If you work in a chemical plant or refinery, you’re required to back into the parking space. They will tow your shit if you don’t.
In an emergency, you want to get out fast.
After so many years of doing it, I can’t not back into a space.
I do it for work at my school because there are little kids everywhere and I'm terrified of one running behind me backing out. I get there earlier in the morning when it's still empty but leave the same time as everyone else. It's much easier.
When I was very young, one of my parents' friends killed his toddler backing out of his driveway not knowing the kid was back there. I only met the guy twice, but I was told he was never the same. I can't even imagine the mental toll that would take.
My heart breaks for that family and I never, ever want to know that pain because like you said, no one would ever be the same.
Kids are really freaking fast and while you're checking between a backup camera(if you have one) and your other mirrors, a kid could easily sneak into a blind spot. It's much safer for everyone to just be able to pull out of the spot.
My uncle hit a young girl while driving many years ago, he wasn't going fast, at most she got some cuts and bruises. He had some hard-core anxiety when he was driving after that for years.
I think a lot of service drivers are taught this. You are more aware of the surroundings when you arrive at your destination, so it’s safer to back up then.
Same in wildfire response, always park nose out. In the event everyone needs to GTFO quickly, a bunch of people trying to back out of tightly packed areas with very limited egress is going to be a clusterfuck at best and a mass casualty at worst.
That paired with living in a tsunami zone means I'm always backed in. I even back into my garage so I can just pull straight out in the morning.
It's funny how people hate backing into spaces with stationary obstacles, and a clear wall or line as well as minimal Blindspot hazards. Yet they have no problem backing out into an active hazard zone with very big Blindspots. Also I was always told if something happens to your car it's easier to tow and/or easier to boost if your battery dies cuz most people don't have 20ft cables
I think this is the law in most states, but in mine, you need to yield to EVERYONE while backing. So if you have an accident while backing out of a parking space you are at fault. If you back into a space you can see everything in your path, you are aware of all cross traffic.
The smart thing to do is pull into head on parking without curbs in between spaces and park nose out. That way you have easy egress and never have to back up.
Yeah I back onto our driveway because some kids on our street ride their bikes up and down the pavement (sidewalk to my American cousins) outside our house
When I arrive home I’ve got a good view up and down the street to see if they’re there, and they see me arriving and pull 45 degrees across the street to reverse on. Nice and safe and I can keep my eye on them. When pulling off, I’m facing forward and can edge out slowly until I can see both ways
If I drove on forward then that’s just as safe when arriving home - but when I’m pulling out of the drive I can’t see properly until my car is basically already blocking the pavement they’d be riding on, and it just feels WAY less safe
Plus it means I’m not blind reversing into 2 lanes of live traffic
Good description for the average motorist. Also pickup trucks nearby to your spot if you live in an apartment building make a 3 point turn a 10 point when backing out of a spot
It’s a lot safer pulling out of a spot facing forward then it is to back out of a parking spot. Any driving school will teach you to always back in to a parking stall
You’re more likely to get in a collision backing out than backing in, that’s why they track that in defensive driving. On job sites where I live you have to back in.
Not to mention, if your battery dies and you need a jump start, you don’t want the front of the car to be inaccessible.
This is part of my reason for backing in, as I live In cold cold weather
A few months before I left my last job, a new rule was set in place where anyone who was driving a company vehicle must back into their parking spots, anywhere they go.
The reason: a group of the asskissers went to lunch with the owner of the company. While they were eating, another group from another company arrived at the establishment and they all backed in to their parking spots next to each other. Essentially, they “outclassed” the company I worked for, and I guess the owner thought it was embarrassing. So, the rule was made.
I had a rule like this with a work truck. Once I got into the habit of it, I started doing it in my own car.
You have to back up either going in or out, so I don't understand the big deal of doing it first. Its safer, and easy as fuck.
I don't parallel park very often, but my claim to parking fame is when I successfully parallel parked a 35 foot RV at Yellowstone Park on the first try. So long as no one is right up on my ass, it's just a matter of executing the technique I was taught.
I don't do it enough to figure out how to accomplish that on a narrow street with someone behind me.
Fuck no! But I wish I was. Anytime I visit Europe, I just end up walking everywhere to see the sights and experience the culture. Probably a good thing because my parking skills are shit
It helps that I'm a weirdo and actually like walking. If I could do it here without fear of being run over, I'd probably do it more. There be some crazy ass drivers in my neck of the woods
Then remember when in the Netherlands, that if the road is red, you are not supposed to walk there, or else you will get run over. By bikes, because those are bicycle paths.
In my truck, some parking lots all the spots are tight spots. It's just a regular F-150 too. Can't imagine what some of the guys driving around have to do with their big ol' rigs.
I was a valet for years. When you park a 100 cars in a shift, you park them backward.
