try backing in after reading all this.

What do y'all think?

 

[Instinctive]

Good discussion, thanks.
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.
Agree that big event parking is different.
I'm also surprised that so many people think backing in is easier. I think it's easier to pull in forward, than back in, even with the camera.

I also don't buy the "it's hard to see someone coming when backing out" from the people with the huge SUVs or Pickup trucks. You're above everyone. You can see that lane fine. It would make more sense to me if the back in people were mostly sedans, but it seems like primarily big SUVs and Pickups here. Again, in NC though so maybe more of those type of vehicles.

I still don't like it and will continue to pout about the issue.

FWIW I feel like I do an equal amount of waiting for someone to back out and take forever when I want to leave the lot as when I'm looking for a spot on the way in anyway. I think you're just noticing it on the front end for some reason.

 

[ConstruxBoy]

Good discussion, thanks.
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.
Agree that big event parking is different.
I'm also surprised that so many people think backing in is easier. I think it's easier to pull in forward, than back in, even with the camera.

I also don't buy the "it's hard to see someone coming when backing out" from the people with the huge SUVs or Pickup trucks. You're above everyone. You can see that lane fine. It would make more sense to me if the back in people were mostly sedans, but it seems like primarily big SUVs and Pickups here. Again, in NC though so maybe more of those type of vehicles.

I still don't like it and will continue to pout about the issue.

FWIW I feel like I do an equal amount of waiting for someone to back out and take forever when I want to leave the lot as when I'm looking for a spot on the way in anyway. I think you're just noticing it on the front end for some reason.

That's a fair point. I would say that in my life, it's much more likely that I am in a hurry to get somewhere than to leave somewhere. Work notwithstanding, of course, lol.
But I'd rather wait longer when leaving a store/restaurant/ect than when arriving.
Maybe I'm unique.

 

[STEADYMOBBIN 22]

Good discussion, thanks.
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.
Agree that big event parking is different.
I'm also surprised that so many people think backing in is easier. I think it's easier to pull in forward, than back in, even with the camera.

I also don't buy the "it's hard to see someone coming when backing out" from the people with the huge SUVs or Pickup trucks. You're above everyone. You can see that lane fine. It would make more sense to me if the back in people were mostly sedans, but it seems like primarily big SUVs and Pickups here. Again, in NC though so maybe more of those type of vehicles.

I still don't like it and will continue to pout about the issue.

FWIW I feel like I do an equal amount of waiting for someone to back out and take forever when I want to leave the lot as when I'm looking for a spot on the way in anyway. I think you're just noticing it on the front end for some reason.

Exactly. You’re either backing in or backing out at some point.

How does everyone not recognize this?

 

[CGRdrJoe]

Its the millennials and Genz'ers using their backup cameras....was never a thing before the cameras....it's all about...look at me....I can back in and hold you up and look cool

nope, it was more look at me for those of us that know how to use our side mirrors. Honestly I'm embarrassed at the number of gen x'ers that couldn't back in.

 

[jhib]

Depends on the situation, but I can be more precise with the rear camera into a tight space then if I gauge it going straight in. If it's busy or something I won't bother. But if I have the time and there are straight spaces and not slanted..i'll back it in.

Easy out for the win.

This. @urbanhack knows.

Don't do it if backing in is going to hold up traffic. But otherwise, it's optimal.

I fully support people backing in in all situations if they so choose so long as it isn’t holding up anyone.

Don’t think anyone has an issue if there’s nobody behind you.

And I think that’s the rub. If you are choosing to back in (which is no doubt a longer process) and someone is waiting behind you, you are inconveniencing that person.

If you instead pull in straight, when you back out of the space, you have to wait for it to be clear for you to do so, which inconveniences you.

If there is no one behind you when you choose to back in, I agree that backing in is optimal or at least a wash. The question for me is whether it is justified to make other people wait while you back in. I think at concerts and sporting events it makes sense because everyone is better served by being able to pull straight out when traffic is at its worst. In other circumstances I’m not so sure.

There's also the expectation of what's about to happen involved. Because it's much more standard practice at concerts & sporting events (and people understand why), if there are people behind you when you're about to park, those people are likely ready for you to be backing in to the spot, so there's a lower probability that they will have put themselves into a position requiring them to then have to adjust while you back in.

 

[beer 30]

When I was teaching my son, I wanted to turn the camera off or cover it. I'm sure I sound like an old codger but its much easier and safer backing up with the mirrors. The one thing the camera adds is you can see something in the blind spot, like a dog or a basketball or something on the ground directly behind you. For me its much easier and faster to back into our garage at home and my spot at work as compared to pulling straight in.

When I was teaching my kids, it was before the advent of back up camera's. I took them over to my works parking lot where there was a bunch of open space. When I felt confident they were comfortable just operating the vehicle, I made them back into a space between two company vehicles that had a space between them. They freaked, I laughed, they learned...ahh good times.

