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

[Bob Loblaw]

I will back-in to spots, if there isn't a ton of parking area traffic. Having worked for a rental car company for 4.5 years in my 20's, I got really adept at driving/parking different sized vehicles, and I can whip most vehicles that I drive now in pretty quickly.

 

[SWC]

i back in everywhere if i go to a complete empty parking lot and i could pull through i still back in and you know what brohans i look damn good while im doing it take that to the bank backmigos

 

[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.

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!

Or you're in a hurry or you don't want to make other people wait. But other than that, I'm sure they're all incompetent drivers.
Guess we need to agree to disagree.

 

[Gatorade]

i back in everywhere if i go to a complete empty parking lot and i could pull through i still back in and you know what brohans i look damn good while im doing it take that to the bank backmigos

Just don't park in the fire lane or handicap parking

 

[ConstruxBoy]

I will back-in to spots, if there isn't a ton of parking area traffic. Having worked for a rental car company for 4.5 years in my 20's, I got really adept at driving/parking different sized vehicles, and I can whip most vehicles that I drive now in pretty quickly.

Blah blah blah

 

[bigbottom]

At least we all agree that you should return your carts to the cart corral, right? RIGHT???

 

[-fish-]

Around here our codes changed for striping parking lots and allowed for smaller spaces. In most parking lots here if you don't have a very small car with a tight turning radius and care about actually parking within the space so that other people can park, you're probably looking at having to straighten out anyway, so there goes your time saving/inconveniencing others issue. Backing in takes the same amount of time, and the camera or your mirrors center you within the lines. No additional amount of inconvenience to anyone.

I have a truck and a smaller car. Always back the truck in. 50/50 with the car (as someone else mentioned, with a lower car you risk hitting your front bumper/air dam on a curb. My daughter did that and it cost me $600).

 

[-fish-]

At least we all agree that you should return your carts to the cart corral, right? RIGHT???

Only a sociopath leaves them in a parking space or just randomly abandons one in a lot somewhere. If there isn't a cart return area relatively close, I'll give a pass to someone that leaves a cart in a place that isn't in anyone's way and isn't going to roll into someone's car.

 

[Todem]

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.

Or parallel park!!

 

[JAA]

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.

What I do since I hate people mostly ...

I park like 3 zip codes away and pull through, or back in my pos long bed truck. Never lock my vehicle and walk the extra 11.5 seconds it takes.

 

[Todem]

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.

What I do since I hate people mostly ...

I park like 3 zip codes away and pull through, or back in my pos long bed truck. Never lock my vehicle and walk the extra 11.5 seconds it takes.

Oh yeah I park my Z in bum **** egypt.

 

[JAA]

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.

lies

My Mrs JAA's POS subaru has those "sensorz" for backing up. One rainy morning the vehicle backed up haldway up our drive way and then started creaming bloody hell and would not move, not an inch.

Apparently the rain and the time of day caused some reflection blah blah blah and the car thought Godzilla was behind it. Gawd I hate these vehicles.

 

[fruity pebbles]

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.

What I do since I hate people mostly ...

I park like 3 zip codes away and pull through, or back in my pos long bed truck. Never lock my vehicle and walk the extra 11.5 seconds it takes.

Oh yeah I park my Z in bum **** egypt.

Do you like that car? Was looking at one but have two kids. I suppose one could walk……,

 

[Gatorade]

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.

What I do since I hate people mostly ...

I park like 3 zip codes away and pull through, or back in my pos long bed truck. Never lock my vehicle and walk the extra 11.5 seconds it takes.

My wife used to hate when I did that when I had a long bed truck. Until she drove it the first time.

 

[JAA]

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.

Since I am in a sharing and caring mood ... 100% true story and I promise to make it short. Some perspective:

I worked in defense out of college in the MD area, this would have been late 90's. Lots people who worked varying hours and such parking spots in these large lots back then were always a fight to see who could get what spot closest and brag about it. People actually moving cars at lunch, etc.

One night a female coworker was leaving rather late, like dinner time. She had arrived late and thus had a parking spot farther away from the building. Some recently released disgusting SOB pulled his van up next to her and snatched her at gun point. Took her somewhere and tried to rape her, shot her like 5 times (with a 22) including in the face as she tried to escape. She ran and hid, and eventually someone let in this tiny little woman covered in blood into their home. She survived though never came back to work. The guy was caught, though I don't know exactly what happened.

