# I'm such a douchebag, I can't park my Lexus! **URL:** \ **Category:** The BBQ Pit\ **Created:** [November 7, 2006, 5:41pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/im-such-a-douchebag-i-cant-park-my-lexus/379451 "2006-11-07T17:41:46Z")\ **Posts on this page:** 20\ **Page:** 1
**Author:** ![Stan\_Shmenge](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/s/94ad74/32.png) [@Stan\_Shmenge](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Stan_Shmenge)\ **Post date:** [November 7, 2006, 5:41pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/im-such-a-douchebag-i-cant-park-my-lexus/379451/1 "2006-11-07T17:41:46Z")
Maybe he is trimming his beard while it parks! I just don’t know what to say. If you can’t parallel park, maybe you shouldn’t be behind the wheel of a car with a 380 HP engine? And what happens when some equally darwinable person walks behind it while it is automatically parking? They put those rear view mirrors in for a reason. Call this pit short and sweet. Burn in hell, douchebag! /Firefox flags “douchebag”, but has no problem with “douche” or “bag” //Go figure. ///Added it to the dictionary! ---
**Author:** ![scr4](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/s/59ef9b/32.png) [@scr4](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/scr4)\ **Post date:** [November 7, 2006, 5:54pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/im-such-a-douchebag-i-cant-park-my-lexus/379451/2 "2006-11-07T17:54:30Z")
[QUOTE=Happy Wanderer] If you can’t parallel park, maybe you shouldn’t be behind the wheel of a car with a 380 HP engine? [/quote] I’m sure that’s what they said when automatic transmissions came out… Besides, you know there are already plenty of people driving big cars and SUVs who don’t know how to parallel park. I’d rather they use the automated system than try to park manually. > [@](#): > > And what happens when some equally darwinable person walks behind it while it is automatically parking? You step on the brake, of course. ---
**Author:** ![An\_Arky](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/a/87869e/32.png) [@An\_Arky](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/An_Arky)\ **Post date:** [November 7, 2006, 5:57pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/im-such-a-douchebag-i-cant-park-my-lexus/379451/3 "2006-11-07T17:57:24Z")
Now if they’d just make them where they automatically get out of the left lane when the speed drops below 70… ---
**Author:** ![Lord\_Ashtar](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/l/7ea924/32.png) [@Lord\_Ashtar](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Lord_Ashtar)\ **Post date:** [November 7, 2006, 5:57pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/im-such-a-douchebag-i-cant-park-my-lexus/379451/4 "2006-11-07T17:57:49Z")
I wish cars could be automated further. If all cars were on some kind of network where you gave them a destination and they drove you all the while navigating around other cars on the same network, there would be a lot less accidents and people would be able to do other stuff while they’re driving. Just like now. Except this way they wouldn’t be driving while doing that other stuff. ---
**Author:** ![Stan\_Shmenge](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/s/94ad74/32.png) [@Stan\_Shmenge](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Stan_Shmenge)\ **Post date:** [November 7, 2006, 5:59pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/im-such-a-douchebag-i-cant-park-my-lexus/379451/5 "2006-11-07T17:59:27Z")
[QUOTE=scr4] I’m sure that’s what they said when automatic transmissions came out… Besides, you know there are already plenty of people driving big cars and SUVs who don’t know how to parallel park. I’d rather they use the automated system than try to park manually. You step on the brake, of course. [/QUOTE] The problem is that this is a system that is being beta tested on the general public. Any human factors person will tell you that when you automate a procedure you invite a lack of attention. I am predicting here, and am awaiting the first of many lawsuits over this system. I bet that the first pedestrian will be hit within six months of the introduction of this vehicle. ---
**Author:** ![Ethilrist](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/ethilrist/32/4604_2.png) [@Ethilrist](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Ethilrist)\ **Post date:** [November 7, 2006, 5:59pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/im-such-a-douchebag-i-cant-park-my-lexus/379451/6 "2006-11-07T17:59:57Z")
I’m just waiting for the first person to push the “parallel park on the right side of the road” button when he’s trying to parallel park on the left side, and his big honkin’ car backs directly into oncoming traffic. Or people who guess the distance wrong and start crushing the cars that are already parked there. ---
**Author:** ![Stan\_Shmenge](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/s/94ad74/32.png) [@Stan\_Shmenge](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Stan_Shmenge)\ **Post date:** [November 7, 2006, 6:00pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/im-such-a-douchebag-i-cant-park-my-lexus/379451/7 "2006-11-07T18:00:37Z")
[QUOTE=An Arky] Now if they’d just make them where they automatically get out of the left lane when the speed drops below 70… [/QUOTE] This would be FTW, but I would say about 79. ---
