Cars are more manoeuvrable in reverse which is why parallel parking works while backing up, but not by driving in frontward.  Forklifts utilise this fact by steering the rear wheels.  This means that if you back into a tight spot you may not be able to get out by driving forward, especially if a large vehicle such as a pickup truck parks directly across from you after you park.  You are always safer to drive in and then back out as you will probably be able to back out no matter what. Sometimes you will have to swing wide in order to enter the spot, so snowflakes such as Andrew, will have to wait the 3 or 4 seconds that this might take.