From that day forward a number of us started parking far away from the front door regardless of when we arrived. To he honest, back then it was kinda cute arriving early and seeing all these cars already parked far away from the front for this cause. Feeling that you were doing something kind was, and still is today, a nice feeling.

I don't always think of this story when I park, but I certainly haven't forgotten it.

 

[JAA]

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.

lies

My Mrs JAA's POS subaru has those "sensorz" for backing up. One rainy morning the vehicle backed up haldway up our drive way and then started creaming bloody hell and would not move, not an inch.

Apparently the rain and the time of day caused some reflection blah blah blah and the car thought Godzilla was behind it. Gawd I hate these vehicles.

PS - More "sensorz" that when I click the "open hatch" button it beeps 5 times fast and doesnt open it. Been doing this for weeks.

wtf people

 

[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.

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.

Expectations are a big part of it. People following a car length or two behind you is not because they are dumb. They expect you to pull right in so they are looking past you for another space. You pass the space and they then, reasonably, think that you don't want that space for whatever reason. Maybe you're leaving and not coming. So they start going toward the open space you passed, just to get annoyed when you hit your break and go into reverse. Then they need to back up and the car behind them needs to back up, etc.

Basically, you back-iners are a real buzzkill to the joy of finding an open parking space.

 

[JAA]

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.

Expectations are a big part of it. People following a car length or two behind you is not because they are dumb. They expect you to pull right in so they are looking past you for another space. You pass the space and they then, reasonably, think that you don't want that space for whatever reason. Maybe you're leaving and not coming. So they start going toward the open space you passed, just to get annoyed when you hit your break and go into reverse. Then they need to back up and the car behind them needs to back up, etc.

Basically, you back-iners are a real buzzkill to the joy of finding an open parking space.

These days, in my old(er) age, the thought of being a "buzzkill", let alone a "real buzzkill" is about all the happiness I can look forward to on a daily basis. So yea, thank you.

 

[ConstruxBoy]

I will back-in to spots, if there isn't a ton of parking area traffic. Having worked for a rental car company for 4.5 years in my 20's, I got really adept at driving/parking different sized vehicles, and I can whip most vehicles that I drive now in pretty quickly.

At least you don't park like Lucille does.

 

[fruity pebbles]

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.

Expectations are a big part of it. People following a car length or two behind you is not because they are dumb. They expect you to pull right in so they are looking past you for another space. You pass the space and they then, reasonably, think that you don't want that space for whatever reason. Maybe you're leaving and not coming. So they start going toward the open space you passed, just to get annoyed when you hit your break and go into reverse. Then they need to back up and the car behind them needs to back up, etc.

Basically, you back-iners are a real buzzkill to the joy of finding an open parking space.

These days, in my old(er) age, the thought of being a "buzzkill", let alone a "real buzzkill" is about all the happiness I can look forward to on a daily basis. So yea, thank you.

Well……you’ll be really happy when I pull in to the space you passed and planned to back into lol

 

[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.

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.

Expectations are a big part of it. People following a car length or two behind you is not because they are dumb. They expect you to pull right in so they are looking past you for another space. You pass the space and they then, reasonably, think that you don't want that space for whatever reason. Maybe you're leaving and not coming. So they start going toward the open space you passed, just to get annoyed when you hit your break and go into reverse. Then they need to back up and the car behind them needs to back up, etc.

Basically, you back-iners are a real buzzkill to the joy of finding an open parking space.

These days, in my old(er) age, the thought of being a "buzzkill", let alone a "real buzzkill" is about all the happiness I can look forward to on a daily basis. So yea, thank you.

Well……you’ll be really happy when I pull in to the space you passed and planned to back into lol

This is a great point. Most back-iners make it obvious when they turn away from the spot while still mostly covering it, but there are some that really pull all the way past it at a mostly straight angle before stopping. If I just pull into that spot because I assume they were going past it, am I the jerk? I just don't see that.

I'd chalk that up as too bad for the car pulling all the way past the open space. Or in today's terms, F around and find out.

 

[Todem]

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.

What I do since I hate people mostly ...

I park like 3 zip codes away and pull through, or back in my pos long bed truck. Never lock my vehicle and walk the extra 11.5 seconds it takes.

Oh yeah I park my Z in bum **** egypt.