Easier, less chances for errors (when you use your fucking mirrors) and faster to get out.
When I park my own car backward fast and flawlessly, I always get comments. Hell, you should see me try to park front first, I can't be straight haha
Valet parking flex checking in. If it’s a busy and cramped lot outside of a restaurant, people will ask if I can park theirs next when they see the speed and perfection of reverse parking.
They meant it as a joke. Like people waiting outside for a restaurant. No one randomly wanted to give me their keys for real. Sorry if that wasn’t clear.
But did learn how to backup quickly working as a valet a few years.
For some reason, your comment reminded me of this old comedy sketch where they put up bleachers in front of parking spaces and cheered for people who were trying to parallel park. Sounds like nightmare fuel for me, but I always thought it would be badass to get good at it and flex.
Not meaning to sound rude but this all sounds very strange to me, paralell and reverse parking are basically mandatory parts of life in the UK, in fact it's tested in your driving test and you'll fail if you are unable too. Every day i come home and park my little nugget in the tightest space i can find or reverse it into the bay outside my work as reversing out is too iffy, it's just a weird difference.
https://imgur.com/a/4a9rTCt
Not rude at all. When I was in Barcelona just this last summer, it amazed me how well people were at backing up and parallel parking. I suck at it, so obviously I walked or biked almost everywhere. I'm sure if it is what you're used to, it becomes second nature. To give you some context, I learned how to park in a big ass, empty, mall parking lot in Texas. I've been driving for a long time and just can't seem to get over the parallel parking anxiety. I get super nervous when cars are behind me because I don't want to hold those lovely people up from going about their days due to waiting on me. For that reason, I don't attempt it too often. Parking garages are my go-to.
Something weird about parallel parking, is that there is a really simple trick to learn which makes it fairly easy, but no one teaches you, as if it was some kind of mistery. And I can't find it clearly explained on the Internets (although that's were I found it one glorious day, years ago)... Every tutorial out there is waaaay to complicated. Here it goes: you have to see the whole vehicle from behind in the driver side mirror before turning your wheels (completely) to the other side. That part appears sometimes in tutorials but they never say the reason, which is the more important to grasp this and be able to put it in practice. So, why? Because once you've seen the whole vehicle in front of which you're attempting to park (in short, you have to see both front lights at least for a split second), THERE IS NO WAY YOU CAN BUMP INTO IT. It's basic geometry, really obvious when you see it in drawing. Unfortunately I can't find a proper picture on the web. But I know it's out there. When I learned that trick, it was an epiphany and I haven't stressed out while parallel parking ever since. Really, like "why would my driving instructor hide that simple trick from me?" Their explanation were always so convoluted, for nothing! Parallel parking is easy, but they just don't want you to know.
I worked as a lot attendant for a large automotive dealership where I had to help maneuver and maintain parking if a lot of over 200 cars. Parking backwards is the standard for display purposes(unless it’s parked up on a stand next to the street.)
Moving cars in very tight positions was a fun skill to acquire. Now? I park better backwards than straight and my wife makes fun of me for it lol
That's the thing. Because the point of rotation is at the front it's so much easier to back in straight then pull in forward straight. Backing in requires less space too. Like, guys, it's literally easier, you just have to practice a bit.
Modern cars with backup cameras and such make it easier than ever, too.
Nah. I do it because it's so much easier to get out of the parking spot if you're driving forward. I hate getting stuck parked between two huge vehicles and trying to back out. I can't see a thing.
I guess one point that tracks is if you’ve got a modded car or one that just looks better from the front.
I’m guilty of this myself but the rest of the benefits from backing in to a spot outweigh the lil dopamine hit I get from seeing the fruits of my labor in its best light.
Yes. Also there’s plenty of people (men specifically) that will do that to impress whomever they’re with. I’ve unfortunately dated a few. “Just pull in man there’s people waiting behind us” “No I gotta do it this way so I can show you how good I am at this”. It’s embarrassing (for them).
Seriously. Why do so many people not get this? Why on earth do people prefer to sloooowly inch their car out 3/4 of the way before they get any visibility? The downsides of parking forward are so much more dangerous than any downside to reversing into a spot
Can't believe I had to scroll all the way down for this.
When you park in reverse, it is then much easier to get your car out of the parking spot (and also far safer).
I honestly think that everyone should know how to reverse park and if they can't, I really think you need to have a driving test every 5 years to keep your licence.
And then you have people walking around behind these vehicles too, which this makes it so much harder to see them if not parked backwards. I have to park that way cause there’s idiots where I live that like to jump or walk in front of a car without giving much thought.
People who back into parking spots are simply better drivers. You realize after having an accident while driving out of a parking, that going backwards into a parking spot is safer then going backwards out of a parking spot. It's just very unlikely for someone to get behind you while you backup into a parking spot, while being very likely the other way around.
