We’ve all chuckled at those viral parking fails on YouTube, but are you sure you’re not making the same mistakes? You might be guilty of parking blunders that could go viral, and you’d never know it unless someone calls you out.
You are not alone, though! Almost half of Americans admit to having a fear of parallel parking. However, the good thing is you can get better if you know the parking actions that are actually mistakes and try to work on them.
Hitting the Curb
Novice drivers often hit the curb while trying to park, usually due to poor judgment. This can cause serious damage to both the tires and rims and may even lead to an immediate failure in a driving test. In multi-level parking structures, misjudging the space could lead to bumping into the car in front. It’s a good idea to practice parking techniques in a safe environment before attempting to park in a new or challenging spot.
Occupying Disabled Parking
It is unethical to park your vehicle in this way. Novices may often fail to recognize the parking signs and occupy the space allotted for disabled people. By doing so, you confiscate the rights of the handicapped or, in popular words, “abuse” the parking spot. It is strictly illegal and leads to severe penalties.
Crossing Over the Line
Parking lines exist to mark each parking space clearly. If you don’t park within the lines, you encroach on another driver’s spot. This creates a problem when other drivers attempt to squeeze their cars into the remaining space, often resulting in dents, scratches, and a lot of frustration for everyone involved.
Parking Too Far from the Curb
Now, it is the total opposite. While you should do anything to avoid bumping into the curb, it is not a good idea to stay far away from it to prevent the hitting. If your vehicle protrudes from the rear end, you put it at risk of impact from other vehicles.
Being Dependent on Reverse Sensors
Technology is here, undoubtedly making driving much easier and better. Nonetheless, things get worse when you start relying solely on it. No technology can ever match the accuracy of human judgment. So, depending on the reverse sensors to park the car without noticing the mirrors or blind spots doesn’t make you look like an expert. You may face unpleasant circumstances.
Trying to Squeeze into Small Parking Spots
After a long search for a parking space, squeezing into a tight spot between two closely parked cars might be tempting. But if that’s your instinct, you’re not quite a pro yet. Attempting to park in a space that’s too small can damage your vehicle and those around you. You also risk getting a ticket for encroaching on adjacent spaces, blocking pedestrian paths, or violating size restrictions.
Parking Close to the Fire Extinguisher
Your car should NEVER obstruct access to a fire extinguisher. It can cause serious threats, as people cannot get the extinguisher promptly in case of an emergency, and an attempt to do so might damage your car. The best approach is to park at least 15 feet away from the fire hydrant area to ensure your own safety and that of others.
Not Slowing Down While Parking
Always slow down when attempting to park, especially in a busy parking area. Failing to do so can lead to collisions, causing a chain reaction of damage to multiple vehicles. Never rush into a space, no matter how empty it is. Take your time to look around, analyze other drivers’ parking behavior, check distances, and notice signs before you finally park.
Not Considering the Parking Size
Every place has specified parking spaces for different vehicles, and violating the standard sizes is illegal. You can face a penalty for parking your SUVs or larger vehicles in compact-car-only spaces where your vehicle doesn’t even fit in. It leads to safety issues and difficulty for other drivers on the road.
Not Using the Signal
Notifying other drivers when you plan to park the vehicle is important. Use the turn signals so that the vehicles behind get ready for you to slow down by decelerating their own pace. Furthermore, use brake, reverse, and hazard lights whenever appropriate to avoid colliding with other vehicles and to prevent a ticket.
Not Aligning All Tires
The toughest part of parking is reversing the vehicle back into the parking spot. If you do it right, you have already mastered the art. However, you must improve if you fail to align all the tires when reversing back. Straighten and align them straightforwardly to park in line and avoid hitting parallel vehicles.
Pulling the Reverse Gear
Pulling the reverse gear is never “accidental”; it happens if you are distracted or a novice. The distraction of even a moment can result in loss of control, collision risk, and, ultimately, parking failure. Be mindful when you park the vehicle before you claim to be a pro.
Obstructing the Driver Parking in Front of You
When you’re in a rush and eager to park, it’s tempting to get frustrated with a driver who’s already maneuvering into a spot. However, blocking or pressuring them can make the situation worse. The driver might become anxious or rushed, increasing the risk of an accident. On the other hand, if they proceed slowly, you might be stuck waiting and even more frustrated. Patience is key; allow them the space to park properly without adding to the stress.
Not Double-Checking the Position
Leaving your vehicle without a second glance can lead to unnecessary problems. It’s crucial to take a moment to check your parking position before walking away. Even if it seems perfect when you exit, a quick double-check can prevent issues like encroaching on adjacent spots or misalignment, saving you from potential conflicts or needing adjustments later.
Parking at the Edge of the Marked Bay
Parking too close to the edge of a marked bay invites another driver to hit your vehicle accidentally. Even for experienced drivers, parking becomes challenging when the car next to them is skewed far left or right. To avoid this, always aim to park in the center of the lines, keeping an equal distance from both sides and avoiding any extremes.
Time to Become a Pro
No human is born perfect; you master things when you make an effort for them. Problems arise when you fail to recognize and admit them. Recognize your parking mistakes now, and work on them to ensure a penalty-free driving record and safety.
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Zainab Noor is a motoring journalist. Childhood rides in Nissan Almera fueled her love for cars. After graduating from AIOU in 2021, she steered her passion into freelance writing. You can find Zainab on LinkedIn.