Do you like that car? Was looking at one but have two kids. I suppose one could walk……,

It’s the most fun I have ever had driving.

So awesome.

 

[Bob Loblaw]

Do drivers not use turn indicators, or not pay attention to them? I feel like if you see me indicate a right turn and there's a empty parking spot to my right, if I drive past it a car-length, it's reasonable that I'm going to back into it. Sometimes I'll even turn on my hazards.

 

[ConstruxBoy]

Do drivers not use turn indicators, or not pay attention to them? I feel like if you see me indicate a right turn and there's a empty parking spot to my right, if I drive past it a car-length, it's reasonable that I'm going to back into it. Sometimes I'll even turn on my hazards.

Totally agree but honestly I don't see turn signals all the much. Maybe that's the biggest issue.

Of course, I don't see them on the roadways as much as I should either.

 

[Instinctive]

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.

Expectations are a big part of it. People following a car length or two behind you is not because they are dumb. They expect you to pull right in so they are looking past you for another space. You pass the space and they then, reasonably, think that you don't want that space for whatever reason. Maybe you're leaving and not coming. So they start going toward the open space you passed, just to get annoyed when you hit your break and go into reverse. Then they need to back up and the car behind them needs to back up, etc.

Basically, you back-iners are a real buzzkill to the joy of finding an open parking space.

These days, in my old(er) age, the thought of being a "buzzkill", let alone a "real buzzkill" is about all the happiness I can look forward to on a daily basis. So yea, thank you.

Well……you’ll be really happy when I pull in to the space you passed and planned to back into lol

This is a great point. Most back-iners make it obvious when they turn away from the spot while still mostly covering it, but there are some that really pull all the way past it at a mostly straight angle before stopping. If I just pull into that spot because I assume they were going past it, am I the jerk? I just don't see that.

I'd chalk that up as too bad for the car pulling all the way past the open space. Or in today's terms, F around and find out.

Yeah I mean that's just dumb. The whole reason it's equivalent in amount of time to pulling in forward is because you start at a better angle and don't have to re-align.


Also...what do y'all do that you're in such a hurry that you're that close to the car in front of you anyway?

 

[Instinctive]

Another interesting nugget as I investigate this apparent major cause of road rage: auto-park will only go backing in or parallel, not pulling in. So either they gotta fix that or the future is 100% backing in.

 

[CGRdrJoe]

If you see someone go past a parking spot to back in, steal it even if you don't need to park there.....Be a man.....

I watch bostonbeaman too much on instagram

 

[ConstruxBoy]

Yeah I mean that's just dumb. The whole reason it's equivalent in amount of time to pulling in forward is because you start at a better angle and don't have to re-align.


Also...what do y'all do that you're in such a hurry that you're that close to the car in front of you anyway?

Maybe I just like rears, ok? I need that Kramer license plate.

 

[Tin Cup]

At least we all agree that you should return your carts to the cart corral, right? RIGHT???

PSA: if any of the Party Citys near you are still open, you can actually buy their shopping carts. They come in a full rainbow of vivid colors and can be used to create chaos in parking lots far and wide.

 

[fruity pebbles]

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.

Expectations are a big part of it. People following a car length or two behind you is not because they are dumb. They expect you to pull right in so they are looking past you for another space. You pass the space and they then, reasonably, think that you don't want that space for whatever reason. Maybe you're leaving and not coming. So they start going toward the open space you passed, just to get annoyed when you hit your break and go into reverse. Then they need to back up and the car behind them needs to back up, etc.

Basically, you back-iners are a real buzzkill to the joy of finding an open parking space.

These days, in my old(er) age, the thought of being a "buzzkill", let alone a "real buzzkill" is about all the happiness I can look forward to on a daily basis. So yea, thank you.

Well……you’ll be really happy when I pull in to the space you passed and planned to back into lol

This is a great point. Most back-iners make it obvious when they turn away from the spot while still mostly covering it, but there are some that really pull all the way past it at a mostly straight angle before stopping. If I just pull into that spot because I assume they were going past it, am I the jerk? I just don't see that.

I'd chalk that up as too bad for the car pulling all the way past the open space. Or in today's terms, F around and find out.

Yeah I mean that's just dumb. The whole reason it's equivalent in amount of time to pulling in forward is because you start at a better angle and don't have to re-align.


