A Troubling Aspect of Back-In Parking

As of Saturday, August 20, 2011

From my experience in public parking lots, and what other drivers tell me, being able to pull out of a parking space going forward rather than back is a lot safer for my vehicle and everyone around me. That’s the good thing about Southern Pines’ back-in parking plan.

The troubling aspect is visibility and what I call “angular orientation awareness.” All vehicles have blind spots, and people who are not experienced in backing up (I know that sounds ridiculous, but ask yourself whether you back into your own garage stall at home!) may need a little training.

When we parallel park, we have a curb, rather than automotive sheet metal, to help us “feel” our way to a proper orientation. I suggest that Southern Pines consider defining each back-in-parking slot with a low concrete curb nailed down at the appropriate angle and spacing.

Sure, it costs more than painting lines, but it would go a long way toward instilling confidence that I’m not going to ding up my car and the ones next to me when I park in downtown Southern Pines. Even those “rumble strips” cut into highway lanes might work.

Bob Bramwell

Pinehurst

More like this story

anonnyp 1 year, 9 months ago

I will avoid this parking for just this reason...I do not want my car to help "guide" someone into a space.

Bflat 1 year, 9 months ago

Next time you go to Southern Pines, observe the cars that are improperly parked, encroaching on the adjoining space, angled in oddly instead of centered between lines, or even over the lines. That will give you an idea of what to expect. When properly parked and centered between lines in the pull in angled parking I've come out of stores to leave only to find I couldn't get into the car from the driver's side due to someone had parked too close. Even worse is when someone parks with their right bumper almost hitting my left bumper. Try a maneuver to get out of your own space when that is the circumstance. I suspect there will be similar issues with the back in parking with the encroachment issues, cars parked at the wrong angle, etc. For those that say they can't or won't park in back in space, keep in mind you will still be able to park in those premium parallel spaces as long as you're willing to circle until a space becomes available. :))

DaveyNC 1 year, 9 months ago

Anybody know when this becomes reality? Because I am gonna take a lawn chair and a cooler of beer downtown to watch the blue haired carnage.

Maybe I'll skip the beer and offer to park cars for people for, say, $2. Hmmmmm........

JER 1 year, 9 months ago

Gee, valet back in parking. What a clever idea. You're welcome Davey.

sfavela 1 year, 9 months ago

I can only speak for myself. That said, I will try to avoid downtown Southern Pines. People have enough trouble angle parking...backing in is asking for trouble! I have no desire to acquire new bumps and dings in my car.

I'm not a beer drinker but I think I'll join DaveyNC when this becomes a reality. It will certainly be entertaining and, possibly, profitable unless they install cameras everywhere. You'll need something or someone to take with you to court to get damages on your car fixed.