AAA: Most U.S. drivers use risky parking practices

You may not know it, but you're parking all wrong.

According to AAA, more than 75% of U.S. drivers use riskier parking practices by pulling into parking spaces rather than backing in. Experts say pulling into a parking space leaves pedestrians more vulnerable when a driver later reverses to get out of the spot.

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Automakers realize Americans park different than most of the world so have integrated technology to help with rear visibility. However, testing from AAA revealed issues with the technology when used in a real-world setting.

AAA found rear visibility technology that alerted drivers of passing traffic when reversing had significant limitations when parked between SUVs or minivans.

Here's the results:

-  A passing motorcycle was not detected by the systems in 48 percent of tests. 

-  The systems failed to detect a bicycle passing behind the vehicle 40 percent of the time.

-  The systems failed to detect a passing vehicle 30 percent of the time.

-  While not all systems are designed to detect pedestrians, the technology failed to detect pedestrians 60 percent of the time.
 

AAA offers these "Perfect Parking Pointers":

1. Back into a parking spot whenever possible.
2. Check all around your vehicle for people walking, other cars backing up and any other obstructions.
3. Visually scan the area before putting your car in reverse
4. Don't solely depend on your car’s back-up video/sound system or mirrors.
5. When parked between two SUVs or trucks that block your view, back up slowly, checking for pedestrians and other vehicles.
6. Tap your brake pedal as you back up to increase your visibility to others.
7. Continue to scan the area as you back up slowly.
8. Park away from entrances and other cars whenever possible.
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