Also...what do y'all do that you're in such a hurry that you're that close to the car in front of you anyway?

It’s a busy parking lot. You giving everyone two car lengths?

 

[Instinctive]

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.

Expectations are a big part of it. People following a car length or two behind you is not because they are dumb. They expect you to pull right in so they are looking past you for another space. You pass the space and they then, reasonably, think that you don't want that space for whatever reason. Maybe you're leaving and not coming. So they start going toward the open space you passed, just to get annoyed when you hit your break and go into reverse. Then they need to back up and the car behind them needs to back up, etc.

Basically, you back-iners are a real buzzkill to the joy of finding an open parking space.

These days, in my old(er) age, the thought of being a "buzzkill", let alone a "real buzzkill" is about all the happiness I can look forward to on a daily basis. So yea, thank you.

Well……you’ll be really happy when I pull in to the space you passed and planned to back into lol

This is a great point. Most back-iners make it obvious when they turn away from the spot while still mostly covering it, but there are some that really pull all the way past it at a mostly straight angle before stopping. If I just pull into that spot because I assume they were going past it, am I the jerk? I just don't see that.

I'd chalk that up as too bad for the car pulling all the way past the open space. Or in today's terms, F around and find out.

Yeah I mean that's just dumb. The whole reason it's equivalent in amount of time to pulling in forward is because you start at a better angle and don't have to re-align.


Also...what do y'all do that you're in such a hurry that you're that close to the car in front of you anyway?

It’s a busy parking lot. You giving everyone two car lengths?

Everyone here must live in like LA/NY or something I guess. I generally find the Costco in the heart of Dallas on a Saturday afternoon to be pretty busy and yet I never see anyone in the parking aisles right on top of each other, just in the main path to enter/exit the lot.

Maybe it's just like people have more common decency down in TX. I'm at a loss lol.

 

[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.

 

[Instinctive]

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.

Yeah, they add up to a heart attack from the stress of counting them all the time

 

[ThaPenguin]

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.

What I do since I hate people mostly ...

I park like 3 zip codes away and pull through, or back in my pos long bed truck. Never lock my vehicle and walk the extra 11.5 seconds it takes.

Oh yeah I park my Z in bum **** egypt.

This is the way.

 

[Navin Johnson]

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

 

[Terminalxylem]

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.

You’re not alone.

All this “backing in takes the same amount of time as pulling forward” and “backing out causes just as much delay as backing in” talk is gaslighting.

Clearly there is a difference, and it’s important. Coupled with restaurant behavior, driving/parking etiquette forms the foundation of a functioning society.

“Get a life”, they say. I’ll gladly oblige, if these monsters stop siphoning mine away, 10 seconds at a time.

 

[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.

 

[Terminalxylem]

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?

Are the lanes between rows of parking spaces bigger or smaller than the spaces themselves?

Is it easier to back into a larger space?

 

[the moops]

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.

You have to pass the spot when backing out too, no?

 

[Navin Johnson]

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

 

[Navin Johnson]

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?

Are the lanes between rows of parking spaces bigger or smaller than the spaces themselves?

Is it easier to back into a larger space?

It's easier to back in to a tighter space than back out of it

 

[Terminalxylem]

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.

It’s not just you in a crowded lot or deck, as the problem compounds when multiple slow downs occur.

 

[the moops]

Feel like we need a Brady Bunch parking challenge between @Terminalxylem and @Navin Johnson

 

[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?

 

[fruity pebbles]

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.

 

[Navin Johnson]

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?

Audi A8

 

[Instinctive]

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?

Why are you pulling an entire car length forward? I think y'all are comparing the ideal situation and driver for a forward park to like the dumbest teenage girl backing in to a spot.

 

[Instinctive]

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.

Everybody thinks they’re that superior driver who can pull 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 or don't end up between the lines. Then they've maybe not inconvenienced you, behind them in the lot rushing your pregnant wife with a GSW from the grocery store lot to the nearest ER in the backseat, but the people in spots on either side.

 

[the moops]

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.

But even if this is the case, once the initial butt of the car gets into the space, there is ample room for others to drive around them

 

[fruity pebbles]

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.

But even if this is the case, once the initial butt of the car gets into the space, there is ample room for others to drive around them

Not really. Most parking lots have cars going in both directions and you have one clown backing in and out impeding one way.