How to Park a Motor Vehicle on the Roadside When Needed
4 Answers
First, check if there are any parking restriction signs in the area. If there are time-limited parking signs, temporary parking is allowed. Before parking, reduce your speed, turn on the right turn signal, and check the right-side rearview mirror to see if there are any vehicles or pedestrians behind you. Once the vehicle is safely parked by the roadside, engage the handbrake or press the parking button. Activate the hazard warning lights on the vehicle.
Let me emphasize some crucial safety details about parking. First, observe the parking spot from a distance to check for any no-parking signs, and avoid areas like intersections or fire lanes. Gradually approach the spot, activating your right turn signal about 100 meters in advance to alert following drivers. Control your speed—don’t rush. Once parked, ensure your car is within 30 cm of the curb; parking too far out risks scraping adjacent vehicles. Always engage the handbrake and shift into 'P' mode. Before exiting, check your rearview mirror for approaching e-bikes to ensure it’s safe to open the door. If temporarily parked, never sleep in the car with the engine idling—carbon monoxide poisoning is a real risk. Always turn off the engine. In no-parking zones, use hazard lights for emergencies and leave promptly once done—no lingering.
When parking on the roadside, I pay great attention to observation. First, check if there's a suitable parking space—don't park on blind paths or in front of fire hydrants. Start slowing down and turn on the indicator, scanning all around to avoid pedestrians or e-bikes suddenly appearing. After parking, try to straighten the wheels and keep a two-meter distance from the car in front for easier exit. Before turning off the engine, remember to turn off the AC and headlights, especially in summer when many forget and drain the battery. Fold the side mirrors—this is crucial in narrow streets. After locking the car, take a few steps back and glance to confirm it's not parked crookedly, avoiding traffic obstruction. If parking in the rain, be careful not to park in low-lying areas—last year, a friend's car got flooded by overlooking this.
My parking philosophy boils down to three principles: steady, precise, and swift. Spot the space decisively without hesitation, signal early to prompt following vehicles to yield. Keeping the car body parallel to the curb is paramount—crooked wheels invite scratches. Engage neutral and pull the handbrake immediately after parking. In summer, never leave children unattended in the car. Opt for monitored spots in commercial areas, especially overnight for theft prevention. Limit hazard light use to five minutes max for quick pickups without obstructing traffic. Remember: never park within 15 meters of a bus stop—that’s how I got ticketed last year.
