Telford and Wrekin Advanced Motorists and Motorcyclists

Car Tips

Parking, When Backward is Best...

In a Car Park, do you reverse into a parking space and drive out, or do you reverse out? The next time you are in a car park have a look around and see how many people actually drive in and reverse out.
There is no doubt that it may be safer to drive in and perhaps more convenient if the spaces are angled, or when you have to get access to the boot, or if it would otherwise cause inconvenience to other road users.
On the other hand, reversing into the space when feasible provides you with several advantages. The first of these is that it is safer to reverse into somewhere you can see (the parking space), rather than reverse out, into somewhere you can't see (maybe a line of moving traffic).
Many people take a few minutes to settle into ‘driving mode' when they start their journey. Therefore it makes no sense to undertake a potentially high-risk manoeuvre such as reversing when you are not concentrating fully.
From a security point of view, reverse parking close to a wall can make it more difficult for thieves to access your boot. If you need to exit a parking space quickly for personal security, driving out provides you with better acceleration and improved vision.
Over the next week why not try reversing into a parking space? You may find it helpful if you have electric mirrors, to lower your left mirror, as this will provide a guide to your lateral position. Another option where all spaces run in parallel rows is to line your car up with the space in front. This should automatically position your car in the centre of the space.

Get into the habit of doing a few simple pre start checks

Action Reason 1. External check of tyres, lights, bodywork and trim. Tyres not flat, lights clean and not broken, no trim hanging off. 2. Handbrake on; out of gear. To secure vehicle whilst out of gear 3. Inform passengers of the  location of the door handles and check door fully closed. So that in the event of an accident the passengers can get out of the vehicle 4. Adjust seat position if required Necessary if another person has driven the car. 5. Check all mirrors are adjusted correctly May have been knocked or adjusted by other users. Allows checking of doors to see if shut correctly 6. Pull the seat belt out slowly, checking that it is moving freely; then let it retract a little and pull sharply To check that the seat belts are not torn or tangled and are  working correctly by  locking. 7. Static brake test. To ensure that there is pedal pressure depress the brake pedal, (also see 11) 8. Turn ignition keys to the first position To check that all warning lights are working and that there is sufficient fuel for the journey 9. Depress clutch To disengage the gear box  to make starting easier and for safety 10. Start the engine Checking that all warning lights go out that should do. 11. (Static brake test if not already done) For servo and warning light testing if fitted 12. Check handbrake warning light goes out. In some cars this can indicate if brake lights are working 13. Turn on ancillary equipment that may be required i.e. blower, wipers, lights etc. 14. A rolling brake test should be carried out at the earliest convenience. Should be carried out at between 20 - 30mph. To check even pulling, no loose items in cabin and that seats are secure after adjustment