And how would one would go about that exactly? "There is a large van parked next to me at Migros. Therefore I need to hire an assistant to help me back out." lol.
I used Google to translate your link and this is what it translated to:
"3 Anyone entering a main or secondary road from a factory, yard or garage exit, from field paths, cycle paths, parking lots, petrol stations and the like or via a pavement must give way to the users of these roads. If the spot is unclear, the driver must stop; if necessary, he must bring in an assistant to monitor the driving manoeuvre.86"
I don't see anything in there about a need to bring or use an assistant to back out of a parking spot in a parking lot.
I find it very difficult to park backward into the often very narrow parking spaces here. I would probably be more likely to hit someone (or someone's car) just trying to do that.
I think the point probably is that whatever the situation, if you reverse into someone, it really is your fault.
If you have trouble seeing when reversing then (in my words) get a reversing camera fitted, get someone to help, or get out and look.
Regarding getting out and looking, you do read fairly frequently of parents reversing over their young children on their drive ways when parking. This would be avoided by looking first.
People also reverse into low fences, bollards and so on.
I agree! He tried to say that I was moving in to the place as he was moving out. If this had been the case he would have hit the front of my car, but he hit the middle, so his insurance knew he was lying.
Do check first, many car parks ban such parking.
One of my cars has a sensor when reversing that makes a tone when something is in the way which has saved my skin several times.
Why would that be? Why does it matter how you park as long as you dont park over the lines.
Exhaust particles blown against a wall might leave marks?
It’s less of a problem these days but it was often banned if the spaces were against a wall as exhaust emissions made the walls dirty.
It is also done when adjacent apartments have balconies facing the parking area.
I suppose it wouldn't matter which way you parked if you had an electric vehicle (but someone would probably still complain).
This means "park forwards"
In Basel they have similar ones telling you to make sure your exhaust is out to the street. That way, you don't gas pedestrians.
Only place I've seen that sign is because there's a huge ventilation duct. If you park backwards you may smash the duct. I guess it's a sign for SUV drivers
I dont think that a lawsuit will follow but the fine could be from a judge.
Generally the "punishment" depends on the police report, if they report that the responsibility is shared (e.g. because he should have done something which he didnt do) then it won't be that bad for you.
a few observations/thoughts after scrolling through this thread:
- lucky for you that it happened in Switzerland. in the US / UK / Canada / Australia, chances are you'd be sued. English speaking countries (i.e. common law) are incredibly litigious, probably too much so. some EU companies refuse to transact with American buyers due to fear of litigation (BlaBlaCar, etc)
- should it rise to litigation, broadly speaking, in tort law, fault depends on which party acted negligently. were you reversing faster than a "reasonable driver" would? was the cyclist riding faster than a "reasonable cyclist" would be in that location? was anyone using their phone and/or distracted? was it a well-lit location (did cyclist have lights, were your reverse lights functioning? if in a public parking garage, did the garage owner properly maintain all lighting fixtures (if not, even he may be sued). etc etc you get the idea. any camera evidence would be very helpful, otherwise it's your word against his.
- when reversing, i generally put on my emergency blinkers, and exhaust setting in "Sport" mode. anything to increase visibility and awareness.
- the no-reverse rule for many parking places is absolutely real. my car is Italian, loud, and drinks 20l/100km in urban driving. at cold startups, white walls (and legs) get covered in black ash. the car is only 2 years old.
So what is this fantastic Italian Super car, a Fiat 500 Arbath ?
So, how many white walls have you wrongfully covered with black smut before recognizing that reverse parking was a bad idea with your Fiat 500 Arbath
It was probably brown stuff from the other end .....
some people are so insecure they presume the worst just to retain their self esteem. (this being said, the Abarth is great fun in the city)
no, the car I have is not a Fiat. and it's not a Ferrari. and it's not an Alfa. it's was made in Italy in 2020. and it's very loud. the details don't matter here.
Is it a rare Ferrari Ventisei Cantoni?
Details don’t matter anywhere because nobody cares about what car you drive or your ego.