I once heard “to keep your tailgate from being stolen” but that seems like it’d be a rare case.

  • ikidd@lemmy.world
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    7 days ago

    There’s a reason a number of large companies that self-insure mandate backing in for all their vehicles (Schlumberger, Cargill); it’s demonstrably safer practice that results in less accidents when leaving the parking space. You can see everything when you back in that was there when you pulled up, and when you pull out, you’re right up front looking forward into the lane as you pull out. You quickly learn how to back in, even without a backup camera, if you learn how to use your mirrors.

    It is by far the statistically less accident prone method.

    • Deifyed@lemmy.ml
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      7 days ago

      This is why I do it.

      You know how the surroundings are now and you don’t know how they are going to be when you have to drive out again. Makes sense to prepare for the unknown

  • Denjin@lemmings.world
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    5 days ago

    Because it’s safer and easier to reverse into a space and drive straight out than it is to drive in and reverse out, potentially into oncoming traffic or pedestrians.

    Unless you specifically need access to your boot (trunk) always reverse in.

  • Mr_Dr_Oink@lemmy.world
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    7 days ago

    Not only makes it easier to leave when you need to, as you can see everything that you might hit or might hit you.

    But going backwards means you can more easily line up in the space as you have more control over your angle.

    Like parallel parking is essier when reversing as you dont need to correct once in the space. Just 45 degree to the kerb and straighten up and you are in. Going forward parallel parking takes loads of correction or needs a really big gap to fit in to.

  • Ronno@feddit.nl
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    6 days ago

    Much easier to park AND drive away. I see very few disadvantages really

  • Rivalarrival@lemmy.today
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    7 days ago

    It takes advantage of right-of-way to avoid collision while backing.

    I’m following you. When you decide to back in to your parking space, you have the right-of-way over the lane until you have completely left it. I have to yield to you, even if you come to a complete stop in the lane of traffic. While your vision and attention is compromised due to backing, I am responsible for avoiding you.

    When you are attempting to back out of the parking spot and into my lane, you do not have right-of-way until you are fully established in the lane. Despite your vision and attention being compromised due to backing, you are also responsible for avoiding me. I don’t have to yield to you until you are completely within the lane.

    • Spykee@lemm.ee
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      7 days ago

      I support this narrative.
      Not because it is logical, BUT BECAUSE IT IS FUCKING RIGHT!
      GET IT, CHARLOTTE?
      I DON’T HAVE EYES ON MY CAR’S TAIL-LIGHT TO SEE YOU WERE COMING TOWARDS ME.

  • Vanth@reddthat.com
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    6 days ago

    I worked at a job site prone to flooding so it was mandated to speed evacuations. I liked it and kept the habit.

    Then some misogynist asshat told me it’s a masculine thing to do and I should be careful to come across more ladylike. So added on a layer of spite and anti-bigot defenses to why I keep doing it.

  • Firipu@lemmy.world
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    5 days ago

    Reversing in is actually easier. As your car can turn tigther reversing than going front in.

    Guess it’s a non issue if you have massive parking spaces, but when space is tight every little bit helps.

      • Firipu@lemmy.world
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        5 days ago

        No, because when you drive out forward, you can start turning the front of your car faster. Hard to put into words.

        I asked AI to explain. It can do it better than me

        [r/NoStupidQuestions] Q: Is it better to back into a tight parking spot or drive in forward? Won’t you get stuck driving out?

        A: Backing into a tight spot is almost always better. Here’s why:

        More control: When backing in, your front wheels (which steer) are free to pivot, giving you tighter, more precise control. Your back wheels just follow.

        Better exit: When it’s time to leave, driving out forward gives you better visibility and a wider turning radius—no more blind reversing into traffic or trying to edge out slowly.

        Why you won’t get stuck driving out: The same space you needed to back in is more than enough to drive out. Your front wheels can turn sharper, and you can see what’s coming. Even in tight spots, driving out is usually quicker and safer than reversing.

        TL;DR: Back in now, drive out easy later. Your future self will thank you.

  • rocky1138@sh.itjust.works
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    6 days ago

    In my experience I’ve learned it seems safer to back in because then I can see better when exiting, which is a time of limited visibility, in many cases, already, and that problem is exacerbated when attempting it in reverse.

  • MattTheProgrammer@lemmy.world
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    6 days ago

    Rear visibility in my car is kind of trash so it’s safer if I back into the spot so that I can better see what’s going on when I’m leaving

  • Sockenklaus@sh.itjust.works
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    7 days ago

    Is backing into parking spots not the norm in the US? Here in Germany we back into parking spots most of the time, mostly because the spots are too narrow or short to enter forward. We also learn this in driving school and it’s pretty much an essential skill that’s expected from drivers in Germany.

    • czardestructo@lemmy.world
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      7 days ago

      Americans avoid it like the plague for some reason. I always back in because I can look at the spot for objects or problems before I start backing in to ensure I dont hit anything. Backing out blind can be risky otherwise.

    • AA5B@lemmy.world
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      6 days ago

      If I’m shopping, I want my tailgate free for loading or unloading. Similar for road trips or any time I’m carrying anything

      • Norah (pup/it/she)@lemmy.blahaj.zone
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        5 days ago

        See this is absolutely the key point here I think. Because here in Australia where it’s similarly rare, the only time I generally see people reverse in, is when there is a walkway of some sort to reverse up too, not another car.

  • SulaymanF@lemmy.world
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    7 days ago

    Much easier to pull out after, and I can leave quicker despite taking slightly longer to pull in.

  • SwingingTheLamp@midwest.social
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    6 days ago

    I have a cargo van. It’s impossible to see any traffic coming from the passenger’s side when backing up, and there’s a big blind spot even on the driver’s side. It’s a larger vehicle, and it’s much easier to maneuver into tight spaces in reverse. (It’s why we learn to parallel park in reverse. Try it in forward once, and see.) Also, backing into a parking spot can be accomplished with just a steady gaze at one of the wing mirrors. (Driver’s or passenger’s side depends on which way you’re turning.)

    That last point will also be important someday when I’m older and don’t have as much flexibility to turn and look backwards. (I was appalled once at a city transportation committee discussion about back-in parking stalls when a city alderperson said that he doesn’t look behind his car when backing out, because he can’t twist his body. If you can’t drive safely, you shouldn’t be driving!)

    • Norah (pup/it/she)@lemmy.blahaj.zone
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      5 days ago

      On your last point, there are absolutely ways around that with technology. Reversing and side cameras existed long before they were factory features as aids for disabled drivers.

  • wieson@feddit.org
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    7 days ago

    You can fit in more easily. Having the steering axle in the back relative to the direction of movement allows you to drive tighter curves (like a forklift).