I'll admit I'm a lazy **** and just can't be bothered with reverse parking unless I have to!! I realise I'll have to reverse out but I'm usually less rushed or bothered on the return trip?
We had this argument at work a while back and came to the conclusion that there are two types of person....reversers and drive in ..ers. in my very sad and no doubt incorrect opinion; reversers are by nature, neat and orderly people....the type that have a tartan blanket in the back of their car. Where as drive ins are obviously cool, devil may care and spontaneous. I was pretty much alone on this.
I always reverse park, I’m quite probably the worst driver on the forum but find reverse parking easier than going in forward.
I can reverse my T6 much better than my mini.
Also some earlier threads were complaining about trailers….. I can’t do that at all. Used to have a jet ski, absolutely hated reversing it down the jetty. Honestly it just blew my mind!!
I reverse park the majority of the time unless there’s a good reason not to.
I got in the habit of it because of driving vans, it’s much easier to reverse a van in to a space and drive out forwards.
I also much prefer driving forwards out of my drive than trying to reverse out.
Speaking of towing, if you want some belly laughs watch this: 😀
Re: supermarket car parks
Frankly, I'd rather people drove forward into any spot alongside MY car as they are much less likely to scrape along the side of the car.
And it's MUCH easier to reverse out into a big wide open space (even if, theoretically, it's less "safe") than into a space only a couple of feet longer/wider than a car.
reversers are by nature, neat and orderly people….the type that have a tartan blanket in the back of their car.
I wish.
Oh, I recognise this now. It's an "I do what I do therefore everyone else is wrong" thread, isn't it.
14 pages. Minds changed, zero.
If I reverse park at the supermarket I find it difficult to put my shopping in the boot because I’m bumper to bumper with another car.
This. Also I have to get onto my drive at an such an angle that I can only approach it one way. Reversing would be a nightmare.
I've always assumed it's because our eyes are at the front of pur head, so forward parking is thought number 1 and people rarely make it as far as thought number 2
I generally park in the manner the situation calls for.
Local supermarket? Well there are a few bays which are more than 23 paces from the door that allow me to drive in but still have perfect visibility to reverse out. Great, easy boot access then. Nearest Tesco? Reversing in because the spaces have room behind.
Honestly though, I’m still waiting for fork lift man to come back and qualify his statement. Genuinely want to know what point was being made there.
Honestly though, I’m still waiting for fork lift man to come back and qualify his statement. Genuinely want to know what point was being made there.
Me too. I drove a FLT for 10 years and it taught me to reverse park as often as possible as it was the easiest and safest option!
I don't park as close to the supermarket as I can, so pick somewhere empty so I can drive forward into the second row of spaces, meaning I can just drive forward out. Easy.
Oh, I recognise this now. It’s an “I do what I do therefore everyone else is wrong” thread, isn’t it.
Only from the reverse park only fanatics. I think most people recognise there are times when forward is best, times when reverse is best, and times when it doesn't matter. No universal right answer
Always reverse park, especially driving a van with MASSIVE blindspots. Shopping/shite can go in the side door (sliding for additional tight spot ease)
Let’s not forget though reverse park your t6 with tailgate.
Forget using the boot.
No, as just pointed out, you use the MASSIVE side. Door that slides neatly along the side of the van, not the tailgate.
It's also easier to reverse a long van in because the longer wheelbase accentuates the reverse steering effect, and van mirrors are generally brilliant.
I always reverse out of spaces as it is much easier to reverse out into a very big space than reverse into a narrow space. It takes less time and never holds anyone up.
People reversing in to spaces are bloody annoying as cars driving around the car park have to wait for them whereas I only reverse out when it is clear so never hold anyone up (I do have a very short car with very good visibility)
I would however never reverse out of my drive as I live in a narrow road and have no visibility until my front window is past the gate post by which time my car is already blocking the road.
