Eight simple car parking rules of etiquette we should all follow
If you want to gage the level of good manners in your neighbourhood, drive to the busiest car park and attempt to find a vacant spot.As you circle the aisles, again and again, notice how many drivers are taking up two spots, are parked in the disabled space without a permit, or are ducking left and right with no indication.
According to Monash University Accident Research Centre, aggressive driving is extremely common in car parks. It found a range of factors, including time pressures, territoriality over car parks, general aggressive tendencies, and annoyance over others’ driving behaviour, are just some of the factors.
Studies show the worst times for aggressive driving in car parks are weekends and festive seasons. Insurance data reveals that car park accidents increase by around 50% over Christmas.
If you’d like to keep yourself and others safe and reduce insurance costs, here are eight simple rules to follow in your carpark adventures.
1. Remember that road rules apply
Car parking stations are not the Wild West. Obey speed limits, directional arrows and watch for pedestrians crossing. According to research, shopping centre car parks represent 50 per cent of pedestrian injuries reported.
2. Don’t ask your friend or partner to pretend they are a car
No, no. no. They can’t claim a spot by standing in it.
3. Keep your cool
You’ve circled the lot five times when you suddenly see a car pulling out. Don’t speed towards it at 60km an hour. If you’re closest to it, put your indicator on and pull up behind the space in a way that leaves enough room for the other driver to exit easily.
If someone then zips in front of you, resist the urge to strangle the life out of them. The most common cause of aggression in car parks stems from difficulty finding a spot, according to the Accident Research Centre, so always allow extra time.
4. Leave the disabled spots for disabled people
You wouldn’t think this would need explaining. If you have any questions, watch this clip from Seinfeld’s Handicap Spot episode.
5. Think about outer space
Park in the middle of a parking space, not over the lines so the driver next to you needs to squeeze out of their car and probably ding your panels. If you’re parking on the street, don’t squeeze into a spot so small that the person in front or behind you will need to do a 13-point turn to get out.
And, if there’s plenty of room, don’t park in the middle when two cars could fit.
6. Use your voice
If parking is at a premium and you’re returning to your car but not leaving, let any other driver eyeing up your space know. Just make eye contact and say “sorry, I’m not leaving”.
If you are leaving, and the park will be freed up, maybe nod and smile and, when you get into your car, don’t spend 10 minutes checking your phone.
7. Don’t park in non-spots
Parking at the end of an aisle, where there isn’t a park, may seem a practical alternative to a parking dilemma. It’s not. Parking spaces are marked up for a reason and usually, it’s road safety and consideration for other drivers.
8. Return your trolley
Yes, we know it’s been a long day and they have people to collect trolleys but push it back to the bay, not the middle of the parking space. Thank you.
Related: Tips for beating car park rage
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Related: Where you should park your car according to maths
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