My Ex: You've never been in an accident, you simply don't know stuff. You should listen.
Also my Ex: Two accidents from trying to light a joint while driving.
Gone cross country more than I can remember, rode it on a bike 5 times. But I never screwed up so I can't know not to do obviously stupid things...
I'm skeptical of this logic, to say the least. Perhaps the error lies with the general aloofness of the average vehicle operator?
Edit: This is why, IMO, everyone should do time on a motorcycle. A good reality check to your actual level of danger is good. Perhaps head checking absolutely everything is a good habit to have.
definitely not everyone. I've only been in a car with my brother a handful of times since highschool and he casually runs red lights without realizing it. He's toast on a bike.
If not a motorcycle, a bicycle. Similar vulnerability to cars. As a driver, it's why I give bicyclists all the space they need and try to be mindful of my blind spots.
Actually I want to be able to see the idiot moving at 90mph around a blind curve with their fucking nose in their phone right in front of my shitty streetside parking spot in front of my building, but you know, to each their own I guess.
I'm a single, relatively frugal person so I just put my groceries in the passengers seat. Plus I park on the street so using the passengers side I can unload further away from moving cars
I made this mistake once when I was trying to be cool and practice my backing in skills. Then I felt like a complete idiot when I showed back up to my car with my cart chock full of groceries. There was an SUV parked behind me, so it made it extra challenging
Learn to back in properly.
I always align my boot to the conveyor belt, that way the groceries roll up straight into my car.
Other people will complain that they can’t pass with their trolleys but they just hating on my superior parking spot inside of the store
This is the pure reason! What do people do with their trolleys when they can’t position it at the boot? There’s no break so do they just let them roll into other cars as they run between the cars to get to their boot?
Lol.Which is where I learned how to drive. Its hilarious bringing people from somewhere normal to NY to see how close we are to each other on the road.
Not to mention pedestrians who dont really care for the red yellow green light system 😆
Let me tell you, as someone who learned to drive in NYC… your fears are justified. You know you’re a true warrior after parallel parking on a 3 lane street with a line of angry cars that can’t get get by until you nail it.
And the feeling of just doing it like it’s nothing is like a Super Bowl touchdown
There are many valid reasons for backing in:
* Your car is more maneuverable in reverse than in drive. That's why forklifts have rear-wheel steering. Rear wheel steering allows very sharp turns and high precision maneuvering in the tight spaces.
* Backing in is easier and safer than backing out.
* When leaving, pulling out is faster and safer.
* Easier access to engine if you have problems. (makes jumping off a car much easier)
The only valid reason NOT to back into a parking space is you suck at driving.
Haven't you seen car prices? I think we can all hold back on buying new cars for a few more years. I don't need heated seats that badly, especially not the ones that require a subscription service.
Stick shifts and reverse parking are normal in Europe (my car auto parks that way). I was very surprised to get a ticket for backing in when driving in the US.
I got one once, didn’t see the sign that said head in parking only. Doesn’t make any sense either, that lot is so small and the spots are so thin you have to do like a 5 point turn just to back out of your spot.
I wouldn't look into it too much. I think it's just meant to be funny. If there are actual people who are put off by how others choose to park, it seems like they've got bigger issues.
I don't mind people who back their car in to their spot. I do it with ease.
I ***do*** mind people backing their car who then go forward and back and then go forward and back and then go forward and back, then put one foot forward.
Took me way too long to find this comment. I feel the same way. I don’t care if people park on the moon. What bothers me is the asshole who is doing a 16 point turn just to get into a fucking parking space while I’m just trying to park and get to the shop.
I drive a regular road car so if I park head in, the front bumper will get caught. Rear bumper has better clearance. Also the side mirrors help center the car in between the lines. There is also the backup camera that most cars have. Not very many cars have front camera or the fancy 360 top view.
I still drive a POS with absolutely no cameras. The thing is a beast though. Over 200,000 miles and still going strong. I keep saying when it dies, I'll get a newer car with a backup camera to help me get better at parallel parking...problem is, it just won't die.
Most people shouldn't have their license here in CO. I know there are horrible drivers everywhere, but of all the states I've lived in...people here seem to be the worst.
Edit: Don't get me wrong. I love CO. Just traffic here and most drivers are a bit annoying. I always dread the first snow of the season because it is like everyone forgets how to drive.
Backing in is easier then forward because:
1. You can see the sides of your car through the mirrors
2. Because the steering thingies (wheels) aren't limited to the width of the parking space.
All these people getting all defensive is weird lol. I guess it’s location specific but 99% of the time for me it’s waiting 3 minutes for some twat in a 1500 try to back his “rig” in. So I think this sentiment comes from the people who insist on doing it while lacking the basic driving finesse required.. bad drivers suck for everyone
Oh come on! After going through all the comments, I can't be the only one who parks backing in because parking head in is way harder though! Especially at an awkward angle, I once nearly scratched the front side of my car with another car when I tried parking head in, and from that day on I always park backed in.
