Why are people so fixated on reversing into bay parking?
Discussion
jon66 said:
I know that this is an old thread...but one of the companies that I worked for a few years back made it company policy to reverse park across all of their sites.
The rationale behind this was that the risks associated with reversing out of a spot due to restricted visibility meant that there was a much increased chance of collision with a pedestrian or other vehicle when compared with pulling out forwards from a parking spot. It's also much less likely to encounter a passing car (or pedestrian) whilst reversing into a spot. The only real risk there is ensuring that it's clear before you commence the reversing maneouvre.
I gather that this policy was arrived at by the H&S team analysing the "incidents" that occurred historically and identifying the typcal cause so I assume that there must be some figures somewhere to back up the assertion that reverse parking is safer.
Backing out into a big space (the service road) that was empty before you got in the car is great until you find someone opposite had the same idea and just backed into the same 'empty' spaceThe rationale behind this was that the risks associated with reversing out of a spot due to restricted visibility meant that there was a much increased chance of collision with a pedestrian or other vehicle when compared with pulling out forwards from a parking spot. It's also much less likely to encounter a passing car (or pedestrian) whilst reversing into a spot. The only real risk there is ensuring that it's clear before you commence the reversing maneouvre.
I gather that this policy was arrived at by the H&S team analysing the "incidents" that occurred historically and identifying the typcal cause so I assume that there must be some figures somewhere to back up the assertion that reverse parking is safer.
My default choice is to reverse park, often on end spaces. I much prefer starting a journey in D rather than R. In public car parks, it's not uncommon for vehicles either side to come and go while you're parked. If someone parks something unnecessarily large such as an SUV or van next to you, when you come to exit the bay your visibility is severely compromised. If you are having to reverse out, large vehicles either side can also make turning pretty awkward, especially with a long car. Whereas reverse park when you arrive, and you eliminate these problems when you drive off.
The only times I'll park forwards are when I know I'll need access to the tailgate, but even reverse parking usually isn't a problem - independent glass hatch makes slinging shopping in a doddle.
The only times I'll park forwards are when I know I'll need access to the tailgate, but even reverse parking usually isn't a problem - independent glass hatch makes slinging shopping in a doddle.
I always reverse park as spaces more the driveway between them are usually tight to get into with a 5m long car forwards and easilly it's easier to reverse park. Not to mention I've got a rear facing camera which makes it far easier than judging the end of the bonnet. No black marks left on the wall from me either 
I also like to see where I'm going as I leave. If for some reason the car mists up whilst I'm away it's better to look forward and use wipers than guess.
I also like to see where I'm going as I leave. If for some reason the car mists up whilst I'm away it's better to look forward and use wipers than guess.
I feel quite smug, I managed to actually convert my fiancee into a proficient reverse parker. When we first met it was painful watching her trying to reverse anywhere, just looking over her shoulder between the seats staring aimlessly into space and hoping for the best.
So if even a woman (!) can learn to do it then everyone can, it's just a lack of teaching that is the main hurdle, she had no idea how to use the mirrors effectively. I spent 10 mins explaining the jist of things, and a bit of practice and she is really quite good now.
Reversing....it's the way forward.
So if even a woman (!) can learn to do it then everyone can, it's just a lack of teaching that is the main hurdle, she had no idea how to use the mirrors effectively. I spent 10 mins explaining the jist of things, and a bit of practice and she is really quite good now.
Reversing....it's the way forward.
Gary29 said:
I feel quite smug, I managed to actually convert my fiancee into a proficient reverse parker. When we first met it was painful watching her trying to reverse anywhere, just looking over her shoulder between the seats staring aimlessly into space and hoping for the best.
So if even a woman (!) can learn to do it then everyone can, it's just a lack of teaching that is the main hurdle, she had no idea how to use the mirrors effectively. I spent 10 mins explaining the jist of things, and a bit of practice and she is really quite good now.
Reversing....it's the way forward.
