Reverse Parking Might Actually Make You a Safer Driver in Illinois

If you've ever watched someone perfectly back into a parking spot on the first try and though, "show off...," you're not alone.  It turns out, those kinds of drivers might actually be onto something!

Read More: Rockford Driver Doesn't Look Before Switching Lanes [VIDEO] 

I didn't start backing into parking spots until, maybe, five years ago.  I saw my dad do it one time and I figured I'd give it a try.  To my surprise, I was so good at it.  Well, my back-up camera probably helped a lot, but still!  You never know what you're capable of until you try.

Get our free mobile app

Reverse parking or backing into a space so you can drive forward out of it, isn't just about looking like a pro driver.  I've met plenty of people who question why people reserve into spots, but I realized it's so much easier than trying to back out when you leave the lot!

Think about it: when you pull into a spot nose-first, you're setting yourself up for a blind exit later.  Backing out means you're reversing into traffic, pedestrians, shopping carts, and sometimes other cars that come out of nowhere.  But if you reverse into a spot first, you can leave the lot facing forward, giving you a much clearer view of what's happening around you.

"Reverse parking means backing into a space so you can drive forward out of the space after. It can be a simple way to reduce the risk of collisions." [geotab]

Read More: To The Impatient Rockford Driver On Spring Creek Road [VIDEO]

Police officers, delivery drivers, and semi drivers have been doing it for years, so more compact cars should be able to do it with no problem, too... right?  So, next time you're out running errands, try backing in.  You might feel like people are watching you, but be confident and nobody will question your decisions.  You'll be glad you reversed in because pulling out will be a breeze.