Backing into a parking space is often a better choice

A number of readers contacted me after I told a story about a man walking behind me when I was preparing to back out of a parking stall. These readers all advised me that I should back into parking stalls rather than driving forward into them. The benefits of doing this outweigh the convenience of entering the stall nose first in all cases but one.

Backing in makes sense

I don't care for backing up when I don't have to but if you sit and think about the suggestion, it starts to make a lot of sense! When you are backing into a parking stall there isn't any traffic in it already. You only have to pay attention to stationary objects behind and on either side. When you are backing out, not only do you have to pay attention to traffic coming from both sides behind you, you have to make sure the front of your vehicle doesn't rub those stationary objects on either side as well. This divides your attention and is more likely to result in a problem.

Signal your intentions

Signal lights? In a parking lot? Defensive drivers signal, even when the law does not require them to do it. Is there a better way to tell other drivers what you intend to do? The blinking signal light will also attract the attention of pedestrians.

Yes, there will be inconsiderate drivers who follow you into the parking lot and won't want to give you the room to back into your chosen stall. However, you are stopped and so are they. Wait politely with your signal on and hopefully they will figure it out and go around you. Problem solved.

Do your backup lights work?

While we are discussing signals, backup lights do more than help you see where you are going at night. They tell everyone behind you of the change in the direction of your vehicle's travel.

Access to the trunk

The only question I had was what do I do when I want to put items in the trunk of my car and there isn't enough room between me and whatever I have backed up to? It turns out that this is simple to solve too. Simply drive forward a couple of feet and there you go, lot's of room to load a trunk. If you are judicious, you will not be far enough out of the space to create difficulties for the traffic that may pass in front of your vehicle.

The one exception to backing in

If you can pull through to the parking space on the other side of a double row this is a good alternative to backing in to a parking space. Beware of other drivers who might also be entering your intended space from the other side.

ICBC's Tuning Up for Drivers explains how to back up into a parking stall on your right step by step:

• Mirror check and turn on your right turn signal.

• Stop slightly past the stall. Make sure you’re in a position where other vehicles can’t move in behind you when you’re backing into the stall. Before stopping, you may want to angle your car to the left, this may make it easier to begin backing into the stall.

• Do a 360º vision check.

• Turn and look so that you get a clear view of the area you’re backing into.

• Begin to reverse slowly, keeping the wheels as straight as you can.

• When the rear bumper of your vehicle’s in line with the edge of the stall next to the one you would like to back into, begin turning your wheels to the right as you back toward your target stall.

• Continue backing up, gradually straightening the wheels, until your vehicle’s completely in the stall and out of traffic.

Why this is a necessary skill for drivers

One last thought, and that is backing into a parking stall is a necessary skill for all drivers. New drivers will be tested on it and experienced drivers will have to demonstrate the skill if they are called in for a re-examination. Practice makes perfect!

This article is written by or on behalf of an outsourced columnist and does not necessarily reflect the views of Castanet.