Good advice from all. Here's a tip that can help avoid the worst nightmare -- a collision with an object, inanimate or otherwise: Avoid backing out of parking spaces. Avoiding reverse altogether is best -- pull forward into the second of two end-to-end spaces. But when faced with the choice of backing out or backing in, the latter is safer. Visibility during backing out, especially side-to-side beyond adjacent vehicles, is considerably less than when pulling forward. There are many moving objects -- pedestrians and cars -- crossing your path that need to see you and be seen. When backing in, you can thoroughly survey the area around the space before committing to park. As the rear of the car approaches the threshold of the parking space, there is a much lower chance of pedestrians unexpectedly walking across your path, and no chance of a car moving across it. Get good at using your outside mirrors to judge where you are relative to adjacent objects.

The only hitch to backing in is in a busy lot with cars quickly approaching your rear (perhaps even looking to pull into your spot) as you stop and prepare to back in. Most won't realize what you're doing until it's too late, and don't give you room. Don't fight it; just find another space. Another benefit to parking further away.

Jim

Lifetime fuel mileage:

After learning how to hypermile: