Parking lot mayhem!
Life in a parking lot can sure be different than life on the public roads. Many times when I’m in a parking lot, I witness strange driving behaviours. People stop thinking when they’re looking for a place to park. They want to get the closest place to the door of the building. Why? I’ve watched them get out of the vehicle and walk easily, so why is it so important to park so close to the doors?
I learned a lot from my dad about parking lots. He had a big station wagon when I was a teen, which made it somewhat difficult to park. He drove through the first parking space and parked in the second one. This meant he could drive in and out of his parking spaces. That makes a lot of sense, doesn’t it? I mean, who wants to back up into a parking lot aisle with other drivers driving along not paying attention?
I continue to watch drivers pull forward into the first space and park. The confusing part is the second spot is open and they didn’t continue through to it. Why not? It sure would be easier than backing out. Speaking of backing out, I’ve watched drivers back out of their spaces even though the space in front of them is open. Since we face forward in our vehicles, why not try to drive forward as often as possible? Backing into your space is safer than backing out of it, if you can’t find a pull through space. There’s less cross traffic in your spot as compared to the aisle.
The best and most unusual story I have about a parking lot is this one. While waiting in my van with the kids as my wife went into the grocery store, I witnessed a driver back into a shopping cart. Now, I know that doesn’t seem strange, but after loading her groceries into the back of her SUV, she placed her shopping cart in another parking space across the aisle from where she had parked. The driver then proceeded to get into her vehicle and back up into her cart! I thought I had seen it all before that, but I was wrong. I think I hurt my chin as my jaw dropped to the floor of my van!
My parking tips are as follows. Not only should we find a parking space that allows us to avoid backing, but one that isn’t at the end of a row. A vehicle cutting the corner can clip your vehicle. Next, avoid parking opposite an entrance or another aisle. This can allow another vehicle to slide into you if they’re not careful. Also, avoid parking next to a vehicle that is either crooked in their space, or their wheels are turned sharply. This would result in a sideswipe of their vehicle into yours when they back out of their space.
Be careful in parking lots. Even though the speed is slow, the stress can reach you fast!
**Have a quick listen to this short episode of the “Speed Bumps” podcast as parking tips are discussed!
Wow, this is a really great blog! Your anecdote about the woman and the shopping cart is surprising but I can see that happening. I think when it comes to cars, people tend to be a bit illogical…especially in parking lots. I’ve seen screaming matches erupt over parking spots in malls…it gets ridiculous really.
Thanks for the comment! I appreciate your feedback and I agree with you about parking lots. No one seems to take it for real.
Scott
I almost never backup (in or out) at a parking lot. I will walk three times further in terrible weather if I can find a “pull through” (I always have an umbrella if needed. I am delighted that you provided your suggestions. I even occasionally “preach” to a stranger at the lot about that issue.
Thanks for being part of the solution Gordon!