TBH, supermarket CPs don't count, because every-ones' doing their own thing anyway, and most sensible people drive to them knowing that they'll see all sorts going on. I generally park as soon as I can just to get out of the way, sometimes that's reverse, sometimes that's nose in. No one cares, or is impressed either way. If you have to reverse in, because that's how you roll: Go you; it's nice to have life goals, right?
Normally reverse onto the drive but it makes plugging the car in more awkward now.
I don’t park as close to the supermarket as I can, so pick somewhere empty so I can drive forward into the second row of spaces, meaning I can just drive forward out. Easy.
Ah… the holy grail… the drive-thru parking space. That’s my default option when entering a supermarket car park too 😃
As someone who lives on a terraced street, reverse parking is the only option outside our house. When you pull in to do so, there is invariably an impatient red-faced man in a BMW angrily gesticulating at you from half an inch off your back bumper
I think people who don't reverse park as a default are crap drivers. Much safer where appropriate, which is often.
I'm rubbish at judging distances so I reverse in when I can - anyone can reverse through a gap an inch wider than the car using the mirrors, I certainly wouldn't be comfortable trying to do it going forwards.
My innate caution means I've normally a big enough gap at the back to get the shopping in the boot, too. 🙂
As someone who lives on a terraced street, reverse parking is the only option outside our house. When you pull in to do so, there is invariably an impatient red-faced man in a BMW angrily gesticulating at you from half an inch off your back bumper
Near-daily occurrence at my old house. It got to a point where I'd indicate, give a little otherwise-pointless shimmy towards the parking spot in the hope of showing intent, slam it into reverse the nanosecond I was stopped, and half the time someone would still crawl up my arse. What else do I have to do? Sometimes they'd reverse, sometimes it was easier just to drive round the block and try again.
anyone can reverse through a gap an inch wider than the car using the mirrors, I certainly wouldn’t be comfortable trying to do it going forwards.
It's that front / rear steering thing again. To get into the same space forwards you'd have to have your nose half a metre up onto the pavement.
Surely no one should be travelling fast enough in a carpark for reversing out of a space to actually be dangerous?
What people should do and what they actually do are two very different things. How many folk do you honestly think drive at the posted limit in a car park?
Yeah, but you’re doing exactly the same, just in the opposite direction and a metre less of it.
Dunno what you're driving but the visibility out the back of both my cars is terrible in comparison to the front. As said before, if reversing into a space or driveway you get the opportunity on the pass to check it is clear and can then see if the pavement or walkway is clear either side before the manouver. When exiting you have far better peripheral vision and less exposure before you can see up and down the lane (assuming you have been parked next to two vans).
From my experiences in supermarket car parks, guaranteed someone will enter your path from the side you're not looking on when reversing and probably not even notice you have your reverse lights on, are moving, or braked in time to prevent running them over. The layout has a lot to blame for this, why not have central reservations for walking on all the way up?
Frankly, I’d rather people drove forward into any spot alongside MY car as they are much less likely to scrape along the side of the car.
You've never been to Morrisons in Largs then. Mind you none of the fannys in this town understand parallel parking and insist on taking ten minutes shimmying back and forth having gone in nose first. Reversing is easier.
(I do have a very short car with very good visibility)
This should be good. Is it a soft top Smart Car? Because that's about the only car I can think of that would have better all round visibility going backwards than forwards (if you have the neck of an owl)
What’s with all the supermarket shopping references? You do realise that supermarkets deliver to your house now? Life it too short to spend time shopping in a supermarket.
I am also a briefcase w&nker reverse parker. Mainly because I like to imagine I am some sort of heroic movie spy who always needs to leave in a hurry. It’s like imagining I’m a pilot taking off when accelerating along a motorway slip. These small victories help to pimp an otherwise monotonous life.
No one cares, or is impressed either way. If you have to reverse in, because that’s how you roll: Go you; it’s nice to have life goals, right?
