Are you a fronter or a reverser ?

[cumfy]

Last week we were out for a walk, when a near neighbour reversed straight out almost into us.
I had to pull our 8 yo away and slap the back of their Audi.

When the driver realised the situation he was naturally apologetic.
We didn't make a big deal, but when I suggested that it was best to "reverse in, and drive out", rather than "drive in, and reverse out" and that then such accidents/incidents would be significantly less frequent, I was met with rather a blank look and told politely that he would of course do his best to be careful, but otherwise it wasn't really my business which way he parked his car.

I feel that in 90+% of driveways, it is very definitely safer to "reverse in and drive out", and that safety is everyones' business. Clearly, however, as a "reverser" I am in the minority as I've noticed since that about 75% of people round our way are "fronters", many in driveways where it is clearly IMHO dangerous.

C'mon all you "fronters" I really want to know what your opinion/excuse about this is!

OP - it would personally convenient for your DC if you teach them to look out for reversing cars in driveways! Safety is not just the driver's responsibility.

lol at MIFLAW

I'm definitely a reverser. It's easier surely? Not an issue with the drive as luckiloy enough room to turn around but at the supermarket I always reverse into a space.

I am always judgey and at the regular sight of people in small cars driving into supermarket spaces forward and still being over the line. Then they just get out and shop rather than being arrested as I think should happen.

Of course, it's sometimes bigger cars parking over the line but more often than not it's a little honda or clio or a toyota yaris.

I drive front on into my drive. There is no danger where I am to reversing out, no fences or hedges, etc and clear visibility. Would be more of a pain, and possibly more dangerous to others too, to reverse in due to where my drive is in relaion to the road.

I generally drive IN to most parking spaces too, unless parallel parking. I never understand why people reverse in spaces at shopping car parks - surely you can't get stuff in and out of your boot if you do that?

"My excuse is that I want to drive into my driveway forwards.

fortunately, my car is equipped with some rather clever little mirrors and I have also developed an uncanny ability to turn my head to look over my shoulder and these two phenomena, combined, make a BIG difference to being able to see what's going on behind me."

MIFLAW has hit it on the head I feel.

Should be forbidden to reverse large 4 x 4 type vehicles at all, ever - theyre a complete menace to pedestrians and normal cars.

abbierhodes Tue 24-Aug-10 13:31:13
Wow, you must be hell to live with

The funniest thing I have read all day

What is this driveway of which you speak? There is no such thing in London.

I have had many accidents reversing. so thats my excuse. I am SHIT at reversing

sorry, as its a fair point!

But you'd do less damage reversing badly into a drive than into a road full of traffic though surely?

Well I'm more than happy to park in front and walk down the side.

I use the green hesian Waitrose bags so usually fit far more in them that a normal bag and just need to do a couple of trips.
Mind you, I normally have DD2 with me so park in a P&T space.

I always assume that people who don't reverse into their driveways are shit drivers.*

*Actually I do

I do not understand the people who say reversing is easier. It is NOT easier. I am really rubbish at reversing and surely it must be easier to reverse out of a space than in because you then have more to aim at?

Of course you need to be cautious when reversing in case of pedestrians but I too would be put out if someone tried to tell me how to park in my own drive. Bloody cheek actually!

And I agree with SocialButterfly - people who reverse in car parks are a pian in the a**e because it does usually take them so much longer.

If at all possible you are not supposed to reverse out onto a main road. The general rule is "reverse in ,drive out". I get very fed up when I'm waiting to reverse in with hazard lights on and reversing lights on, only to have cars come right up behind me and then get cross when it finally dawns on them that I'm not moving forwards. There are two lanes so plenty of room to go past. I guess I should be used to it as I drive an ambulance for a job, being big and yellow with flashing blue lights and sirens doesn't make you visible apparantly. But that's another story....

i always assume that people who lecture others are arrogant little twats.

Be put out with the Highway Code then 5foot5 - you're not supposed to reverse onto main roads. (And you too Ronaldinhio - shame on you! )

I reverse in. Always.

I also assume that people who park in front ways do it because they are crap at parking properly by reversing in.

I have been driven into by someone reversing out of their driveway - she just drove straight into where I was standing halfway across the pavement.

Twat.

I can reverse beautifully.

I don't actually care what my neighbours do or don't do. I don't think it makes for harmonious relations with neighbours to tell them how I think they should park.

Also I expect my children (age 3 and 6) to stop and look at all driveways/roads (obviously I supervise them as they are still young).

It's not neighbours reversing you need to concerned about imo. it's the occasional boy (or girl) "racer" types that speed by at 60mph in a built up area.

High on my lottery winning shopping list is a house with a semi circular driveway

To clarfiy - I didn't walk into her path while she was reversing, I was walking and she drove straight in to me.

withorwithoutyou why on earth we you standing half way across the pavement blocking someone's driveway anyway?

Do some of you look out for people daring to reverse out of their own driveways and go and try and get run over!?

p.s. some of us who reverse out don't necessarily live on main roads/carriageways. Personally we live in a tiny cul de sac and parking is very tight so not always a choice if we do front or reverse onto drive.

x-posts with you withorwithoutyou as your second post explained how it happened. :)

I always reverse into car park spaces - it's much easier & quicker if you learn how to do it properly - and it gives you a much better chance of getting out safely when a 4x4 parks each side of you.

Btw curlymama, I really have to ask about your post:

"And because it reduces the chance of me bumping into the husband's other woman which is usually parked on the driveway next to my space because he only drives it occasionally".

onepiece, I know, sounds stupid but that's really what happened. She obviously didn't look at all, just started the engine and reversed straight out into me while I was in the middle of the pavement. Had DD in the pushchair with me too.

As you can imagine I was not amused!