Why does parallel parking touch the sideline?
3 Answers
Parallel parking touches the sideline because the driver turns the steering wheel to the left too early when reversing after aligning the vehicle upon seeing the corner of the parking space in the left rearview mirror, leaving a significant distance between the left rear wheel and the parking line. Here are the relevant details: 1. Parallel Parking: Parallel parking no longer uses poles but instead relies on ground markings to define the parking space boundaries. For learners obtaining a C1 driver's license, the length of the parking space is 1.5 times the vehicle's length plus 1 meter. Drive the vehicle parallel to the parking space in the forward direction, then reverse into the space to the right rear without any pauses. As long as the vehicle is parked within the boundaries without crossing the sideline, it is considered a pass. 2. Parallel Parking Tips: (1) Ensure the vehicle is about 30 centimeters away from the edge of the parking space and drive parallel past it. (2) Drive forward and observe the right rearview mirror. When corner A of the parking space appears, the vehicle has passed the space; stop. (3) Press the clutch, shift into reverse gear, and slowly reverse; watch the right rearview mirror, and when corner A disappears, turn the steering wheel fully to the right.
Hitting the side line during parallel parking is usually due to the driver's misjudgment, such as turning the steering wheel too early or too late, resulting in the car not being centered in the parking space. I've seen many beginners do this when teaching them to drive. They often get nervous and only focus on the front mirror, forgetting to check the rearview mirror, which leads to the rear of the car scraping the line. Another factor is the parking space itself being narrow or uneven, especially when the ground has a significant slope, making it more prone to happen. To avoid this issue, it's best to reverse slowly and practice the 45-degree angle entry maneuver more often. Also, try to relax mentally and don't rush to complete the task. The car's design also plays a role; small cars and SUVs handle differently, with SUVs having larger blind spots requiring extra caution. I recommend finding an empty space daily to simulate the parking a few times—practice makes perfect. If mistakes persist, consider installing parking sensors or a rearview camera for assistance. In short, don't get discouraged by mistakes; the key is to accumulate experience. Now, after a few weeks of consistent practice, almost none of my students hit the lines anymore.
Over the years of driving, I've also encountered situations where I touched the line, mainly due to miscalculating the vehicle's distance. Recalling when I first started driving, once while parking at a supermarket, the rearview mirror wasn't adjusted properly, and the gap on the right side wasn't clear, resulting in the rear wheel crossing the line. The reasons might have been the parking space being too tight or driving too fast without leaving enough buffer space. I've also experienced uneven tire pressure causing the car to pull to one side. Psychologically, distractions when nervous or bad weather can easily lead to mistakes. The solution is simple: reduce speed to a crawl when reversing, using slight steering adjustments to maintain balance. Practice is key—I found an unused spot near my home to practice for half an hour every day. Now, parking goes much smoother, with fewer issues. A reminder to everyone: vehicle widths vary, so SUVs need extra attention to turning radius. Regularly check tire pressure and rearview mirror settings to ensure everything is normal. Safety is no small matter; even minor scrapes should be avoided.
