Is there anything more intimidating than rocking up to Cottonwood Mall or the Coronado Center and looking at the sea of cars in the parking lot? Especially in August, when you want to park as close as possible so you don’t have to spend too much time out of the air conditioning? Well, maybe it wouldn’t seem quite so terrifying if everyone was on the same page about parking lot etiquette. It’s horrible to go into a crowded parking lot in the first place, but then when you have to contend with all kinds of crazy drivers taking up the whole lane, people stealing your spots, pedestrians acting like they own the whole place, and people honking to high heaven… well, let’s all agree that this is not the ideal situation. Here at Galles Chevrolet, we believe in politeness and common sense. Take a look at our Rules Of The Parking Lot (yes, that’s what this is) and then share it with everyone you know. Who knows, maybe Albuquerque will become the epicenter of a worldwide parking lot etiquette shakeup!
First, make sure you’re parked straight. Always check to make sure you’re inside the lines of the space you’ve chosen. A good idea is a couple of cheap convex mirrors stuck to the bottom outside corners of your side mirrors. These are usually inexpensive at the store and make a world of difference when parking. They also let you see if you’re in the middle of the lane on the highway, as well as letting you see the curb when you’re parallel parking in the city.
The next thing to do is don’t abandon your shopping cart. Usually, stores have corrals for their carts, and it’s just a matter of good citizenship to put your cart into one of them after you’ve finished unloading your purchases into your vehicle. It’s usually not a good time for anyone if you don’t see it in time and hit it – your paint can get scratched, your sidewalls can get dented… not fun. If you spot one in a parking space and you’re not battling for territory with other vehicles, have your copilot get out and move the cart so you can take the spot. That’s two birds with one stone – the spot is yours AND you’ve returned the cart to where it belongs.
Make sure you use your turn signals. If you’re in a busy lot and see a spot you want, just turn on your signal. It’s easy and lets people know what you’re trying to do. Parking can be confusing – make it easier for your fellow drivers by signaling.
Don’t park too close to someone else. Or park too far into a spot. Or across multiple spots. There’s a golden rule of parking – be the driver you want to encounter. Think about how you’d like everyone to park, and then do it. Maybe you’ll start a trend of great parking! You’ll be a national hero! It starts with a single decision to park well.
Park far. We’re all trying to get out and get active more and more these days. So maybe instead of duking it out for the closest spot to the entrance, park farther away. There are fewer cars to contend with, more spots to choose from, and you’ll get a little physical activity in as a bonus.
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