Should I shift gears or turn on the turn signal first for parallel parking?
2 Answers
Parallel parking requires shifting gears first. Below are relevant details about parallel parking: 1. Introduction: Parallel parking is a component of the second subject in the driver's license test. It is an increasingly common scenario in urban areas, especially as parking spaces in formal lots become more scarce. Many places have designated street-side parking spaces, creating "parallel parking spots." 2. Test Objective: To assess the driver's ability to correctly park the vehicle in a roadside space on the right. 3. Operational Requirements: The driver must maneuver the vehicle into the right-side parking space without the wheels touching the lane boundary lines or the parking space boundary lines.
When it comes to parallel parking, I always pay close attention to the safety sequence. The standard practice is actually to turn on the signal light first, then shift gears. This gives a clear signal to pedestrians or other drivers on the road, letting them know you're about to stop and look for a parking space, avoiding rear-end collisions or accidental bumps. Only after turning on the signal do I slow down or stop, shifting into reverse or the appropriate gear to prepare for parking. The whole process is steadier and can reduce stress. After all, traffic rules emphasize signal priority to ensure everyone's safety. Once, I didn't signal in time, and the car behind almost hit me—it was really close. Since then, I've made it a habit: signal first, then shift, making parking smoother and causing less congestion.
