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Crosstown Traffic
Crosstown Traffic is all about getting around in the Triangle. Bad drivers and traffic hassles. Gas taxes and transportation politics. Public transit and other auto alternatives.
The blog is maintained by N&O transportation reporter Bruce Siceloff, whose Road Worrier column is published each Tuesday.
This traffic is two-way. What do you think? Leave a comment or email Bruce with questions, links, tips or gripes.
Forward-thinking parkers speak out
Submitted by BruceSiceloff on 05/26/2009 - 09:17
Of course Phil Stork isn't the only guy out there who prefers to drive headlong into a parking spot, instead of backing in.
But everyone who responded initially to his comments on this weighty issue happened to be of the opposite persuasion (see today's Road Worrier column, with reader comments).
Now, a few head-first types are piping up to cast their votes with Stork.
The logic is weird. Worried about running over a kid or a dog? This could happen while you are backing into the space! -- Clayton47
Anyone who thinks backing into a parking place is a good idea needs to be in a line of five or so cars while waiting for some incompetent to make three or four tries backing into a space. It gets worse if you are number five in line and everyone of the cars in front of you also back in.
I won't burden you with my age but I have been backing out longer than you likely have been alive and narry an accident. Seems to me the problem lies in carelessness more than anything else. -- Conner Atkeson
About the blogger
Bruce Siceloff reports on traffic and transportation. An N&O reporter and editor since 1976, he took over the Road Worrier column in 2003. Lately he drives I-40 with the cruise control set at 62 mph. E-mail Bruce or call him at 919-829-4527.Want to post a comment?
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Comments
Never back in is safest
Sun, 06/21/2009 - 02:06 — hikenbikeThose who said "pull through" are right. Always park so you don't have to back out. At those big box parking lots, park way out so you get some exercise and can turn off your engine as soon as possible. You get to pull through with no cars around, throw your doors open without hitting anything, no one around to ding your doors, and push a cart back on your way in. Makes you more visible, you have something to lean on, and you can carry your canvas bags in it. Test out the wheels; if it wobbles, leave it in the cart return and get another one when you go in the store. Very practical, and safe!