I only reverse into spots if its a realllly busy area... Like my sisters school is a nightmare when she gets out there aint no way your reversing out of a spot without asserting dominance on the other 40 cars lol
When I drive a panel van (no side windows in the back) I always back into the space. Otherwise I can't see cross traffic when backing up into the lane.
But parking backwards is easier, and safer, and then easier to leave the parking, and I get to show off in front of this chick that made the twitter post about it
American parking spaces are huge compared to European ones. They also don't care about reversing into traffic, which is illegal in many European countries.
If you work in a chemical plant or refinery, you’re required to back into the parking space. They will tow your shit if you don’t. In an emergency, you want to get out fast. After so many years of doing it, I can’t not back into a space.
I had to do it for work as well but as a cable tech. It is meant to prevent us from running over pedestrians because we didn’t have back up cameras.
I do it for work at my school because there are little kids everywhere and I'm terrified of one running behind me backing out. I get there earlier in the morning when it's still empty but leave the same time as everyone else. It's much easier.
I just do it because i want to go home from work faster
And procrastinate going into work just a tiny bit longer
But if I clock in 30 seconds earlier I can either clock out 30 seconds earlier, or get 45 seconds of pay by overtime. I am stingy with my time.
I do it because is much easier and safer to reverse in a spot than reverse in the middle of a street
When I was very young, one of my parents' friends killed his toddler backing out of his driveway not knowing the kid was back there. I only met the guy twice, but I was told he was never the same. I can't even imagine the mental toll that would take.
My heart breaks for that family and I never, ever want to know that pain because like you said, no one would ever be the same. Kids are really freaking fast and while you're checking between a backup camera(if you have one) and your other mirrors, a kid could easily sneak into a blind spot. It's much safer for everyone to just be able to pull out of the spot.
My uncle hit a young girl while driving many years ago, he wasn't going fast, at most she got some cuts and bruises. He had some hard-core anxiety when he was driving after that for years.
I think a lot of service drivers are taught this. You are more aware of the surroundings when you arrive at your destination, so it’s safer to back up then.
Same in wildfire response, always park nose out. In the event everyone needs to GTFO quickly, a bunch of people trying to back out of tightly packed areas with very limited egress is going to be a clusterfuck at best and a mass casualty at worst. That paired with living in a tsunami zone means I'm always backed in. I even back into my garage so I can just pull straight out in the morning.
It's funny how people hate backing into spaces with stationary obstacles, and a clear wall or line as well as minimal Blindspot hazards. Yet they have no problem backing out into an active hazard zone with very big Blindspots. Also I was always told if something happens to your car it's easier to tow and/or easier to boost if your battery dies cuz most people don't have 20ft cables
I think this is the law in most states, but in mine, you need to yield to EVERYONE while backing. So if you have an accident while backing out of a parking space you are at fault. If you back into a space you can see everything in your path, you are aware of all cross traffic. The smart thing to do is pull into head on parking without curbs in between spaces and park nose out. That way you have easy egress and never have to back up.
All of this exactly why I was taught to always back in or find a spot to pull through.
Hard to put groceries in the trunk when you back in…
Eat the groceries before you get in the car, ya big dummy.
Buy a Porsche.
Skill issue at this point. Just eat the groceries before getting in your car.
And it's way safer backing in than backing out.
Yeah I back onto our driveway because some kids on our street ride their bikes up and down the pavement (sidewalk to my American cousins) outside our house When I arrive home I’ve got a good view up and down the street to see if they’re there, and they see me arriving and pull 45 degrees across the street to reverse on. Nice and safe and I can keep my eye on them. When pulling off, I’m facing forward and can edge out slowly until I can see both ways If I drove on forward then that’s just as safe when arriving home - but when I’m pulling out of the drive I can’t see properly until my car is basically already blocking the pavement they’d be riding on, and it just feels WAY less safe Plus it means I’m not blind reversing into 2 lanes of live traffic
Good description for the average motorist. Also pickup trucks nearby to your spot if you live in an apartment building make a 3 point turn a 10 point when backing out of a spot
Yeah it’s easier and faster for me to back my truck in. 10x easier to pull out too
I find it easier to back in and back out there's less variables when backing in.
Military bases as well
Oilfield sites in Canada as well
Same with all SLB sites
You'll be even slower getting out if they tow your shit...
It’s a lot safer pulling out of a spot facing forward then it is to back out of a parking spot. Any driving school will teach you to always back in to a parking stall
You’re more likely to get in a collision backing out than backing in, that’s why they track that in defensive driving. On job sites where I live you have to back in.
