Why do you back in when parking?

[wildsage]

1. When aisles and spaces are narrow, parking and pulling out is easier.
2. Better backup visibility using mirrors and backup camera.
3. When up against a parking block or curb, truck is further into the space.
4. Better pull out visibility.

Backing in is better turning radius IMO, Turning wheels in the back. That's why folk lifts have the turning wheels in the back.

Yes, easier to finish parked straight between the lines (without making a wide-radius arc on approach) if you are steering with the trailing wheels.
In Japan, everyone backs into spaces as a habit. I've been in p-lots in the US where signage makes that request.

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[gtyates]

Easy. First, it is quicker to leave the parking space if you are backed in. Second, the younger generation seems to think parking lots are racetracks and I got tired of beginning to back out of a space only to have them almost broadside me, especially if parked next to a full sized suv that I can't see around.

 

[JaysOnTheEDGE]

I back in or pull thru with my work van a transit connect with no side glass it has blind spots makes it really hard to see.

 

[OrangeStreak]

When I was a wee lad, a new 2LT at my cavalry squadron, my troop commander had his officers always back in. The idea was to enforce the mentality that you did the hard part standing down so that you were ready to go heading out.

It was a clever lesson about a small thing that reinforced bigger points: you refueled your tanks, APCs, trucks, etc. when you returned to the motor pool, not before you needed to leave. You cleaned your weapons when you returned, not the next day. You conducted your initial maintenance then, as well. Most units I knew did quick checks and cleaning upon return. Our Troop didn't so we were always the last to be done upon return to the Kaserne, but was always the first to be ready when an alert was called. An important thing to be in Cold War Germany.

Anyway, it's a lesson still very much ingrained in me to this day. So much so that I try to back in more often than not. But when I don't and pull in, the little cavalryman still in residence (in my head) makes me justify why!

Your thoughts are a good reminder that ties into the importance of priorities...
Stephen R. Covey in his bestseller The 7 Habits of Highly Effective People put it this way… “I am personally persuaded that the essence of the best thinking in the area of time management can be captured in a single phrase: Organize and execute around priorities.” He also wrote…The one factor that seemed to transcend all the rest … [was] putting first things first” (1990, pp. 148-149).

 

[gfitzge2]

Very interesting replies. Strange that I don’t see the most common reason. Maybe it’s a Southeast Alabama thing. Backing in so significant other can’t easily spot your tag.
Of course, this does not apply to me. I have enough trouble pulling into parking space. Not about to back in.?

One of my favorite comics, probably because I can relate to it often. This one seems appropriate here.

 

[rapid21]

The taillights cost more than the engine if I'm hit.

 

[Tracy Bowman]

One of my favorite comics, probably because I can relate to it often. This one seems appropriate here.

Yeah, I won’t even talk about parallel parking.?
Note: I don’t know what happened. I used to park so good. ?

 

[AzScorpion]

Yeah, I won’t even talk about parallel parking.?


Note: I don’t know what happened. I used to park so good. ?

 

[Buckbull]

I normally park way out in the parking lot so backend or forward isn't that big of a deal. I like to walk and gives me a reason too, plus I don't trust people. My truck is 16 months old and I have 2 door dings already. Frustrating.

 

[ppfd]

Because thats what men do

Actually 30 some years of driving fire trucks and ambulances, just something Im used to.

 

[Fordup]

Yeah, I won’t even talk about parallel parking.?
Note: I don’t know what happened. I used to park so good. ?

They added cameras .

 

[OrangeStreak]

I normally park way out in the parking lot so backend or forward isn't that big of a deal. I like to walk and gives me a reason too, plus I don't trust people. My truck is 16 months old and I have 2 door dings already. Frustrating.

I do the same...always try to park on the outside perimeters of a lot (if it is safe) to get some extra exercise by walking.

 

[OrangeStreak]

I've been told but can't find a source to confirm it that a good reason for backing in against a curb (which I should practice anyway) is that it can help deter a thief from stealing your cat? A good experiment would be to back up a Ranger against a curb and check if the clearance has diminished from the ground to the cat.

 

[Bob902]

Because. Bond. James Bond.

 

[duckmansheba]

Other than needing to make a quick get-away. Why would you back in when parking?

My brother-in-law is in law enforcement and he always backs in. Presumably to get out faster, if needed.

I used to back in all-of-the-time. Then I realized; If I back in, this leaves the front exposed (hate it when that happens) and if I get hit, they're most likely going to mangle the front of my Ranger, which, I believe, is more costly to repair.

Don't get me wrong - I still park far away and/or next to a median in the parking lot (to at least save one side from door dings). I'd bubble wrap my Blue Bullet if that was feasible.

Just a question I was pondering.?

You back in if you're OCD. I once worked with an engineer who always backed into his parking space. One day I finally asked him why he spent so much time backing in and he told me that all OCD people back into their parking spaces. Evidently its a thing

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