It’s no secret that many drivers have trouble reversing their vehicle. Many times, it’s either their own lack of mobility or the feeling that nothing bad will really happen while driving in reverse. Regardless of the reason, collisions do occur when backing, but that can easily change. One of the things to realize is, whether you back up into or out of a driveway or parking space, there is risk. You may not be able to eliminate all of the risk, but you can certainly reduce it.
Vehicle Blind Spots
Part of the issue of reversing is the fact your vehicle suffers from blind spots around each side of the vehicle, which makes it difficult to see vehicles, people and objects from the driver’s vantage point. The rear area on passenger vehicles has a blind spot area anywhere from 20 to 50 feet. Although that may sound unrealistic, it’s true. The higher the trunk lid, the more it hides from the view of the driver. The shorter the driver sits in the seat, the more it affects what the driver can see as well.
Most people will pull forward into their parking space or driveway and then back out of it. As common as that may seem, it’s not the safest parking decision. Backing into an aisle or onto a street means the driver needs to constantly look over each shoulder to see approaching vehicles from two different directions. Since many drivers tend to trust other drivers to do the proper thing and give the needed space, they tend to reduce how many times they check for approaching traffic or pedestrians. This adds to the risk of backing out of driveways or parking spaces. Backing into a parking space is far easier and safer because there are fewer moving variables to address.
If you decide to back into a parking spot, the best approach is to glance into the parking space as you pass by it slowly to ensure you’re aware of any objects which may still be in that space. Backing up blindly may result in you colliding with an object occupying the parking space or another vehicle failing to see you backing up. However, starting from 2018, all new vehicles sold in the US now must have a backup camera. The backup camera can help to make reversing easier and safer, but there are a few things to consider before relying on one.
Vehicle Backup Cameras
The first thing to consider if you’re going to use a backup camera is the camera’s field of view. Most new backup cameras have a wide view which can assist the driver in identifying potential risks approaching from the rear but also from the side of the vehicle, such as pedestrians. However, if the backup camera on your vehicle has a smaller, narrower view, you should also take a few glances around your vehicle while you’re backing up. With so many distracted pedestrians these days, some people may be clueless to what’s happening in their proximity that they may walk directly behind your vehicle while you’re reversing. So now the question again: should you back into the parking space or driveway or should you back out of the parking space or driveway? My vote is to back into the space as it can be done quite easily and safely.
To begin, after passing the desired parking space and verifying that there are no obstructions, position your vehicle 90 degrees from the row of parked vehicles (or in the case of your driveway, parallel with the edge of the road). Although many drivers may angle their vehicle across the parking lot aisle, that can block all other traffic from getting past you while you’re attempting to park. Remaining at a 90-degree angle allows for traffic to pass while you’re waiting for it to be clear to proceed. Plus, it streamlines the parking process.