It's not done for personal satisfaction. It's done because it's measurably more efficient, is easier, and causes less conflict and less accidents. Hence the highway code recommends it.
There's no debate there. We know that to be the case. The question is why would you do something that is less efficient, more difficult, increases conflict and causes more accidents?
The fact that it happens won't be surprising to anyone, we could all pick out equally nonsensical examples from all aspects of life - it's human nature. But questioning the Why's is how we progress as a civilisation.
Hence the highway code recommends it.
Pretty sure the HC only mentions it for pulling out onto main roads though. There wasn't a supermarket car park section last time I looked (admitedly many years ago).
The question is why would you do something that is less efficient, more difficult
Because sometimes it's more convenient. That's the trouble with you prescriptivists, you're actually suffering from cognitive dissonance.
A Venn diagram of those also complaining about the evolution of language would be interesting.
I haven't read the whole thread so sorry if this has already been mentioned but, two thoughts.
1. Reversing in to a narrow space is easier as your mirrors show you exactly how much space you have either side, much better gap visibility. Combined with reverse camera / sensors to show you how much space you have at the rear and you are diamond.
2. If it is deemed safer by most H&S conscious workplaces, are they mistaken?
It’s done because it’s measurably more efficient, is easier, and causes less conflict and less accidents.
Measurably more efficient eh, like to see your workings.
- For me it is easier to reverse out as the area is larger
- It causes less conflict as I am not wasting other peoples time holding them up while I reverse in
- Less accidents, where is your data on accident rates for the 2 scenarios?
I always reverse in. Never really grasped the talent of slotting the car in forwards without worrying about ripping the wings off the cars either side.
To answer the op I don't reverse park at the super market because I want to be able to put my shopping in the boot from the trolley.
It’s done because it’s measurably more efficient
Not so, I nose in to my the short drive way at my house, because the street has many cars that both drive down it and park along it, making a reverse park a faff-on of many pointed turns to maneuvere around the cars, while a nose in is fast and simple and a reverse out is both easy and points me in the direction that nine times out of ten; I want to go in.
I am also a briefcase w&nker reverse parker
My second take-home from this thread! Marvellous 🤣
I am also a briefcase w&nker reverse parker
My second take-home from this thread! Marvellous
*Credit to Kayak23 for the briefcase reference.
pulling through a double-length space in such a way that you pull out forwards is the natural way to me
Known as a 'girlie park' in our household. Usually said to me by Mrs S as I do it to take the mickey.
Pretty sure the HC only mentions it for pulling out onto main roads though. There wasn’t a supermarket car park section last time I looked (admitedly many years ago).
Rule 201 (referenced above) mentions reversing into the drive and driving off. Supermarkets' parking is covered by dint of being a public space where RTA applies
Whilst I realise there's no way anyone's mind us changing on this topic,...
– For me it is easier to reverse out as the area is larger
But it's much safer to reverse into the slot where you don't have traffic driving past and padestrians wandering about, generally not paying attention. Drive out forwards, its all visible in cinemascope.
– It causes less conflict as I am not wasting other peoples time holding them up while I reverse in
Reverse parkers are generally parked in one reverse. Forward parkers, especially in big cars usually take a couple of forward/reverse shuffles to get it lined up right.
I'm putting the kettle on, anyone want a brew?
Probably have some biscuits around here too.. 🙂
Because sometimes it’s more convenient.
It's more convenient in the same way that not brushing your teeth is more convenient.
Measurably more efficient eh, like to see your workings.
Almost every authority on the subject recommends that you reverse into a space for all the reasons that have already been highlighted in this thread. Workplaces insist on it because it's official government health and safety advice. It's official H&S advice
because reversing into the flow of traffic increases conflict and the number of accidents.
Workplaces insist on it
Apart from the ones that don't because of space considerations or the ones that have CP designed to be nosed into, because of the way they've designed the traffic flow. Sometimes you need the maneuverability that a reverse out gives you more than you need it as you nose in
because reversing into the flow of traffic increases conflict and the number of accidents.