**Author:** ![WhyNot](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/w/c77e96/32.png) [@WhyNot](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/WhyNot)\ **Post date:** [November 7, 2006, 6:04pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/im-such-a-douchebag-i-cant-park-my-lexus/379451/8 "2006-11-07T18:04:22Z")
Um, someone have a link? It sounds like there’s an auto-parking feature or something? How the hell would that work? I’m not in the Lexus demographic, but I’d like to read about my betters anyway. ---
**Author:** ![FormerMarineGuy](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/f/65b543/32.png) [@FormerMarineGuy](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/FormerMarineGuy)\ **Post date:** [November 7, 2006, 6:07pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/im-such-a-douchebag-i-cant-park-my-lexus/379451/9 "2006-11-07T18:07:15Z")
[QUOTE=WhyNot] Um, someone have a link? It sounds like there’s an auto-parking feature or something? How the hell would that work? I’m not in the Lexus demographic, but I’d like to read about my betters anyway. [/QUOTE] [Lexus auto park demonstration](http://www.techeblog.com/index.php/tech-gadget/lexus-ls-460-auto-park-demonstration) It is not as easy as it seems, and although a lot of reviewers say it is a nice ‘toy’, it would actually be easier to parallel park on your own. ---
**Author:** ![Stan\_Shmenge](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/s/94ad74/32.png) [@Stan\_Shmenge](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Stan_Shmenge)\ **Post date:** [November 7, 2006, 6:09pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/im-such-a-douchebag-i-cant-park-my-lexus/379451/10 "2006-11-07T18:09:40Z")
Perhaps if the car were to announce, in a computer voice accompanied by the “beep beep beep” sound, whilst performing the maneuver: “My owner is a douchebag, and cannot be bothered to park (or learn how to park) his 380 HP Lexus! Stand away salarymen! Your better is trimming his beard and cannot be troubled with mirrors!” Yah. I would go for that! ---
**Author:** ![Stan\_Shmenge](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/s/94ad74/32.png) [@Stan\_Shmenge](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Stan_Shmenge)\ **Post date:** [November 7, 2006, 6:11pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/im-such-a-douchebag-i-cant-park-my-lexus/379451/11 "2006-11-07T18:11:44Z")
[QUOTE=FormerMarineGuy] [Lexus auto park demonstration](http://www.techeblog.com/index.php/tech-gadget/lexus-ls-460-auto-park-demonstration) It is not as easy as it seems, and although a lot of reviewers say it is a nice ‘toy’, it would actually be easier to parallel park on your own. [/QUOTE] It will be a nice “toy” for the liability lawyers. ---
**Author:** ![WhyNot](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/w/c77e96/32.png) [@WhyNot](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/WhyNot)\ **Post date:** [November 7, 2006, 6:12pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/im-such-a-douchebag-i-cant-park-my-lexus/379451/12 "2006-11-07T18:12:28Z")
[QUOTE=FormerMarineGuy] [Lexus auto park demonstration](http://www.techeblog.com/index.php/tech-gadget/lexus-ls-460-auto-park-demonstration) It is not as easy as it seems, and although a lot of reviewers say it is a nice ‘toy’, it would actually be easier to parallel park on your own. [/QUOTE] The demonstration seemed pretty cool at that link, thanks. If it could get my neighbors to stop taking up a car and a half worth of space at the curb, I’d be all for it! ---
**Author:** ![TLDRIDKJKLOLFTW](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/t/51bf81/32.png) [@TLDRIDKJKLOLFTW](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/TLDRIDKJKLOLFTW)\ **Post date:** [November 7, 2006, 6:17pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/im-such-a-douchebag-i-cant-park-my-lexus/379451/13 "2006-11-07T18:17:24Z")
The real outrage is the fine print in this ad - “Available parking system requires driver to steer and brake.” Wait a second! ---
**Author:** ![Really\_Not\_All\_That\_Bright](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/r/e8c25b/32.png) [@Really\_Not\_All\_That\_Bright](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Really_Not_All_That_Bright)\ **Post date:** [November 7, 2006, 6:18pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/im-such-a-douchebag-i-cant-park-my-lexus/379451/14 "2006-11-07T18:18:58Z")
Um… quite obviously, if someone walks behind you, it stops. System wouldn’t really work so well if it couldn’t detect objects behind it, now, would it? ---
**Author:** ![garygnu](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/garygnu/32/2924_2.png) [@garygnu](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/garygnu)\ **Post date:** [November 7, 2006, 6:25pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/im-such-a-douchebag-i-cant-park-my-lexus/379451/15 "2006-11-07T18:25:35Z")
The fine print I saw was the driver has to confirm clearance and brake. ---
**Author:** ![ralph124c](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/r/8797f3/32.png) [@ralph124c](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/ralph124c)\ **Post date:** [November 7, 2006, 6:30pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/im-such-a-douchebag-i-cant-park-my-lexus/379451/16 "2006-11-07T18:30:13Z")
Imagine-self-parking Lexus goes beserk and kills bystander! ---