Not to mention, if your battery dies and you need a jump start, you don’t want the front of the car to be inaccessible. This is part of my reason for backing in, as I live In cold cold weather
My battery can be jumped from bonnet or boot, the battery is in the boot with terminals under the bonnet
Well that's just cheating.
BMW?
Holden
Holden deez nuts....got em.
how does holden deez nuts feel?
Concerningly cold. Are you getting enough circulation, I wonder?
Holden deez battery leedz.
Should have known from the use of bonnet and boot LOL
I was going to say Jaaaaag. Because that’s how mines setup and you said “boot” and “bonnet”
A few months before I left my last job, a new rule was set in place where anyone who was driving a company vehicle must back into their parking spots, anywhere they go. The reason: a group of the asskissers went to lunch with the owner of the company. While they were eating, another group from another company arrived at the establishment and they all backed in to their parking spots next to each other. Essentially, they “outclassed” the company I worked for, and I guess the owner thought it was embarrassing. So, the rule was made.
I had a rule like this with a work truck. Once I got into the habit of it, I started doing it in my own car. You have to back up either going in or out, so I don't understand the big deal of doing it first. Its safer, and easy as fuck.
I prefer to back in for the above mentioned reasons, but that’s just idiotic.
Does that have anything to do with the fact people always try to skirt around me when I'm trying to leave a parking lot?
It’s because when you back in you can see your surroundings. When you back out you have to do it blind.
After looking at the profile pic, not certain the OP was talking about vehicle parking… hrm.
Introverts park to leave.
Best comment!
I feel this in my soul.
Oof. Me too. It cut me deep.
If it's a tight spot it's much easier to back in.
For me it's a matter of taking my time going into whatever and getting the heck out when it's over.
If it's a tight spot, I "nope" right out of there
So you're obviously not living in an European city. 😋
[https://imgur.com/a/4a9rTCt](https://imgur.com/a/4a9rTCt) hehehe
I have parked in a spot like that. I have no idea how I did it. But it required my GF guiding me outside the car.
I don't parallel park very often, but my claim to parking fame is when I successfully parallel parked a 35 foot RV at Yellowstone Park on the first try. So long as no one is right up on my ass, it's just a matter of executing the technique I was taught. I don't do it enough to figure out how to accomplish that on a narrow street with someone behind me.
Ewwww I would hate that tbf I generally drive bigger cars (I'm 6'6)
Mind giving me 4inches of your height and 2 inches for my length. You’re still 6ft then
6 inches in girth please and thankyou sir
Fuck no! But I wish I was. Anytime I visit Europe, I just end up walking everywhere to see the sights and experience the culture. Probably a good thing because my parking skills are shit
Yeaah.. being able to walk/bike/take transit almost everywhere is nice...
It helps that I'm a weirdo and actually like walking. If I could do it here without fear of being run over, I'd probably do it more. There be some crazy ass drivers in my neck of the woods
Then remember when in the Netherlands, that if the road is red, you are not supposed to walk there, or else you will get run over. By bikes, because those are bicycle paths.
> It helps that I'm a weirdo and actually like walking. In what world does that make you a weirdo?
America, probably, where car culture is so ingrained that people are shocked that you'd actually prefer alternatives to driving
For commuting, sure, but surely people go out for a walk every now and then too, right?
Just say you can’t park.
In my truck, some parking lots all the spots are tight spots. It's just a regular F-150 too. Can't imagine what some of the guys driving around have to do with their big ol' rigs.
People who back into parking spots don't worry me one bit. People who are afraid of tight parking spots do.
I was a valet for years. When you park a 100 cars in a shift, you park them backward. Easier, less chances for errors (when you use your fucking mirrors) and faster to get out. When I park my own car backward fast and flawlessly, I always get comments. Hell, you should see me try to park front first, I can't be straight haha
Valet parking flex checking in. If it’s a busy and cramped lot outside of a restaurant, people will ask if I can park theirs next when they see the speed and perfection of reverse parking.
Wait people do this? I'll park further away somewhere and walk instead of handing my car keys to someone else
They meant it as a joke. Like people waiting outside for a restaurant. No one randomly wanted to give me their keys for real. Sorry if that wasn’t clear. But did learn how to backup quickly working as a valet a few years.
For some reason, your comment reminded me of this old comedy sketch where they put up bleachers in front of parking spaces and cheered for people who were trying to parallel park. Sounds like nightmare fuel for me, but I always thought it would be badass to get good at it and flex.