If I attempted to reverse park into my drive way, I'd likely cause traffic to stop as I'd have to do a many-point turn to manage it. In this case, to not hold up traffic it's better to nose in. Reverse parking is often more convenient, but sometimes it's not. If you choose to be proscriptive about it, you're not a good a driver as you think.
Apart from the ones that don’t because of space considerations or the ones that have CP designed to be nosed into, because of the way they’ve designed the traffic flow. Sometimes you need the maneuverability that a reverse out gives you more than you need it as you nose in
You're creating edge cases for the sake of argument.
H&S does also advise to design carparks in ways that encourage reverse parking, which makes your cases contradictory to it.
Just to add as I don't think it's been mentioned (in 3 pages lol) for the current driving test you are only required to forward park in a car park space, so that is all that is taught. I think it's seen as harder to reverse into a narrow gap than into an open space.
Personally I like to reverse in, I prefer being able to leave easily and quickly, you need less space to drive out forward so less likely to be blocked in by others parking after you arrive.
I taught my daughter reverse park but when we eventually found an instructor she had to then learn to forward park, which by this point she found more difficult.
It’s more convenient in the same way that not brushing your teeth is more convenient.
You prescriptivists are also appalling at analogies.
You’re creating edge cases for the sake of argument.
Isn't edge cases why you need to not be proscriptive about how you choose to park? Good driving is all about the edge case isn't it?. For example, I often visited an office (Warwickshire CCG) that had pressed a courtyard into use as a CP, you couldn't reverse into the spaces, as there wasn't sufficient room, and it was better to have the 'wheels and the back' maneuverability to get out.
You prescriptivists are also appalling at analogies.
Interestingly, no-one is being prescriptive, but it's nice that you've found a shiny new label to bandy about this Christmas. 🙂
Interestingly, no-one is being prescriptive, but it’s nice that you’ve found a shiny new label to bandy about this Christmas. 🙂
You must be reading a different thread.
In tighter spaces I try to park so my driver side is on the same side as the driver next to me. Purely , as IME , the driver is less likely to whack the door than their passenger.
You must be reading a different thread.
I'm reading a thread where a bunch of people do an action in different ways which, as adults, is perfectly acceptable to do and no-one need fall out or draw up team lists or anything. You?
I’m reading a thread where a bunch of people do an action in different ways which, as adults, is perfectly acceptable to do
I guess you skipped over this sort of crap then?
There’s no debate there. We know that to be the case. The question is why would you do something that is less efficient, more difficult, increases conflict and causes more accidents?
Oh jesus, why do I bother? The post you quoted ends thus:
The fact that it happens won’t be surprising to anyone, we could all pick out equally nonsensical examples from all aspects of life – it’s human nature. But questioning the Why’s is how we progress as a civilisation.
But you just hang your hat on the bit you disagree with, if you think it looks comfy there. Me, I can accept that people have different approaches to the same task, I suspect the person you quoted can, too.
The thou shalt reverse park folks are amusing and probably the same sort of idiots who blanket enforce reverse parking at some sites I go to.
Me- park van nose first.
Site moron- you have to reverse park
Me- I need to unload bulky tools and can't get past the other cars.
Site- ok, unload turn the van round and reverse in
Me- but I'll have to turn the van around again when I load back up.
Site- it's safer to reverse park so its a rule here.
Me- you're a moron.
Yes it's easier and better to reverse park but if you can't access the load space, what's the point?
Highway code
https://www.highwaycodeuk.co.uk/using-the-road-reversing.html
201
Do not reverse from a side road into a main road. When using a driveway, reverse in and drive out if you can.
I've always taken it to apply to drives, parking bays etc. too. It's a rule because it's by far the safest. Drive past the side road or driveway and stop - traffic in the busy road can see you, you can see it and you've been able to check the side road/driveway is clear for you to then reverse in. Driving out forward obviously also safe.
