Dos And Don'ts While Parking Your Car

While parking lots aren’t inherently dangerous, failing to navigate correctly can open up the potential for pedestrian accidents, fender benders, and road rage. So in this article, we have listed down the dos and don’ts of car parking to lower your risk behind the wheel and help you nail parking in one go!

Car Parking Dos

Do: Find Enough Space

Be sure to find a suitable space for your car to fit in and leave enough room (at least one meter) between the other cars for you and your passengers to get off and get inside. If you find yourself too close to any car, you can always reverse back to position it correctly and create some more space for you to complete your parking.

Do: Use Your Mirrors

Always check your mirrors to determine your car’s distance from the other cars and to gain awareness of the size of the markings. These mirrors can help you check on blind spots and let you determine if the coast is clear. Additionally, most vehicles these days are equipped with rear-view cameras for easier and safer maneuvering.

Do: Look Around Your Surroundings

From cars and pedestrians, make sure to pay attention to your surroundings along with the parking restrictions prior to leaving your parked vehicle as some open spaces might be intended for street sweeping or passenger unloading. Likewise, it is also important to practice proper etiquette be sensitive enough not to block the way of other parked vehicles or drivers looking for a parking slot.

Do: Find A Safe Parking Space

When choosing a parking space at night, opt for a space that is in close proximity to light and security cameras for added safety. On the other hand, if you’re trying to locate a parking space in a retail store, it is advisable to choose an open space that is far from groups of unattended shopping carts or shopping cart collectors to prevent your vehicle from being damaged or scratched while parked in the parking lot.

Car Parking Don’ts

Don’t: Rush Your Way

Avoid rushing your way when reversing as you might miss the timing of your steering wheel turn and reverse slowly instead, where you feather the accelerator and clutch at a creeping pace. By reducing your speed, you can react to any unexpected situations that may arise, such as the elderly gentleman who’s trying to back out or the two-year-old kid who ran away from her mother.

Don’t: Be Distracted

It is easy to get distracted by other things and become impatient with other drivers in a parking lot. Using your phone or turning the radio too high can also distract you from focusing on the other things that are happening in the parking lot. However, staying alert and being more cognizant of what we are doing can protect you and those around you.

Don’t: Park In Danger Zones

While it’s convenient to park right next to the entrance, it can expose your vehicle to all sorts of trouble. Your best bet is to avoid parking near danger zones and keep it away from trees, foot traffic, playgrounds, athletic fields, and intersections. By doing so, you can avoid damages and worry less about the future resale value of your vehicle.