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Why do you back in when parking?

Bullet

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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. :LOL:

Just a question I was pondering. ?
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LaBalbe

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I often back in. In snow country, you have more power available to you when you go forward than in reverse, so if you're parked and a snowstorm hits, or the snowplows come along and create a snow mound in front of you, you'll have a much easier time getting out if you're already facing your exit route.

There's also your BIL's POV re: making a faster exit; a holdover from my military days.

Lastly, at home I have to park outside, and I'd rather have the tailgate facing the house/garage so that it's a shorter, more direct trip to load/unload stuff, rather than having to weave my way around the truck and any other vehicles.

When I used to live in an apartment with underground parking, there I would park facing forward, for largely the same reason; easier to access the trunk if it's not up against a wall. If I'm going to a store and know that I'll be putting a bunch of stuff in the bed, then I'll go in nose-first, for easier tailgate access.
 

CTYankee

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I usually back in because, on arrival, I'm already out in the travel lane where people can see that I'm backing in. On departure, pulling out I have better visibility and don't have to worry about someone who can see I'm backing out and just pretends not to notice, whether they are on foot or in a vehicle..
 

AzScorpion

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I always back into a spot mostly because my field of view is better to see anyone coming through the parking lot. I've avoided many accidents this way because most don't pay attention and just fly right through the parking lots. If you're backing up you have to many blind spots and I've had people cut right in behind me almost taking out my bumper.

Plus I always park far away in the rear of the lot but that never stops someone from still parking next to me. :angry:?‍♂

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Big Blue

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With the way peoplr drive fast in parking lots. I think it is more about visibility when leaving. You can see cross traffic better when going forward than backing out. Especially when parked next to some monster Suberban. I personally look for "drive through" spots in parking lots when I can. Drive in drive out.
 

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It’s easier and safer to pull forward from a parking space almost 100% of the time, especially when some knucklehead parks too close beside you, or behind you. As others said, you can see cross traffic so much easier as well. Back up cameras make it so easy to back in, why not?
 

IdahoRanger

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I almost always back in. Was not allowed to back up when working for Brown. Rule was to always go forward from a stop because you couldn't see behind the truck. Had to always leave room to go forward but not enough for someone to block you in.

Easier to avoid an accident when pulling out forward than backward. This discipline has stayed with me. If I can pull through a spot to face forward in an adjoining spot I will do that to avoid backing in.
 

Dgc333

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I usually back in because, on arrival, I'm already out in the travel lane where people can see that I'm backing in. On departure, pulling out I have better visibility and don't have to worry about someone who can see I'm backing out and just pretends not to notice, whether they are on foot or in a vehicle..
Same here ?
 

rang19ca

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With the way peoplr drive fast in parking lots. I think it is more about visibility when leaving. You can see cross traffic better when going forward than backing out. Especially when parked next to some monster Suberban. I personally look for "drive through" spots in parking lots when I can. Drive in drive out.
This is how I feel also. Plus with the reverse camera, you can tell how far back you are.
 

subquark

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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. :LOL:

Just a question I was pondering.?
Bubble wrap?!? =/

Nah, I got your back with this inflatable protector. Trust me ... =p

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subquark

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I never back in. I guess because it's easier to back out since, presumably, you have more room.
I rarely back in and hope I never back over a pedestrian.

This give me peace of mind but it doesn’t mean the idiots are listening.

Back that Soupie @$$ up! =D

 

HenryMac

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Safety.... "The American Automobile Association (AAA) recommends all drivers back into parking spaces whenever possible."

Why they don't teach this in driver's education anymore is a mystery.
 

JohnnyO

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My work is in a strip plaza and I usually park next to my secretary. She pulls in forward and I back in next to the passenger side of her car so I can open my door wider. My new knee isn't always happy about bending a lot.
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