Is it bad to back into a parking spot?

AAA advises drivers to back into parking spots or pull-through, and not fully rely on rear-view or traffic alert technology in vehicles which have their limitations. AAA warns that reversing out a space is a risky behavior as you are putting pedestrians at risk.



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Because backing out of a perpendicular parking space can be problematic, a better option may be to back into it. Besides making it easier to leave the space later on, it gives vehicle occupants the chance to get access to anything in the trunk without the danger of being hit by a passing vehicle.

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There is an unwritten rule in Japan that drivers always reverse into parking spaces and then drive forward when leaving the space. This is because parking spaces are tight and it is easier and safer when leaving a space for a driver to be able to see oncoming traffic.

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Backing up requires drivers to turn their heads and bodies to the right to see beyond the headrest and through the back window. To improve balance, drivers should drape their right arm over the seat's back while their left hand grips the steering wheel. Reverse slowly.

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Ideally, parking lots should be rectangular with parking on both sides of access aisles. For two-way traffic flow, parking spaces perpendicular (90 degrees) to the aisles provide the most efficient design. The efficiency decreases as the parking angle decreases.

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Never back a vehicle when the rear windows or any mirrors are covered with frost, snow, or any other substances that keep you from visually clearing the path the vehicle will take while backing. Check the path repeatedly.

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To reduce backing risk, drivers should park in an area where fewer vehicles and fewer pedestrians are located. Drivers should also avoid backing into traffic or around blind corners, as these tasks often increase the chance of an accident.

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