Pull in or back in? Where do drivers stand on parking?

Should drivers back in or pull into a parking spot? That is the question.

For years, I have taken a neutral stance on this issue.

If the parking lot is empty or has few vehicles in it then it is fair game. It is open-range parking. Anyone can park anywhere and any way. In that situation, I will pull in or back in depending on whether I am in a rush or not. 

When a parking lot is packed, I pull through even though I'd rather back in so I can easily make my escape and head wherever.

Where do other drivers stand on the issue?

Albuquerque resident John McEnaney said he prefers to pull into a spot.

"I don't want to go backwards," he said. "I probably should do it more, just to practice it. But I just don't like going backwards."

Reader Dusty Rhoads said in a Journal social media post that he backs in with a car and pulls in with a pickup. He also said he takes up extra space when hauling a trailer.

"Backing in is definitely not for someone with little to no skill," he said.

For others, their parking preferences depend on the situation.

"If it's a crowded parking lot I pull in forward so I don't make other drivers wait for me," Evan Moore said. "If it's not as busy and big trucks are surrounding me I prefer to back in for better visibility when I leave."

For those who back in, Patrick Duran said, "Why is it always the people in the huge trucks or that can't even park backwards that love to do it and make people sit there and watch their nonsense? 100% annoying."

"I have seen so many people either hit or nearly hit other cars doing it," he said. "More and more people are doing it and I am over it."

Whether drivers are backing in or pulling in, Albuquerque driver Marcos Arvizo said drivers can get "pretty aggressive," especially when a parking lot fills up.

Some rush to get to a spot or drive in the wrong direction, he said.

A parking lot full of cars and/or aggressive drivers could lead to fender benders or worse. To help avoid an incident, here are some AAA recommendations: 

• Check your surroundings: "Survey the area as you return to your parked vehicle," Robin Jones said in the AAA article.
• Look around while backing out or pulling into a spot.
• Keep the foot off the gas while backing up: "Cars in the aisle have the right of way, so it's up to the driver pulling out of a parking space to stop if there's potential for a collision," Jones said. "What's more, it's usually easier for the car that's backing out to make an emergency stop, because vehicles in the aisle generally are going faster. That's why it's always smart to inch out as slowly as possible, with your foot on the brake."
• Watch for distracted pedestrians and slow down.

The Parking Spot, an airport parking company, also offered tips that include not blocking other vehicles and "No Calling 'Dibs.'"

"You can’t call dibs on a parking spot by marking your territory with a person or an object other than your car," the article states. "If your vehicle is not present, a spot can’t be claimed. Instead, when it’s difficult to find a space, practice patience and wait for one to become available, or consider parking in another nearby parking area."

If drivers follow these directions, it would be better for everyone, resident Lily Martinez said.

With all of this said, I am not sure if I will be changing my neutral stance about parking any time soon. This may sound wishy-washy, but it is best to adapt to a situation, i.e. pull in when the lot is full, rather than drive around looking for a spot for an hour or draw a line in a sand because of a parking preference and leave others frustrated.

Gregory R.C. Hasman is a general assignment reporter and the Road Warrior. He can be reached at ghasman@abqjournal.com or 505-823-3820.