Nose-first or reverse: How do you park?
A recent post about parking on RAA’s social media channel sparked heated debate among our followers.
After some robust discussion among the sa move team, we decided to ask RAA’s social media followers if they preferred parking nose first or reversing into a car park. Here are some of your responses.
The debate
Reversing
The response on RAA’s social media channels suggests reversing into a car park is widely favoured.
For some people, the decision to reverse into a parking space is black and white.
I’ll reverse park whenever I can. Much easier to get out of the park without having issues.” – Rob
Reverse every time. [It’s] quicker, can see the lines better, and [it’s] safer as you can see all around as you swing out to back in. You have full view of what’s in front as you indicate and drive out. – John
There are benefits to reversing into a car park. According to research by the UK-based Institute of Advanced Motorists, reversing into a space means they’re in a safer position to pull away.
RAA Senior Manager Safety and Infrastructure Charles Mountain agrees that there are advantages to reversing your car into a park.
It can often be easier to reverse into a parking space, particularly if you have a larger vehicle. Check the signs before you park as some locations specify that your vehicle must face a certain direction.
In South Australia, reversing into an angle parking space is generally only permitted where there is 90-degree angle parking. Where there is angle parking at an angle other than 90 degrees (usually 45 or 60 degrees) then the rule is front in.
“When driving out after reversing in, you may have better visibility to see pedestrians and other cars,” he says.
“However. depending on the scenario, parking front facing might be more appropriate.”
Before you read the forward-facing fans’ argument, watch the video below. We went out on the street and asked the public which way they think you should park.
Forward facing
Some motorists on social media feel nose-in parking is the most straightforward option when entering space.
Forward parking is preferred as we have reverse lights so that others can see what you doing, like indicators denote a change of direction…” – Robyn
Forward parking. Backing out is easier than backing in, you have good access to the boot and you’re not tripping over anyone else’s side mirrors. Plus, we have reverse lights on the back for a reason – people can see easily what we are doing. – Kara
Charles says parking nose-in has its benefits, and in some cases, it might be the only option.
“In some cases, you’ll have better access to your boot, and your vehicle’s reverse lights turning on as you leave the park, can help communicate your actions with passing traffic and pedestrians,” he says.
“If your vehicle is fitted with a reversing camera it can provide a wider field of view of what is behind your vehicle.
“However, if there’s a sign stating that angle parking is allowed, the driver must park with the front of the vehicle to the kerb, unless a sign indicates otherwise.”
Now you’ve heard both sides of the debate, which direction would you park?
Take our poll below.