Do people park backwards in parking spaces where you live?

[Ed_Flecko]

There's always some new "trend", but this one seems really asinine to me. Maybe it's "a California thing".

I work where we have parking garages, and I park in one at my office. I'll bet I'm not exaggerating when I say 25% of the people in the parking garage will back into the parking spaces. Not drive IN, like a normal intelligent person would, they BACK into the space.

Why?

I even see some pinheads drive in the parking lot the, posted, wrong way, and THEN back into the parking spaces. When this one dipstick I know of leaves work, the only way he CAN leave the parking lot is to drive AGAINST the traffic, even though there are markings on the concrete.

Do people do this where you live or are we "unique" in California (don't answer that)?



Ed

 

[2002 Maxima SE]

Yes. Much higher than 25%. My guess is that large vehicles beyond user skill and backup cameras are the reason.

 

[RooflessVW]

Backing in is easier and safer.

 

[dbias]

People who can actually drive are not afraid to back into a parking spot as it is safer than backing out of a parking spot.

 

[jadmt]

in the LE community it is the only way. much easier backing in and safer leaving a parking spot. I guess we all look at things differently but when I see someone back into a spot I think to myself, there's someone who knows who knows how to park

 

[JunkdrawerDog]

The only ones I see doing it are the people who like to take 20 minutes trying to park their car.

 

[burbguy82]

Backing in is easier and safer.

not easier, or safer....but safer leaving the space for sure...agreed.

Some commercial and governmental entities require backing in, just for the safety aspect or egress from the space.

 

[wwillson]

If I parked my car in a company parking lot and didn't back in, I would get written up. If I drove a company vehicle and parked anywhere in a non-pull through spot or pulled into a spot, I would get written up. Why? Because it is proven that you are 90 some percent less likely get into a accident pulling out than backing out. I still back in almost everywhere.

 

[bullwinkle]

When you drive an extended cargo van, with no side nor rear windows, and a small or non-existent backup camera-you risk hitting someone when you back out. Especially when the other driver comes around a corner like their hair’s on fire! Wait until nothing is coming, hit the 4-ways, throw it in reverse from an angle. Nothing to it!

 

[RooflessVW]

not easier, or safer....but safer leaving the space for sure...agreed.

Some commercial and governmental entities require backing in, just for the safety aspect or egress from the space.

Easier to maneuver, like a forklift. No need to make a wide turn into the space.

Safer egress.

 

[97K15004WD]

It is safer IMO. You can immediately determine if someone or something is in the space BEFORE you back in. A lot of folks forget to look behind themselves BEFORE backing up - hence the fed requirement for back up cameras.

AND much faster and easier to get out of if needed.

 

[RDY4WAR]

I always back in to park as it makes it easier to leave and is much safer overall. Roughly 290 people are killed every year in back over accidents. Willingly backing out of a parking space, can't see anything until the back of your car is halfway out in the lane, is what's asinine to me.

 

[Ursatdx]

I always back in.
Boat, too.

 

[65stang]

Backing in is easier and safer.

It is safer IMO. You can immediately determine if someone or something is in the space BEFORE you back in. A lot of folks forget to look behind themselves BEFORE backing up - hence the fed requirement for back up cameras.

AND much faster and easier to get out of if needed.

I asked this same question while in the Navy and was told the fire safety people thought it would be best to have all the gas tanks lined up together and near the driving lane so they could be reached. You don't have to like it. Even with that taken into consideration, it doesn't make sense to me.

 

[hemitom]

I back into most parking spaces now because of idiots !
around here they treat parking lots and garages like race tracks .
Park between two trucks and try and back out I creep out slowly and they fly by laying on the horn most intelligent drivers see you backing out and will stop to let you proceed unfortunately not around here .

 

[TooManyWheels]

Part of it is because of the pinheads who travel the garage ramps at 30 mph, making it foolish for anyone to back out of a space. Edit - same comment as person above.

Same thing applies in open parking in reference to kids (and adult lot police) on scooters (who think they have a universal right-of-way).

 

[Allaned]

Many do and I've done it myself. Car with a good back up camera makes it easy

 

[wavinwayne]

I see this at work but almost nowhere else. There is a little shopping area near my office with some parking spots designed to be backed into. I guess that's supposed to make it feel special.

 

[The_Jeff]

I do it at work and nearly everywhere, as future-me will appreciate being able to just get in and go.

Previous posters have covered the ability to verify a space is clear of people/ obstacles then claim it by backing in. You can't verify the lane is clear and have confidence it's still clear by the time you're in the driver's seat, buckled up, engine started, reversing.

 

[Huskyguy68]

Not in Cali, but here in Canada i do sometimes.
Like maybe a walmart or busy supermarket stall. Not always.

Maybe in my own driveway, or a fast food parking lot.
I have an older 2006 Suv, no back up camera. Plus i have some eye issues.
So im just trying to be safe, not back over pedestrians or bump into other vehicles.
Im a very good driver, safe, no accidents ( caused by me in over 36 years.)

I dont see why even bother to complain here .
Whatever works and is safe.