There could be a business in this... we swoop the major supermarkets and hand out leaflets to the nose in Parker’s. “Reversing lessons, £50”. Could literally take them to the other side of the car park & make a killing showing them how to relax and trust in your mirrors.So if even a woman (!) can learn to do it then everyone can, it's just a lack of teaching that is the main hurdle, she had no idea how to use the mirrors effectively. I spent 10 mins explaining the jist of things, and a bit of practice and she is really quite good now.
Reversing....it's the way forward.
Imagine the warm feeling inside when you get thanked by the newly trained driver.
My GF used to do the exact same thing with looking over her shoulder. I swear it’s the majority of the issue, people think they can’t see reversing and lack confidence. Some people just need to know it’s ok to trust & use the mirrors.
What did she do the other day? Reversed on to her drive and completely demolished her wall!
Me “You didn’t use your mirrors did you?”
Her “oh shut up”
uncleluck said:
There could be a business in this... we swoop the major supermarkets and hand out leaflets to the nose in Parker’s. “Reversing lessons, £50”. Could literally take them to the other side of the car park & make a killing showing them how to relax and trust in your mirrors.
Imagine the warm feeling inside when you get thanked by the newly trained driver.
Surely a supermarket carpark is the main occasion when you do want to park nose-in? Much easier to access the boot, you don't have to leave a trolley full of shopping at the front of the car while you try to squeeze down between cars with a couple of carrier bags, and you don't get the issue of someone parking so close to your rear end that you can't open your boot (estate car)Imagine the warm feeling inside when you get thanked by the newly trained driver.
jon66 said:
I know that this is an old thread...but one of the companies that I worked for a few years back made it company policy to reverse park across all of their sites.
The rationale behind this was that the risks associated with reversing out of a spot due to restricted visibility meant that there was a much increased chance of collision with a pedestrian or other vehicle when compared with pulling out forwards from a parking spot. It's also much less likely to encounter a passing car (or pedestrian) whilst reversing into a spot. The only real risk there is ensuring that it's clear before you commence the reversing maneouvre.
I gather that this policy was arrived at by the H&S team analysing the "incidents" that occurred historically and identifying the typcal cause so I assume that there must be some figures somewhere to back up the assertion that reverse parking is safer.
Reverse Parking is a favourite of people that have signed up to Zero Harm initiative. It's one of their bright ideas The rationale behind this was that the risks associated with reversing out of a spot due to restricted visibility meant that there was a much increased chance of collision with a pedestrian or other vehicle when compared with pulling out forwards from a parking spot. It's also much less likely to encounter a passing car (or pedestrian) whilst reversing into a spot. The only real risk there is ensuring that it's clear before you commence the reversing maneouvre.
I gather that this policy was arrived at by the H&S team analysing the "incidents" that occurred historically and identifying the typcal cause so I assume that there must be some figures somewhere to back up the assertion that reverse parking is safer.
jon66 said:
I know that this is an old thread...but one of the companies that I worked for a few years back made it company policy to reverse park across all of their sites.
The rationale behind this was that the risks associated with reversing out of a spot due to restricted visibility meant that there was a much increased chance of collision with a pedestrian or other vehicle when compared with pulling out forwards from a parking spot. It's also much less likely to encounter a passing car (or pedestrian) whilst reversing into a spot. The only real risk there is ensuring that it's clear before you commence the reversing maneouvre.
I gather that this policy was arrived at by the H&S team analysing the "incidents" that occurred historically and identifying the typcal cause so I assume that there must be some figures somewhere to back up the assertion that reverse parking is safer.
its policy across all our sites. partly due to H&S [some large vehicles on site moving through the parking area] and partly as its easier for security to see the parking passes when all vehicles are facing the same way. The rationale behind this was that the risks associated with reversing out of a spot due to restricted visibility meant that there was a much increased chance of collision with a pedestrian or other vehicle when compared with pulling out forwards from a parking spot. It's also much less likely to encounter a passing car (or pedestrian) whilst reversing into a spot. The only real risk there is ensuring that it's clear before you commence the reversing maneouvre.
