Here’s Why Parking in Reverse is a Good Idea

Do you like to park facing the wall? Or in reverse? If you said yes to the latter, then your odds of staying safe increases exponentially.

Yes, we have to admit: reverse parking has its challenges. You might have to swallow that uneasy feeling of people impatiently staring at you while you maneuver your car to the right spot and park in reverse.

There's also a high probability that you'd create a bit of traffic while doing it, which can increase those "death stares" and irritation from other drivers (and passersby) as well.

Reverse Parking is Better

Whatever the case, we still think that parking in reverse is a good idea--if you can turn a blind eye and toughen your skin a bit. Here are our reasons why:

You can easily see what’s ahead of you.

When you park facing the wall, you back your car out without seeing oncoming traffic or pedestrians passing near by. This increases your chances of hitting a car--or a person.

The most common victims of these accidents are kids and elderly people, with children taking the bulk of the most number of deaths.

Detection cameras/sensors aren't 100% foolproof.

Technology has gone a long way when it comes to safety. Rear detection cameras or sensors, which are readily available these days, is one technology that is extremely valuable when you back up your vehicle.

Still, that's not to say it’s reliable 24/7. According to Automobile Club of Southern California’s Automotive Research Center (AAA), these gadgets have limitations, especially when an automobile is parked between larger vehicles like minivans, pickups, or SUVs.

Their studies reveal the following:

• The system wasn't able to detect a passing motorcycle in 48% of the test
• It failed in detecting a passing bicycle 40% of the time
• The technology wasn't able to detect passing vehicles 30% of the time
• It also failed to detect walking pedestrians 60% of the time (for those with pedestrian-detection features)

It's easier to get out--literally.

Sure, it takes a while to park in reverse, but think of the benefits here--it's definitely much easier to get out and exit a mall.

There are times, however, when it's better to park facing the wall. For instance doing groceries requires you to have better access to the trunk, since you might have a cart with you when you go out. And how can you possibly unload them if your vehicle's trunk is wedged between two cars and a wall?

Of course, that's just the exception to the rule. In most cases, it's still best to do reverse parking. Not only will it make it safer for you and others around you, it will also make things easier for you to maneuver your car out of a parking space.