We all dreaded parking tests back in the driving school days. Even today, hectic commutes, congested city traffic, limited street parking spaces and the stress of heavy penalties can trick even an experienced motorist. Especially, if you’re navigating the big cities of the UAE, finding a decent parking spot during peak hours can feel like a nightmare.
Parking too close to another car, ignoring blind spots and parking signs are just a few of the many parking mistakes to avoid. Anyone can make these common parking mistakes, the trick is to be attentive and aware and to keep practising. We have gathered a list of the biggest parking mistakes you need to know to avoid penalties and traffic fines.
10 COMMON PARKING MISTAKES
Parking where you’re not supposed to; in front of someone else’s driveway, at a no-parking spot or closer to the bus stop are some of the serious violations to avoid. Whether you’re a newbie or beating the urban roads for an umpteenth time, you need to know these common parking mistakes that can lead to damages besides going heavy on your pockets.
1. HITTING THE CURB
While not so common among experienced drivers, this is one of the biggest mistakes many newbies make. Hitting the curb or pole during your parking test can also result in an immediate failure. Sometimes, drivers fail to figure out when to hit the brakes and bump into other cars. To avoid serious damages, try practicing before you hit the road.
2. OCCUPYING DISABLED PARKING
Ignoring parking signs is another bummer many novices and even experienced motorists make. As much as it is a mistake, it is also socially inappropriate to park your vehicle in a disabled parking spot if you don’t fit the criterion. Such a mistake may not only put you in trouble but also distress specially-abled drivers looking for a free parking spot. The signs are there for a reason, and it is the responsibility of every citizen to abide by the rules.
3. COMMON MISTAKES IN PARALLEL PARKING
Some novice drivers may find parallel parking a daunting task. No wonder, it requires a lot of skill and practice. In a fast-paced city like Dubai, you’ll often find yourself parking parallel to other cars on the side of the road. Dry steering, missing blind spots or failing to configure the right distance between two vehicles are some of the common mistakes in parallel parking. The real trick is to ease into the spot and avoid forcing your vehicle into a tight space. Ensure gauging the space and safe distance so your car has enough room to slide in without causing any accidents. Besides, there are many parallel parking tips that can help you.
4. CROSSING THE LINE
More of a violation than a common parking mistake, many motorists fail to stay within the line especially when parking diagonally. By doing that, you’re occupying another car’s space and it may end up with a scratch or dent if you don’t leave a safe distance. Remember not to get too close to your neighbour and park your vehicle properly within the given space.
5. ACCIDENTALLY PULLING THE REVERSE GEAR
While you may find it a silly mistake, it can happen to any distracted driver, new or experienced. Remember to carefully pull the parking gear to avoid possible damages and accidents.
6. PARKING CLOSE TO FIRE EXTINGUISHERS
Quite commonly neglected, parking close to a fire extinguisher can pose a serious safety threat. It blocks the space required to reach the fire extinguisher in case of an emergency. Always find a parking spot that’s safe for your car and wouldn’t cause any inconvenience to others.
7. DEPENDING ON REVERSE SENSORS
Let’s roll back to our first driving lessons and how we were continuously told to pay attention to side mirrors and car blind spots. Depending solely on reverse sensors is one of the biggest parking mistakes if you haven’t practised much. It is always recommended to evaluate the space with side mirrors along with reverse sensors.
8. PARKING TOO CLOSE TO THE MOVING TRAFFIC
Another serious violation of parking rules is getting too close to the traffic. Keeping a safe distance from busy roads is essential to avoid any serious damages. If you’re closer to the highway, ensure your vehicle is at a safe distance from moving traffic.
9. FORGETTING THE HAZARD LIGHTS
Hazard lights in your car indicate drivers behind you of your intentions. For a stress-free parking experience, switch them on while waiting to park so other motorists will conveniently pass from the side.
10. TRYING TO FIT IN SMALL SPACES
Trying to squeeze into a congested spot might not get you penalised but it sure creates a fuss. Your car may cause damages to itself and other vehicles in the line. Likewise, someone might leave a scratch or two while trying to squeeze out of the cramped parking space. A little more effort to find enough room for your vehicle is the number one parking tip you’re looking for. That said, cars equipped with parking distance control systems are less prone to parking-related accidents.
BONUS PARKING TIPS
Ensure checking for parking conditions and peak hours before heading out. Is there free street parking at your destination? Are the roads congested at this hour? And other similar research can save you from moving back and forth searching for a convenient parking spot. Always ensure checking your driveway for animals and kids before pulling the car out and follow traffic rules to make it a hassle-free experience for yourself and all the other cars on the road.
Parking too close to your neighbour and leaving little to no safe distance, not parking square in space and straddling the lines can not only put you in trouble but also annoy other drivers on the road. Moreover, if you are a resident in the UAE, failing to abide by car driving rules and parking laws can also result in fatal accidents and cause hefty traffic violation charges.
Whether you are planning to buy a new or used car in the UAE, these parking tips can help you out. A lot of practice, careful observation and evaluating the space before sliding into it are some ultimate tricks.
Stay tuned to the top auto blog of the UAE for more tips and guides related to driving, car maintenance and traffic rules in Emirates.
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