Here’s a safety tip – Never pull into a parking space that you can’t get out of by simply driving forward.
I know that it might seem like a hassle to back into parking spaces all the time but it really is the safest thing that you can do.
I’m writing this post in response to a few very tragic stories that have been in the news recently, stories of children being accidentally run over by a vehicle.
I always back in to any parking spot because it’s safer for a few different reasons. Number 1, people can see you coming and when they see you start to back up, they will keep their distance. Number 2, when you are driving, you have a great view of all that is around you. When you back up, you will already have done a cursory scan of everything in the area.
Backing into a spot allows you to pull out of it immediately. You don’t need to check and see if there are any hazards behind you. Ideally, you should walk around your car prior to getting in to see if there are any obstructions in front of you. Then you look carefully before you pull out.
I realize that there are times when you will need to pull into a parking spot. If you can’t find a pull through spot or you cannot back in, please take extra car when backing out. People around you might not realize that you are going to back out.
The best thing you can do is to roll down your window so you can hear what is going on around you. Next, you should “never go faster than a young child can walk.” This was the advice given by Amanda Blitz on CHCH News last week.
I’ve always backed into parking spots but it wasn’t always for the above reasons. I used to think that putting the car into reverse right away was bad for the engine. I used to think that I might need to jump in my car and go somewhere so quickly that I wouldn’t want to waste time having to back up. These might be good reasons, they might not be but the reasons I mentioned previously definitely are.
So please, take care when you are operating a vehicle. And always back in.
2 responses to “3 Reasons To Always Back In”
Hi Chase .. that's sad but true advice .. not having kids, like you, we don't think about those things .. I certainly keep an eye open. There've been a few recently here too – so so sad .. terrible to think about.
A related story to a point – but one that has some humour .. at some stage one of your classes might enjoy it .. I read it somewhere & loved it .. gave a copy to my uncle and he said that's what I do .. saves a challenge ..
http://www.usatoday.com/news/opinion/columnist/2006-06-15-gartner_x.htm
It's called No Left Turns by Michael Gartner, editor of newspapers large and small and president of NBC News .. not sure if he is now .. but this was a few years ago ..
With thoughts – Hilary
Hi Hilary,
Three left turns – I've heard of that before but I've never subscribed to that philosophy. Maybe I should. Interesting article there. Thanks for sharing!