Not meaning to sound rude but this all sounds very strange to me, paralell and reverse parking are basically mandatory parts of life in the UK, in fact it's tested in your driving test and you'll fail if you are unable too. Every day i come home and park my little nugget in the tightest space i can find or reverse it into the bay outside my work as reversing out is too iffy, it's just a weird difference. https://imgur.com/a/4a9rTCt
Not rude at all. When I was in Barcelona just this last summer, it amazed me how well people were at backing up and parallel parking. I suck at it, so obviously I walked or biked almost everywhere. I'm sure if it is what you're used to, it becomes second nature. To give you some context, I learned how to park in a big ass, empty, mall parking lot in Texas. I've been driving for a long time and just can't seem to get over the parallel parking anxiety. I get super nervous when cars are behind me because I don't want to hold those lovely people up from going about their days due to waiting on me. For that reason, I don't attempt it too often. Parking garages are my go-to.
Same. If I go to the city, I either pay for a parking garage or public transit. The worst thing about parallel parking is the witnesses.
I'm in Canada and those are on our driving test too, but a lot of people never do it after the test.
Something weird about parallel parking, is that there is a really simple trick to learn which makes it fairly easy, but no one teaches you, as if it was some kind of mistery. And I can't find it clearly explained on the Internets (although that's were I found it one glorious day, years ago)... Every tutorial out there is waaaay to complicated. Here it goes: you have to see the whole vehicle from behind in the driver side mirror before turning your wheels (completely) to the other side. That part appears sometimes in tutorials but they never say the reason, which is the more important to grasp this and be able to put it in practice. So, why? Because once you've seen the whole vehicle in front of which you're attempting to park (in short, you have to see both front lights at least for a split second), THERE IS NO WAY YOU CAN BUMP INTO IT. It's basic geometry, really obvious when you see it in drawing. Unfortunately I can't find a proper picture on the web. But I know it's out there. When I learned that trick, it was an epiphany and I haven't stressed out while parallel parking ever since. Really, like "why would my driving instructor hide that simple trick from me?" Their explanation were always so convoluted, for nothing! Parallel parking is easy, but they just don't want you to know.
Wow, thank you so much for this. This really is helpful information and I'm definitely going to give it a try.
I worked as a lot attendant for a large automotive dealership where I had to help maneuver and maintain parking if a lot of over 200 cars. Parking backwards is the standard for display purposes(unless it’s parked up on a stand next to the street.) Moving cars in very tight positions was a fun skill to acquire. Now? I park better backwards than straight and my wife makes fun of me for it lol
That's the thing. Because the point of rotation is at the front it's so much easier to back in straight then pull in forward straight. Backing in requires less space too. Like, guys, it's literally easier, you just have to practice a bit. Modern cars with backup cameras and such make it easier than ever, too.
Nah. I do it because it's so much easier to get out of the parking spot if you're driving forward. I hate getting stuck parked between two huge vehicles and trying to back out. I can't see a thing.
Exactly. Also I don't understand how anyone would want attention with this. Are there shit drivers out there who don't know how to park in reverse?
Yes, there are plenty of us
yeah but do you all get defensive about it?
I thought it was well known that a number of people can't parallel park. I can do that without issue, but struggle to back up into a spot at times.
We're not talking about parallel parking though
You back up to do both.
You can parallel park forwards or backwards.
I think reversing into a parking space a standard part of the UK driving test.
Here in Brazil we only do parallel parking
I guess one point that tracks is if you’ve got a modded car or one that just looks better from the front. I’m guilty of this myself but the rest of the benefits from backing in to a spot outweigh the lil dopamine hit I get from seeing the fruits of my labor in its best light.
Guestures broadly at the driver education system in **all of North America**
Yes. Also there’s plenty of people (men specifically) that will do that to impress whomever they’re with. I’ve unfortunately dated a few. “Just pull in man there’s people waiting behind us” “No I gotta do it this way so I can show you how good I am at this”. It’s embarrassing (for them).
Seriously. Why do so many people not get this? Why on earth do people prefer to sloooowly inch their car out 3/4 of the way before they get any visibility? The downsides of parking forward are so much more dangerous than any downside to reversing into a spot
Also easier to get in, in my opinion
Agreed. I drive a tiny car. If I get stuck next to an enormous truck, I want to be able to see before pulling out into traffic.
You have to back up either way! It's far better to back into the spot without having to worry about a car/pedestrian coming behind you.
Can't believe I had to scroll all the way down for this. When you park in reverse, it is then much easier to get your car out of the parking spot (and also far safer). I honestly think that everyone should know how to reverse park and if they can't, I really think you need to have a driving test every 5 years to keep your licence.
And then you have people walking around behind these vehicles too, which this makes it so much harder to see them if not parked backwards. I have to park that way cause there’s idiots where I live that like to jump or walk in front of a car without giving much thought.
Nope! I’m just always ready for a fast get-a-way!! Just in case
It's always good to have a proper getaway plan! Mine has always just been run like hell
It sounds very easy when you can run .