**Author:** ![Loopydude](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/l/e56c9b/32.png) [@Loopydude](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Loopydude)\ **Post date:** [November 7, 2006, 6:32pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/im-such-a-douchebag-i-cant-park-my-lexus/379451/17 "2006-11-07T18:32:36Z")
[QUOTE=Ethilrist] I’m just waiting for the first person to push the “parallel park on the right side of the road” button when he’s trying to parallel park on the left side, and his big honkin’ car backs directly into oncoming traffic. Or people who guess the distance wrong and start crushing the cars that are already parked there. [/QUOTE] And what a mirthful time for most of us that will be! ---
**Author:** ![scr4](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/s/59ef9b/32.png) [@scr4](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/scr4)\ **Post date:** [November 7, 2006, 6:45pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/im-such-a-douchebag-i-cant-park-my-lexus/379451/18 "2006-11-07T18:45:36Z")
[QUOTE=Happy Wanderer] The problem is that this is a system that is being beta tested on the general public. Any human factors person will tell you that when you automate a procedure you invite a lack of attention. I am predicting here, and am awaiting the first of many lawsuits over this system. [/QUOTE] Did automatic transmission and cruise control result in an increased number of accidents? Has anyone successfully suied auto makers for these? Anyway I believe self-parking has been available on the Japanese-market Prius for a year, and I haven’t heard of any major problems with this feature. ---
**Author:** ![FormerMarineGuy](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/f/65b543/32.png) [@FormerMarineGuy](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/FormerMarineGuy)\ **Post date:** [November 7, 2006, 6:46pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/im-such-a-douchebag-i-cant-park-my-lexus/379451/19 "2006-11-07T18:46:58Z")
Here is one of the reviews of the car: [automobilemag.com](http://blogs.automobilemag.com/1002403/tech-talk/the-truth-about-the-2007-lexus-ls460-self-parking-video-/index.html) > [@](#): > > But like many new technologies, it works well only under a certain, limited set of conditions. The real world unfortunately does not exist only in those limited conditions. We finally got the system to parallel park after more than ten aborted, failed attempts. And we never were able to get the big Lexus to back into a perpendicular spot by itself. > > We were, however, able to fool it into trying to parallel park into a three-foot-long opening between two other cars. As you may know, the LS460L is quite a bit longer than three feet. Also, it once tried to park itself on top of a Nissan Quest minivan. On many occasions, it refused to move at all. We never actually hit anything, but that’s only because we were paying such close attention. > > If you touch the accelerator pedal at all during its self-park progress, it aborts. This is particularly frustrating if you’re on any sort of minor grade – or if one of your wheels has rolled up against a pinecone. The LS won’t move. Guidance cancelled. > > Likewise if you go too fast. It’s your job as the driver to modulate the speed of the car with the brake pedal. Fully off the pedal is too fast. If you don’t brake the car quickly enough back to an acceptable speed, it aborts, stops steering, and you’re on your own. Guidance cancelled. > > The Lexus LS460 will park itself. But only if conditions are perfect. And even when it does work perfectly, it’s still far, far slower than even my octogenarian grandmother would park. Worst of all, the interface is difficult enough to use that I’m sure most people would have an easier time parking the Lexus themselves than just programming the function to do the job itself. ---
**Author:** ![Gala\_Matrix\_Fire](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/g/4da419/32.png) [@Gala\_Matrix\_Fire](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Gala_Matrix_Fire)\ **Post date:** [November 7, 2006, 7:00pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/im-such-a-douchebag-i-cant-park-my-lexus/379451/20 "2006-11-07T19:00:34Z")
I was recently at a meeting with three other college-educated, professional women and the one who had insisted on driving was a tiny little woman driving an enormous luxury car. I was dismayed to see that she had parked quite crookedly, and we’re not even talking about parallel parking here, she had parked quite crookedly in a generous parking space. She giggled about how she just couldn’t park correctly _tee hee_. Worst of all, the other two professional women I was with chimed in and agreed that they also had great difficulty parking their cars. If I ran the world, they’d all be remediated until they could park a damn car in a damn parking space. The one hope I have left is that the other two women really _could_ park their cars competently but they were just trying to make the first woman feel better. I insist on believing this. [Next page](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/im-such-a-douchebag-i-cant-park-my-lexus/379451.md?page=2)