What Are Some Helpful Parking Tips
As of January of 2020, there were over 19 million registered motor vehicles on the roads in Australia. With this in mind, it might be a good idea to tap the brakes and assess one of the most fundamental driving skills – parking. Let’s be honest. Not all drivers know how to park perfectly.
Pinpoint the Place
Be mindful when parking your car. Areas such as driveways, proximity to an intersection, speed bumps, stop signs, or railway crossings are prohibited. Any area where your vehicle is blocking traffic flow needs to be avoided unless you don’t mind unforeseen fines or having your car towed.
Test Drive Your Technique
Ensure you have a sound understanding of the different parking techniques. Parallel parking usually occurs on the side of roads and involves positioning your car in line with other cars parallel to the pavement. Many people find this tricky to do as multiple skills are needed to perform this manoeuvre correctly. Remember to drive your car next to the vehicle that will be in front of you. Line up your side mirror on the passenger door with their right side mirror. Your wheel must then be turned toward the pavement. Check your rearview mirror and reverse slowly. Once your car seat is in line with the rear bumper of the car in front, keep moving back slowly but quickly turn the steering wheel away from the pavement. You should now be parallel to the kerb in between the two parked cars. Always ensure there is enough space between your car and the other two parked cars so that you can pull out of the parking space easily.
Perpendicular parking usually occurs in parking lots where multiple cars are parked in limited space. The cars are parked side by side and are usually at a 90-degree angle to a wall or pavement. Always ensure that you indicate when you find the desired spot. This informs other drivers of your intentions. When parking your vehicle, allow sufficient space on both sides of the vehicle to prevent your car door from damaging the neighbouring vehicle.
Angle parking is a similar type of parking and is easier to execute as the cars are positioned at an angle. Reversing your car into a parallel parking bay is known as reverse parallel parking. This tricky technique is often avoided by drivers. Always stop your car about one metre from the parked car. Reverse carefully and brake when your rear window is aligned with the rear of the other car. Now turn your steering wheel until your vehicle is at a 45-degree angle while moving slowly. Straighten out the steering carefully.
Reduce Road Rage
Double parking drives many motorists around the bend. It’s the height of bad manners in the world of driving. Ensure that your chosen parking spot doesn’t obstruct other vehicles. You may end up with more than an angry note on your windscreen; an exorbitant fine could also accompany it.
Get Help Parking With Driving Lessons
If you want to hone your skills as a driver including how to park like a pro, get driving lessons from LTrent.