Many drivers have a habit of driving straight into a parking space and turning the car’s nose in because it’s easier and saves time. However, experts and experienced drivers advise that the safest way to park is to back into the space, ensuring the car’s nose is facing outward when parked.
Here are the specific reasons why.
Easier Parking
When parking in tight spaces or at a 90-degree angle, backing in is the easiest way to get your car into position. It’s similar to parallel parking, where you always have to back up.
In places like underground garages, it can be extremely difficult to drive forward into a parking spot if your space is “sandwiched” between two other cars. However, if you back in, all you need is “one red light” to easily reverse into the spot.
Faster and Safer Departures
Parking with the nose out ensures that when you depart, you don’t waste time backing up. You can simply drive forward or turn in the direction you need to go. This is why emergency vehicles like fire trucks and ambulances always park facing outward—so they can respond quickly in urgent situations.
Parking with the nose out is safer and allows for quicker exits in emergencies. (Illustrative image)
In the event of disasters like fires or explosions, having your car’s nose pointed outward will enable you to drive away as quickly as possible, ensuring your safety and that of your passengers.
Additionally, with the nose out, you’ll have better visibility when exiting the parking spot, reducing the risk of collisions or scratches. In contrast, backing out with the nose in will result in a larger blind spot due to nearby parked cars or obstacles, increasing the chances of accidents.
Less Traffic Obstruction
Most modern cars have a longer front end than the rear, especially SUVs and MPVs. Therefore, if all cars park nose-in, the protruding rear ends will occupy more space, narrowing the driving lanes and obstructing the view of other drivers.
Easier Access for Towing and Jump-Starting
In the unfortunate event that your car battery dies, it will be much easier to jump-start it if the nose is facing out. If the nose is in, it will be challenging to connect the jumper cables to another car’s battery.
Moreover, if your car breaks down and needs to be towed, having the nose out will facilitate the process. Tow trucks are typically designed to hook onto the front of the vehicle, so parking nose-in will make it harder for the tow truck to access your car.
Better Visibility and Security
Drivers often leave belongings in their cars. When the nose is pointed out, it’s easier to keep an eye on your vehicle through the windshield to spot any potential thieves. It also makes it easier for parking lot attendants to monitor your car.
Additionally, in the tragic event that a child is accidentally left in the car, having the nose out increases the chances of someone noticing and taking action. The same applies if someone accidentally bumps into your car and drives away; a dashboard camera is more likely to capture the incident if the nose is out, making it easier to identify the culprit.
According to VTC News