I’ve always taken it to apply to drives, parking bays etc. too. It’s a rule because it’s by far the safest. Drive past the side road or driveway and stop – traffic in the busy road can see you, you can see it and you’ve been able to check the side road/driveway is clear for you to then reverse in. Driving out forward obviously also safe.
Safer to move the vehicle twice to unload/load it?
Some sites have no reverse parking, I assume due to exhaust fumes entering the building, probably less of an issue now.
One of the sites with enforcement of reverse parking also disciplined an employee for putting a fire out as he didn't have a fire extinguisher ticket... Possibly saved lives, got disciplined. ****ers
I don't care how people park as long as it's in the space, stupid inflexibility bugs the shit out of me.
Me, I can accept that people have different approaches to the same task, I suspect the person you quoted can, too.
Possibly, although they seem pretty firmly set when it comes to reversing into a space don't they even making up BS about higher accident rates.
I don't understand why people eat cucumber but I'm not being prescriptivist by saying I don't like the flavour and I'm not going to unfriend people who eat the bloody things either.
I’m putting the kettle on, anyone want a brew?
Make sure you walk in reverse when approaching the kettle to demonstrate your skill as a tea maker
even making up BS about higher accident rates.
Proof please.
Also, what's this wonderful car you drive? Or are you just fishing?
I have lived and worked in a country where everyone reverse parks everywhere, all the time, simply because it is the only way they have been taught to park by their driving instructors.
As kerley has astutely pointed out, colossal jams form in any supermarket or multi-storey carpark, since traffic is constantly stopping to allow people to (slowly...) park. Frankly, I find such behaviour inconsiderate and antisocial. It would be vastly preferable for everyone to quickly park forwards, then wait for a gap in the traffic to safely reverse out of their spaces.
Of course there are occasions where visibility issues mean that it is indeed safer to reverse park. I would hope that most drivers have sufficient intelligence and judgement to detect these instances and park accordingly.
The only place where I have seen enforced reverse parking was at the Institut Laue-Langevin in Grenoble. This allows rapid evacuation in the event of an accident at the nuclear reactor, which I imagine is unlikely to be a concern in most UK corporate car-parks.
I had no idea this topic would arouse such strong passions! 😀
then wait for a gap in the traffic to safely reverse out of their spaces
Hard to be sure there is a proper gap though when sitting in your car facing the wrong way and flanked by other cars some of which may be taller. A small kid could be walking down the row of cars to your rear and you'd never see them.
Of course, if you have a marshall to direct you out it's a different matter.
Of course, if you have a marshall to direct you out it’s a different matter.
Doesn't your butler stand out back with the safety flag ?
That is the problem, you can't see along pavements clearly if reversing out. My wife and I walk our kids to school and it is far too common to see a near miss as someone attempts to reverse off their drive.
I’m reading a thread where a bunch of people do an action in different ways which, as adults, is perfectly acceptable to do and no-one need fall out or draw up team lists or anything. You?
I'm reading a thread where a bunch of prescriptivists are busy telling everyone else that they're doing it wrong. Obviously, they will ignore anything that conflicts with their belief.
Shall we check if your cap is the correct size?
far too common to see a near miss as someone attempts to reverse off their drive.
TBH the problem with these folks isn't the direction their car is facing.
Doesn’t your butler stand out back with the safety flag ?
I had to lay mine off, because I hardly ever shop at the big supermarket now, and they threw a hissy fit when I suggested cleaning the car might be an option… 😉
I’m reading a thread where a bunch of prescriptivists are busy telling everyone else that they’re doing it wrong. Obviously, they will ignore anything that conflicts with their belief.
Shall we check if your cap is the correct size?
How ironic to be accused of having an entrenched opinion by someone who's view on people having differing opinions is... Utterly entrenched. 🙂
Some sites have no reverse parking, I assume due to exhaust fumes entering the building, probably less of an issue now.