I gather that this policy was arrived at by the H&S team analysing the "incidents" that occurred historically and identifying the typcal cause so I assume that there must be some figures somewhere to back up the assertion that reverse parking is safer.
at home [i park in a multistorey] the direction i park in depends on whether i need to get something out of the boot.
KarlMac said:
Reverse Parking is a favourite of people that have signed up to Zero Harm initiative. It's one of their bright ideas
Whilst I might agree that some H&S stuff is OTT how can you say reversing out of a space shielded by two cars/vans into traffic or pedestrians (more importantly) is safer than being sat forward at the head of the space (having prev reversed in) and having a clear view either side before pulling out? Most of these reverse parking enforcements started in site car parks because of accidents when people pull forward into spaces next to vans and reverse out into people or vehicles. I’ve worked on many sites like this and it’s a sensible procedure if you ask me.
It’s simply not safer to reverse out, pulling out of a space forward is safer.
As for the comments about struggling with your shopping. Yes, I get it’s a very long way to walk from the front of your car to the back with the shopping bags. Complain to the supermarkets so all of them have to implement the walk ways behind spaces (which is where I choose to park) to save that unnecessary, lengthy and arduous task of sometimes even making two trips from the front to the back of your car.
I have never quite understood the whole reverse in to parking spaces thing. It's far quicker to just drive straight in without causing hold ups for other drivers while you reverse in and I have never had an issue reversing out of a parking spot.
For me reversing in is slower and causes other drivers to have to wait for you. Reversing out is a far quicker than reversing in and less disruptive to other road users.
For me reversing in is slower and causes other drivers to have to wait for you. Reversing out is a far quicker than reversing in and less disruptive to other road users.
dvb70 said:
I have never quite understood the whole reverse in to parking spaces thing. It's far quicker to just drive straight in without causing hold ups for other drivers while you reverse in and I have never had an issue reversing out of a parking spot.
For me reversing in is slower and causes other drivers to have to wait for you. Reversing out is a far quicker than reversing in and less disruptive to other road users.
Odd way to look at it. If you reverse in, it is easy and quick as there is an empty space and you can see it. It's quite easy to reverse in. Forward out is a lot easier too as with two cars either side of you, reversing out means you can't see what you are reversing into until two thirds of the car is out. For me reversing in is slower and causes other drivers to have to wait for you. Reversing out is a far quicker than reversing in and less disruptive to other road users.
I too can easily reverse out and have never had a big issue but it is more difficult than driving straight out. Maybe it is because of the car I have that I very rarely park forwards in. I have a large 5 series but modern tech like reverse cameras, auto tilting side mirrors and beeping sensors all over the place mean that reversing into a spot is easier than it was on my older smaller cars with less tech and I'm not one to faff about and hold other road users up. Indicate, quick manoeuvre and I'm in.
dvb70 said:
I have never quite understood the whole reverse in to parking spaces thing. It's far quicker to just drive straight in without causing hold ups for other drivers while you reverse in and I have never had an issue reversing out of a parking spot.
For me reversing in is slower and causes other drivers to have to wait for you. Reversing out is a far quicker than reversing in and less disruptive to other road users.
It isn't quicker to drive in though, especially in a busy car park, I've seen people drive front ways in and then fart about reversing, driving back in and shuffling about to make sure that they are straight, they take an age, do it slowly as they can't see the sides and front of their car and seem to take twice as many manouveres to do so.For me reversing in is slower and causes other drivers to have to wait for you. Reversing out is a far quicker than reversing in and less disruptive to other road users.
HTP99 said:
It isn't quicker to drive in though, especially in a busy car park, I've seen people drive front ways in and then fart about reversing, driving back in and shuffling about to make sure that they are straight, they take an age, do it slowly as they can't see the sides and front of their car and seem to take twice as many manouveres to do so.
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