 

[jhib]

I used to be a Smith System driving instructor 20 years ago for Frito Lay. We were always told that 90% of all accidents in a parking lot happened when people were backing out of a spot.

I hope that's just the easy stat they gave and they actually had better stats than that to back up support the safety issue.

Using the OP's estimates, if only 5-7% of people backed in, it's no wonder (and not very meaningful) that 90% of the accidents happened when people backed out. Bet that 90% drops significantly if 40-45% of people are actually backing in now.

 

[ConstruxBoy]

Good discussion, thanks.
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.
Agree that big event parking is different.
I'm also surprised that so many people think backing in is easier. I think it's easier to pull in forward, than back in, even with the camera.

I also don't buy the "it's hard to see someone coming when backing out" from the people with the huge SUVs or Pickup trucks. You're above everyone. You can see that lane fine. It would make more sense to me if the back in people were mostly sedans, but it seems like primarily big SUVs and Pickups here. Again, in NC though so maybe more of those type of vehicles.

I still don't like it and will continue to pout about the issue.

FWIW I feel like I do an equal amount of waiting for someone to back out and take forever when I want to leave the lot as when I'm looking for a spot on the way in anyway. I think you're just noticing it on the front end for some reason.

Exactly. You’re either backing in or backing out at some point.

How does everyone not recognize this?

Some people think it's easier and quicker to back out than back in.

 

[Uruk-Hai]

I would say that in my life, it's much more likely that I am in a hurry to get somewhere

Then leave 20 seconds earlier.

 

[BassNBrew]

Weirdest thing is when I see it grocery shopping/Target/etc. Like, why back in when you are going to want access to the trunk.

Well if you have a frunk...

I back in so I don't get parked in by the two cars in the other row that don't pull all the way in.

 

[ConstruxBoy]

I would say that in my life, it's much more likely that I am in a hurry to get somewhere

Then leave 20 seconds earlier.

I'd rather people pull into spots and save me my 20 seconds.

 

[CGRdrJoe]

I would say that in my life, it's much more likely that I am in a hurry to get somewhere

Then leave 20 seconds earlier.

I'd rather people pull into spots and save me my 20 seconds.

meanwhile I'm in my car calling you every cuss word in the dictionary while you slowly creep back out of your spot trying not to hit anyone gtfo of the spot so I can back in

 

[Instinctive]

Good discussion, thanks.
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.
Agree that big event parking is different.
I'm also surprised that so many people think backing in is easier. I think it's easier to pull in forward, than back in, even with the camera.

I also don't buy the "it's hard to see someone coming when backing out" from the people with the huge SUVs or Pickup trucks. You're above everyone. You can see that lane fine. It would make more sense to me if the back in people were mostly sedans, but it seems like primarily big SUVs and Pickups here. Again, in NC though so maybe more of those type of vehicles.

I still don't like it and will continue to pout about the issue.

FWIW I feel like I do an equal amount of waiting for someone to back out and take forever when I want to leave the lot as when I'm looking for a spot on the way in anyway. I think you're just noticing it on the front end for some reason.

That's a fair point. I would say that in my life, it's much more likely that I am in a hurry to get somewhere than to leave somewhere. Work notwithstanding, of course, lol.
But I'd rather wait longer when leaving a store/restaurant/ect than when arriving.
Maybe I'm unique.

Maybe.

I just try to be happy and not worry about it. Seems better for my overall happiness to just have more than 3 seconds of patience for everything in my life and not always be in a hurry.. Maybe I'm unique in that! (Maybe not...ALABAMA had some good thoughts on this!)

 

[STEADYMOBBIN 22]

Good discussion, thanks.
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.
Agree that big event parking is different.
I'm also surprised that so many people think backing in is easier. I think it's easier to pull in forward, than back in, even with the camera.

I also don't buy the "it's hard to see someone coming when backing out" from the people with the huge SUVs or Pickup trucks. You're above everyone. You can see that lane fine. It would make more sense to me if the back in people were mostly sedans, but it seems like primarily big SUVs and Pickups here. Again, in NC though so maybe more of those type of vehicles.

I still don't like it and will continue to pout about the issue.

FWIW I feel like I do an equal amount of waiting for someone to back out and take forever when I want to leave the lot as when I'm looking for a spot on the way in anyway. I think you're just noticing it on the front end for some reason.

Exactly. You’re either backing in or backing out at some point.

How does everyone not recognize this?

Some people think it's easier and quicker to back out than back in.

Ok, but that doesn’t seem logical. Backing into a spot with decreasing variables seems far less “easier” than blindly backing out 3/4s of the entire length of your vehicle before you can even see what’s coming.

I failed to see any reason for ever pulling into a spot unless the driver lacks the ability.

If your argument is, there are lots of awful drivers out there - let’s drink to that brother!