Saw something today - Just curious

Only way it's legal to back up is if an officer says its alright and he's blocking the traffic.Otherwise I wouldn't chance it.

 

Really? How do you do it? Have you had to back into an alleyway off a major street in Chicago, El Paso, Cleveland or any other big city that was barely designed for a pick-up truck? I'm sure once the four-wheelers see what you are trying to do they will all stop and wait right? Sometimes the only way of getting things done is to be aggressive, I'm not sure what the exact circumstances were in this case the poster has cited; however, I'm not going to judge another driver by going off the words of someone else, (in this case the poster). I wasn't there and neither were most the people criticizing the driver's actions. It's very possible that the driver was an idiot since the trucking industry is full of them. But then again how do we know?

 

I think I've gotten into more trouble using GPS than a standard map book. GPS has put me on dead end roads and roads that were not yet built. I'll stick to the map books.

 

Really stupid, IMHO. Especially backing around a corner.

 

I did read everything you said. I'm not pushing anyone or any driver to get on the newer technology bandwagon.
However, those who can't (for whatever reason) or resist pickin it up and learning just how easier it can make mapping/directions, will have it harder than those who learn it and utilize it. Those that are not tech savvy will need to spend more of their time via phone or whatever, which simply is far more mistake-prone than "actually seeing it" via satellite.

You say " Every driver should still know how to do the job without all the gadgets that so many of them have become to reliant upon to do there job."
I do rely heavy on them, by choice. But I also do know how to use phone, maps, and older means of navigation.
But in this case, that also includes knowing when and when not to back up, whether you arrived via GPS, Google Maps, maps, sextant, or the stars.
Whether it's that driver, you, or me at Point A, and whether or not any technology is involved, you need to have a better coarse of action than to unsafely back up 600'.
I think it boils down to... you're kinda defensive and hostile against those that know how to use newer technology. And that's all.

 

I agreed with you on the GPS inaccuracy post (I mainly use mine for quick ETA readout or exit ramp configurations.
However, I'm not sure we'd agree or not on your version of using "aggressiveness" vs my version.
Yes, you do have to get aggressive to back in less than ideal situ's, BUT never to the point that safety is compromised one iota.

How would I do it, you ask? One thing is for sure, I'd make #### certain there was no vehicle or obstacle behind me that I wasn't fully aware of. Your post sure doesn't sound like you'd even take the time to do that. Heck, you said you'd just begin backing and hit the horn. No mention of making sure no-one was directly behind you, in a blind spot. Your stated backing manner would be far more likely, it seems, to run over that motorcycle right behind you, than my more cautious method.

I've backed into many undesired places, inner city streets and docks that were designed/made way before trailers exceeded 40' in length. Also in extremely heavy traffic flow.
I have used my horns, and with proper aggressiveness, move backward, but only if I can make sure that no-one is in my blind spot, behind the DOT bumper.
BTW, I think the OP's posting of the Google map satellite view was self-explanatory and seeing where the unintended stop point (PIN A, lot exit) and where he backed to (Pin B, main entrance) was very self explanatory, distances are fairly accurate and obvious, and any other details would be beyond what's pertinent.

 

...and stick your neck further into the noose? Why not just turn on the 4 ways and get a spotter from the customer? Maybe even have spotter block exit by point A and enter there.

 

ok so driver turns on 4 ways walks to customer which could be a half ablock awy.It was a shopping center hard telling exactly how far customer is.So 15 minutes later hes inside talking to customer,5 or more minutes later customer comes spots him.Is it really worth it spending all that time trying to find help so you can turn into parking lot making the traffic angry and possibly an officer shows up and tickets you along with an ### chewing for blocking traffic?You have to think and observe the situation before coming up with any ole plan.

 

When I have to back across a street I always have the customer supply a spotter or I don't do it. I have never been refused. I've even had them comment about how they wish more drivers would ask.

 

I was being sarcastic, in the comparison between the two wrong moves. I thought it was obvious to most.
In any case, why go thru calling and waiting for the company to provide a possible spotter?
Why not just proceed another 100' to the first intersection, and take Old Penfield Rd, which loops around & would bring you back to the intended drive entrance.
That's the most correct method.

BTW, I think you meant to say stick your head into a weaker noose.
Any turn at that point would have been prior to him backing up 600+ feet.