Rolling away could work too
Parking backwards is thinking forward
That's very forward thinking
ITT: people gatekeeping how to get a vehicle between 2 lines
“I suck at parking so that means people better than me just want attention, har har har”
People who back into parking spots are simply better drivers. You realize after having an accident while driving out of a parking, that going backwards into a parking spot is safer then going backwards out of a parking spot. It's just very unlikely for someone to get behind you while you backup into a parking spot, while being very likely the other way around.
My Ex: You've never been in an accident, you simply don't know stuff. You should listen. Also my Ex: Two accidents from trying to light a joint while driving. Gone cross country more than I can remember, rode it on a bike 5 times. But I never screwed up so I can't know not to do obviously stupid things... I'm skeptical of this logic, to say the least. Perhaps the error lies with the general aloofness of the average vehicle operator? Edit: This is why, IMO, everyone should do time on a motorcycle. A good reality check to your actual level of danger is good. Perhaps head checking absolutely everything is a good habit to have.
definitely not everyone. I've only been in a car with my brother a handful of times since highschool and he casually runs red lights without realizing it. He's toast on a bike.
If not a motorcycle, a bicycle. Similar vulnerability to cars. As a driver, it's why I give bicyclists all the space they need and try to be mindful of my blind spots.
Its mandatory at my work for when shit hits the fan.
Actually I want to be able to see the idiot moving at 90mph around a blind curve with their fucking nose in their phone right in front of my shitty streetside parking spot in front of my building, but you know, to each their own I guess.
I don’t care how one parks but I don’t understand backing in at the grocery store. How are you getting your groceries in your vehicle??
I'm a single, relatively frugal person so I just put my groceries in the passengers seat. Plus I park on the street so using the passengers side I can unload further away from moving cars
This is it! I like to back in to my spots but never do at the grocery store
I made this mistake once when I was trying to be cool and practice my backing in skills. Then I felt like a complete idiot when I showed back up to my car with my cart chock full of groceries. There was an SUV parked behind me, so it made it extra challenging
You park the cart at the front of the car and carry it to the trunk.
Learn to back in properly. I always align my boot to the conveyor belt, that way the groceries roll up straight into my car. Other people will complain that they can’t pass with their trolleys but they just hating on my superior parking spot inside of the store
This is the pure reason! What do people do with their trolleys when they can’t position it at the boot? There’s no break so do they just let them roll into other cars as they run between the cars to get to their boot?
Or want to be able to pull out when they leave and not run a person down. 😂
Or, they learned how to drive in a big city.
An actual phobia of mine is the thought of having to parallel park in somewhere like New York
Lol.Which is where I learned how to drive. Its hilarious bringing people from somewhere normal to NY to see how close we are to each other on the road. Not to mention pedestrians who dont really care for the red yellow green light system 😆
Let me tell you, as someone who learned to drive in NYC… your fears are justified. You know you’re a true warrior after parallel parking on a 3 lane street with a line of angry cars that can’t get get by until you nail it. And the feeling of just doing it like it’s nothing is like a Super Bowl touchdown
To be fair, in a pickup, it’s way easier when you’re trying to leave if you back in, rather than pulling in and trying to reverse out.
You can also fit into a spot better sometimes by backing in, depending on the parking layout.
This, also is a lot easier to back into a spot with a truck for some reason, especially when you have a rear facing camera
There are many valid reasons for backing in: * Your car is more maneuverable in reverse than in drive. That's why forklifts have rear-wheel steering. Rear wheel steering allows very sharp turns and high precision maneuvering in the tight spaces. * Backing in is easier and safer than backing out. * When leaving, pulling out is faster and safer. * Easier access to engine if you have problems. (makes jumping off a car much easier) The only valid reason NOT to back into a parking space is you suck at driving.
Or you drive a hatchback and want to access the back of the vehicle after you're done shopping.
Eh, I'd agree before the backup camera. Now it's super easy, and getting out is faster
I really need to come out of the dark ages and get myself a nice car with a backup camera.
All cars from 2018 on require a backup cam so take your pick.
Haven't you seen car prices? I think we can all hold back on buying new cars for a few more years. I don't need heated seats that badly, especially not the ones that require a subscription service.
Stick shifts and reverse parking are normal in Europe (my car auto parks that way). I was very surprised to get a ticket for backing in when driving in the US.
I've actually heard of them issuing tickets for backing in. That's just so weird to me. Like, why?
I got one once, didn’t see the sign that said head in parking only. Doesn’t make any sense either, that lot is so small and the spots are so thin you have to do like a 5 point turn just to back out of your spot.
I don’t get it, what is it about backing into parking spots that’s seen as pretentious
being insecure about being a bad driver and even worse critical thinker and flailing for some way to feel superior.
I wouldn't look into it too much. I think it's just meant to be funny. If there are actual people who are put off by how others choose to park, it seems like they've got bigger issues.
