Street Parking

 

Street Parking
The best space may be...

 

In many locations, I avoid the lots and structures and park on the street. Street parking is not without dangers, but it provides its own type of protection, and sometimes shade as well. And you can often find spots close to driveways so no one will back into the space in front of you. All else being equal, park in front of someone, not behind them - today's bumpers damage far more easily than you'd think.

Click the picture to the left - finding a single street space between to driveways is a winner!

Some negative factors for street parking include:

  1. Street parking is often metered. Not only is it going to cost you, but you will have a time limit.
  2. Parallel parking may be required. If you are not skilled at parallel parking, you might do more damage to your vehicle than another vehicle would. (Nothing hurts more than damaging your own vehicle!)
  3. Depending on the location of the space, others may back into the space in front of you, or bump into you from behind. Even though bumpers are usually a bit stronger than the center of your door panel, they are actually relatively fragile, and even minor impacts from protrusions like license plates and bolts from another vehicle can cause considerable damage.
  4. The passenger door may scrape high curbs or hit an object like a pole or hydrant - warn your passenger if you think this is a possibility. (Or better yet, offer to open the door for your passenger - it's far more polite than a "warning.")
  5. Watch that curb when pulling in!
  6. Choosing curb-side parking might mean you are further from your destination - a big factor if you are carrying merchandise.

Angle Parking
A little extra safety

Angle Parking
Use care when backing out

Angle Parking
Curbs pose great danger

Diagonal (Angle) Parking

I don't like diagonal parking and will avoid it at all costs. If there is an alternative, go for it.

Diagonal parking, especially at a curb-side, is very dangerous. There is usually a slope on the side of the road by the gutter. That means that doors being opened, usually on the passenger side, will have additional gravitational force. Also, many curbs are high enough to cause damage to bumpers or other bodywork.

If your vehicle is equipped with protective molding, it is probably just on the lower part of the doors. Notice that when you angle park, doors of adjacent vehicles are often able to contact your fenders, especially on the unprotected lip over wheel wells.

When parking diagonally, pull in at a slightly greater angle then the lines would indicate. This provides a little extra space to the passenger side of the car to the left of you and more space to the driver's side of the car to the right.

Use extra care when backing out of diagonal spaces. Click the pictures to the left for more information.

The bottom line: diagonal parking is very risky...don't do it.

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