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To back in, or not to back in

ron_macarthur
February 22, 2011

There are two distinct types of people – drivers who pull in and park and those who back in to park. Why is that? There seems to be no rhyme or reason why certain drivers take the time to back in while others pull in.

Are those who back in so driven to get away quickly? Or do they feel safer looking forward out of a parking spot?

Most people pull in, and in many cases drivers are prohibited by law from backing into a parking space. That’s the case in Rehoboth Beach where it’s head-in parking only.

It would be interesting to do a psychological study of those who use public parking lots in Georgetown where there are no restrictions on parking. At least one third of drivers using the lots back into parking spots if they have a chance.

Believe it or not, studies have been done on the topic of how people park. Studies show that people who back in tend to leave in a hurry and drive faster to leave their parking spots creating unsafe situations. Drivers that back out, even those in small cars who have trouble seeing around pick-ups and SUVs, are safer drivers.

I pull into parking spots because I’m not the greatest driver when it comes to backing up.

  • Ron MacArthur has lived and worked in Sussex County all his life. As a journalist for nearly 50 years, he has covered everything from county and town meetings to presidential visits. He also has a unique perspective having served as an elected official and lived on both sides of the county.

    Contact Ron at ronm@capegazette.com

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