What are the reasons for crossing the line during parallel parking?
2 Answers
There are several reasons for crossing the line during parallel parking: 1. Entering too late: When reversing into the parking space too late, by the time the entire vehicle is inside, it's impossible to straighten, directly pressing against the right line. This is the most common cause of crossing the line. 2. Excessive speed: When reversing into the space, if the speed is too fast and the vehicle isn't straightened in time, the rear wheels may press against the rear line or the vehicle body may touch the line. 3. Ignoring distance: When exiting the space, the driver may focus only on adjusting the front of the vehicle and neglect checking the distance between the right wheel and the edge line in the right mirror. Due to turning the steering wheel too quickly, the right wheel may cross the line when exiting. Before starting parallel parking, it's crucial to position the vehicle correctly, maintaining a distance of 30-50 cm between the right side of the vehicle and the edge line to avoid significant errors.
When I first started driving, parallel parking over the line happened way too often, mainly because I kept misjudging the space—always thinking the car could easily squeeze in, only to have the wheels hit the curb. Looking back, I’d often rush to park roadside before work, focusing only on the rearview mirror and forgetting to account for the car’s rear width. Plus, turning the steering wheel too sharply or too late would throw off the car’s trajectory. Now I’ve learned my lesson: approach slowly, confirm the front or rear position before turning. Also, the car itself plays a role—SUVs with higher ground clearance are more prone to scraping than sedans, and uneven ground can cause slight drifting, leading to misalignment. Crossing the line isn’t just embarrassing; it’s dangerous—hitting a pedestrian or another car would be a nightmare. So, I’d advise practicing simulated parking or installing a backup camera for assistance. Bottom line: I made tons of mistakes as a beginner, but constant practice helped me improve.
