So are you a “nose-in-er,” or a “nose-out-er?” Or, perhaps, one of those people that take up two spaces (grrr)? Anyway, I’ve noticed that pickups are almost always parked nose-out in our lot at work. I almost always park nose-out (I think it’s safer pulling out), and make sure I pull my Honda Fit’s petite little nose out where parking space hunters can see it if I’m between two larger vehicles.
I think I’ve read where one or more people think it takes longer to back in. If that is the case, I’d rather do that initially, when I have the time, rather than when I’m leaving, when I may be running short on time. Or, explained another way, it may be dark when I’m leaving, and it will be easier to see to back into in daylight.
When in a smaller car (say, an old 5-Series), no system really. In a truck I prefer backing in the spot, as it is much easier that way. Driving away is a breeze later as well.
Two reasons for nose out:
1. to get into our garage on a narrow, one way street, the turning radius is radically different for our RWD BMW and I cannot get the car in going nose in. Backing in, the turn is a one-sweep effort. I call it threading the needle backwards but it works.
2. There was a study recently that said that nose-out drivers are significantly more ambitious and successful. I need all the help I can get so I’m backing into all the other spots too!
When I worked at the Coca Cola Bottling Co in Cincinnati 30 years ago, it was decreed that company cars would be nose-out…they felt that backing into an enclosed space was inherently safer than backing out into traffic.
I do park nose-in at Kroger’s, so the trunk is closest to the aisle and I don’t have to take the cart between parked cars.