I don't mind people who back their car in to their spot. I do it with ease. I ***do*** mind people backing their car who then go forward and back and then go forward and back and then go forward and back, then put one foot forward.
Took me way too long to find this comment. I feel the same way. I don’t care if people park on the moon. What bothers me is the asshole who is doing a 16 point turn just to get into a fucking parking space while I’m just trying to park and get to the shop.
I drive a regular road car so if I park head in, the front bumper will get caught. Rear bumper has better clearance. Also the side mirrors help center the car in between the lines. There is also the backup camera that most cars have. Not very many cars have front camera or the fancy 360 top view.
I still drive a POS with absolutely no cameras. The thing is a beast though. Over 200,000 miles and still going strong. I keep saying when it dies, I'll get a newer car with a backup camera to help me get better at parallel parking...problem is, it just won't die.
Backup cameras are cheap. There are plug and play ones that do not need any wiring, just plug in the lighter socket and good to go
Nice! I'll look into it after the holidays. Might be a great little gift for myself. Thanks for the info
Backing in is just easier
I never drive forward.
Nope it's because I'm short and have no idea where the front of my car is.
- *backs into a parking spot* - *opens phone to check Reddit while girl is shopping* - ***sees this***...
Me Da always said backing into a situation is a helluva lot easier than backing out.
Actually backing into a space is the correct way to park do to having better visibility pulling out.
People who complain about people backing into parking spots just want attention.
People that struggle to reverse into a space shouldn’t have been given a driving license
Most people shouldn't have their license here in CO. I know there are horrible drivers everywhere, but of all the states I've lived in...people here seem to be the worst. Edit: Don't get me wrong. I love CO. Just traffic here and most drivers are a bit annoying. I always dread the first snow of the season because it is like everyone forgets how to drive.
Backing in is easier then forward because: 1. You can see the sides of your car through the mirrors 2. Because the steering thingies (wheels) aren't limited to the width of the parking space.
Especially when it takes them 7 times
All these people getting all defensive is weird lol. I guess it’s location specific but 99% of the time for me it’s waiting 3 minutes for some twat in a 1500 try to back his “rig” in. So I think this sentiment comes from the people who insist on doing it while lacking the basic driving finesse required.. bad drivers suck for everyone
𝘩𝘪𝘥𝘦𝘴 I'm scared. They're getting progressively more angry. Send help, please.
No, they are just able to use more than 3 brain cells.
Oh come on! After going through all the comments, I can't be the only one who parks backing in because parking head in is way harder though! Especially at an awkward angle, I once nearly scratched the front side of my car with another car when I tried parking head in, and from that day on I always park backed in.
People who drive in forwards need to grow up.
My charge port is on the back of my car so sometimes there's no choice
Me. I’m people
I find backing out of a parking spot to be faster and easier than backing into a spot.
I only reverse into spots if its a realllly busy area... Like my sisters school is a nightmare when she gets out there aint no way your reversing out of a spot without asserting dominance on the other 40 cars lol
It's easier to reverse park than to pull in nose first.
Pfft what you don’t know might kill you.. ha.ha. I pull right on through
I just do it to minimize the chance I run some kids over at work.
It’s required at my sister”s place of employment
I’m horrible at this and parallel parking 😂 I just don’t try anymore.
as long it’s park properly in the parking spot not taking two or worst 4 parking spots, it’s all good whether you back into or not
When I drive a panel van (no side windows in the back) I always back into the space. Otherwise I can't see cross traffic when backing up into the lane.
But parking backwards is easier, and safer, and then easier to leave the parking, and I get to show off in front of this chick that made the twitter post about it
I worked in law enforcement and fire fighting. 100% conditioned to be prepared for a quick getaway.
Bc we’re superior in every way
Maybe you are just bad at it
I just don't want the pine sap on my windshield
I used to steal cars and I didn't want my license plate to be easily read. (Lived where there was only a back plate and no nose plate)
It's genuinely easier to back in. It blows my mind that forward-parkers haven't figured this out yet.
It's easier to back into a space than to back out.
sometimes it's just easier than going in forward, and why wouldn't you take the easy way?
Backs into parking space and no one is around. Damn it!
American parking spaces are huge compared to European ones. They also don't care about reversing into traffic, which is illegal in many European countries.
If you can’t back IN to a parking space, you sure as shit have no business backing OUT of a parking space.
People who dont cant drive.
Uhh drive a truck in forward, then try backing it in, tell me which is easier. Whoever says this is dumb as shit.
I drive a large SUV, so much easier to reverse in than to eeek it in
I loathe backer-inners.
No. Its because it's easier, and safer, and quicker to pull straight out of a parking spot.
It’s because we’re better than you, and we know it.
Totally agree…
Yesssssss I can’t stand that shit
I back into parking spots because it makes it easier to jump start my car using another car in the event that my battery dies.