New Drivers—Do You Know Parking Lot Etiquette?

New Drivers—Do You Know Parking Lot Etiquette? 

No doubt you have pulled into parking lots thousands of times as a passenger. But have you been paying attention to the basic manners that most drivers show in driving through the parking lot and pulling into a spot? The following may prove helpful in avoiding parking lot conflicts.

Drive Slowly and Be Alert

Parking lots are full of activity. All around you, you will see pedestrians, carts, and vehicles backing in and backing out of their parking spaces. Parents may be distracted while trying to load merchandise into their vehicle and putting their young children into car safety seats. Staying alert and driving slowly gives you time to react if needed. 

Pedestrians Always Have the Right-of-Way

You will see many people walking to and from their vehicles in parking lots. While driving, remember that pedestrians always have the right-of-way. Make sure to fully stop and be patient with the pedestrians ahead of you and nearby, especially near store entrances.

Follow Traffic Signs and Traffic Flow Arrows

1. Always obey traffic signs and follow traffic flow by obeying the arrows on the pavement. 
2. Treat intersections in parking lots as you would if traveling on a city street. 
3. Always use your turn signal when turning or pulling into a parking spot. This helps other drivers and pedestrians to predict your movement, and this will prevent confusion for you and other drivers and pedestrians. 

Center Your Vehicle Between the Lines

Perhaps you have observed a parked vehicle taking up two spaces, or parked in such a way that it would be difficult to park in the adjoining spaces. You don't want to be "that guy"! What if you don't park centered between the parking lines? You can re-adjust your vehicle by pulling back out (make sure to check no one is coming). Then adjust the position of your and pull forward as you would normally park in the parking spot.  

Be Careful When Backing Out

1. It is always best to turn around and face the back of your vehicle to check if anyone is driving or walking behind your vehicle. Then, check your rearview and side mirrors before backing out of your parking spot. Make sure to check your blind spots also. 
2. Back up your vehicle slowly. Be prepared to stop if a pedestrian or another vehicle is approaching your vehicle.  

Don’t Block Parking Lot Lanes

If you’re waiting to pick up someone, it is best to pull into a parking space. Blocking traffic lanes can create vehicle backups or even collisions. 

Stay Calm and Be Patient

Parking lots can be very chaotic with so many people and vehicles in one concentrated area. Avoid honking aggressively or overreacting to other drivers' mistakes. Everyone is just trying to get in and out of the parking lot safely.

At NHSA, our goal is to provide online driver education courses that equip all drivers with what they need to be safe drivers.  Whether you are a teen seeking a learner’s permit, or an adult driver seeking a basic driver safety course, check us out online to see what courses are available in your state!