Love in a parking lot: Parking Etiquette 101

MANILA, Philippines - The parking lot – often a dark, dusty place reeking of oil and exhaust – is hardly the venue that comes to mind when you think of expressing your love and respect for the human race. But if you take into account how much “consideration for others” is required for all to have a blissful parking experience, you’ll see that the humble parking lot is a treasure trove of opportunities to think of the greater good instead of yourself. I daresay, it’s a microcosm of society itself.

No developer in this country has ever built anything with ample parking. Parking seems like an architectural afterthought around here. And with the frenetic pace of our city lives, the hunt for the perfect space can regrettably produce flicked fingers and caustic curses. However, it needn’t be that way. Applying these parking etiquette pointers (whether you’re behind the wheel or walking on the pavement) is a good start.

Center yourself

While we all know the right thing to do is to center our vehicle in the space well within the lines, being in a rush (think mid-December) might tempt us to overhang the boundaries and inconvenience our neighbors.

All the way in please

Pull your vehicle in all the way into the space so as not to narrow the lane where other motorists are passing. However, if you man a small vehicle it’s best that the car be seen from the lane for the convenience of those still seeking a space. And to protect your car possible damage from drivers who see a “vacant” spot and carelessly pull into yours.

First signaled, first served

If you’ve found your space, claim with it with your blinker to avoid any confusion and consequent altercations. Spotting it first doesn’t always automatically guarantee the slot is yours.

No inventing

Pinoys are often commended for their resourcefulness and ingenuity. This should not apply to creating parking spaces in no parking areas. These areas usually need to be vacant to allow motorists to pull in and out of spaces with greater ease and speed.

Use the tools

Most parking lots have convex mirrors or sound devices to warn you of oncoming vehicles. Use them.

Obey the rules

All parking lots have their own set of rules. Even though law enforcers might not be present to accost you, the rules exist for everyone’s safety. Signs to watch out for include those indicating speed limits, one way lanes, stop/yield intersections and handicap parking spots.

Mind the blind spots

Parking areas are rife with blind spots. In multi-level parking lots, the car on its way up the ramp usually has the right of way. There’s nothing to lose by stopping to let the guy through. And speaking of blind spots, motorists backing out of a space rear end first are especially vulnerable. If you’re walking, pause and let him get out first. Or you might want to go the extra mile and facilitate the process by helping him out on the corners he can’t see.

Kids under control

I shudder at the thought of potential accidents to kids in parking lots. Keep kids under control at all times. The smaller they are, the less likely they are to be seen by a driver. Personally, I’ve made a habit of carrying toddler-sized kids even if they are willing to walk.

Don’t stalk

A reasonable tactic is to follow people to their car. They lead you right to a soon-to-be-free spot! But it is not okay to “stalk” these poor pedestrians. The least you can do is open your window and ask if it’s alright for you to follow them to their vehicle. However, be warned that reactions to this sort of approach can vary.

You can wait but you can’t block

Let’s say you’ve found a pedestrian who’s willing to be followed to his car so you can have his spot as soon as he leaves. If waiting for him to load his shopping is taking forever and you’re blocking other parking seekers, think of the greater good. Move on and know another “perfect” spot is waiting for you elsewhere.

No Jaywalking

It’s a driver’s responsibility to watch out for pedestrians. But it’s also a pedestrian’s responsibility to stay out of the way.

Good legs? Will walk!

If you’re in good health, why not give up a space that’s closer to the parking exit so perhaps an elderly citizen on pregnant woman can benefit from the convenience? Besides, walking is good for you! Also, parking further away from the exit makes it less likely that your vehicle will be boxed in by other cars later in the day, making it easier for you to get into your car and out of the lot.

Open doors with caution

Unless you are an extremely large person, there is no need to swing your car door wide open. Easy does it to prevent unsightly door dings. (This is also a good reason to park in the less congested area of the lot).

Be swift and patient

I’m all for gender equality, but as a typical, spacial-ly challenged female, it would be nice not to be aggressively honked at while negotiating my way in and out of tight spaces. I was pulling into a tricky corner space once, and the car behind me was beating impatiently on his horn as I sweated through each maneuver. When I was done and alighted from my car, I realized the horn beater turned out to be someone I knew! He apologized and said if he had know it was me, he wouldn’t have honked. That’s nice. But should it really matter if you know the less-skilled parker or not?

Slow down in rainy conditions

This isn’t just about being wary of slippery conditions. There might be a hapless pedestrian you could unwittingly shower with filthy puddle water as you pass.

No littering

If I had a peso for every time someone left their little bits of garbage behind a post or potted plant… No wants to see trash lying around. It’s just plain dirty, unhygienic and blatantly inconsiderate. Leave the trash in your car or hold on to it until you see a proper trash receptacle.

So there you are – easy to remember tips you probably already knew. Now here’s the problem: Applying these simple courtesies does not mean that everyone around you will automatically do the same. It serves us best to manage our expectations and simply know that what we do, does make a difference… and we can show love in a parking lot.