Yup. My office has this rule because of the fresh air intakes
How ironic to be accused of having an entrenched opinion by someone who’s view on people having differing opinions is… Utterly entrenched. 🙂
You're about as good at recognising irony as Alanis Morissette.
Reverse parking is far easier with clearer views of the four corners of the car as you back into the space.
Reverse parking is far easier with clearer views of the four corners of the car as you back into the space.
Your facts are no match for my x-ray glass on my car.
Re: higher near misses and accidents through forward parking. National Grid enforced this on their sites from about 2003 or so. As employees we were presented with internal statistics that supported reverse parking as safer. Obviously I don’t have the data to hand 18 years and 4 employers later.
far too common to see a near miss as someone attempts to reverse off their drive.
TBH the problem with these folks isn’t the direction their car is facing.
People are stupid. All of us. We're emotionally driven creatures with some grasp of rationality. Our vehicles and infrastructure need to be designed for this because no amount of finger pointing will change it (as much as we try).
The fact is, the direction of the car can make a difference to the overall outcome, especially when thinking of these things at scale where small probabilities become big numbers.
Lol. I'll park in a space however I see fit at the time, not because some preacher on here tells me I'm supposed to reverse.
Construction sites, offices etc, of course I'll reverse as them's the rules
I often park on my drive forwards, as the drivers door then opens onto the path, rather than into a bush. At the supermarket I'll forward park to pack shopping - espacially in the Disco, as it has a massive electric tailgate. It's also got god knows how many cameras, so you can look at the surroundings from any angle.
Anyone that would like to suggest that I can't reverse, is welcome to come and try with my 8.5mtr caravan, or if they want a real challenge, the little Ifor trailer that you can barely see
Anyone that would like to suggest that I can’t reverse, is welcome to come and try with my 8.5mtr caravan, or if they want a real challenge, the little Ifor trailer that you can barely see
What about if I fully believe you can reverse, but I just fancy having a go at reversing a large caravan…?
What about if I fully believe you can reverse, but I just fancy having a go at reversing a large caravan…?
Come and have a go lol
Reversing is in many wasy easier in a tight space. Thus use it to get out. Shopping goes straight from trolley to boot. Stuff bags. Other places its depends on the car park. Reversing in isn't always the best idea.
Reversing in isn’t always the best idea.
Burn the non believer 😈
If you forward park, and reverse off your driveway in contravention of the highway code rule 201, and are involved in a little accident, since you're not following the highway code and you're reversing your going to have a tougher time with the insurers/other party convincing them you weren't at fault. You could refer them to your stw driving God status though, that's sure to help.
Meh, it’s all down to bad car park design, you should be able to drive in and out.
My favourite is the underground one here with gouges in the wall, I’ve never seen anything so madly designed, a very tight 90 turn required.
Surprised how polarising this subject is!
I've always reverse parked when I could just seems safer as I can see better, never had the issue of getting in the boot either but then I only ever have a small shop so only a few bags and don't have kids so no baby seats to deal with. I also only have small cars so can easily reverse into a regular bay and leave a few feet clear behind without the front being outside the bay.
Hard to be sure there is a proper gap though when sitting in your car facing the wrong way and flanked by other cars some of which may be taller. A small kid could be walking down the row of cars to your rear and you’d never see them.
I've had my trolley hit a few times with people not checking it's clear and just reversing out of bays at the supermarket. Only had it once where they hit me, the slap I gave the rear window scared the crap out of the driver. Seen plenty of close calls with kids running around the car parks too, but that's the fault of the driver reversing and the parent not controlling their kids.
but that’s the fault of the parent not controlling their kids.
FTFY
The adults themseves are just as bad, even without kids - wandering aimlessly around as if there aren't 2 tonne moving vehicles anywhere in the near vicinity
