Just remember why to go slowly.
“In any parking lot, especially busy ones, the key is to go slowly,” says Crystal, the office manager at the Street Smarts Driver Education’s location in Clive, Iowa. Crystal’s advice is reflected in statistics that GitNux found about speeding being “a contributing factor in 17% of parking lot accidents.” Driving slowly is very important to remember when in any parking lot, especially school parking lots that are filled with inexperienced drivers.
Your own comfort and safety always come first. If parking in certain spots is risky for you, take your time and find a location that provides you the comfort you need to park. “If you’re not comfortable with parking yet, choose to park in a spot that is quite a ways away from others,” Crystal recommends to newer drivers. Avoid inserting yourself and recently obtained licenses and permits into high-stress situations.
Second comes consideration for others, as the common saying goes, “do unto others as you would have them do unto you.” It is nice to come back to your car after a long day at school to see it undamaged and very accessible to yourself, the driver. “To be considerate to others, park in the middle of the spot, leaving room for others to park next to you and open their doors comfortably,” Crystal reminds. Parking lots can be very stressful, so it is important to do what you can to make the environment as least stressful for others.
Of course, mistakes happen, but it is important to understand mistakes aren’t necessarily excused. “Sometimes, if you’re an inexperienced driver, you might not be centered in your parking spot and you’re given leniency for that,” explains Crystal. However, it is best practice to continue to repark until your car is parked adequately in your parking spot. Nevertheless, in school parking lots, it is best to extend understanding as all students are new drivers.
To remain safe and considerate, pay careful attention to your surroundings and be prepared for surprises. “The biggest mistake would be pulling in too fast and without your foot over the break,” Crystal reflects. Mistakes are susceptible to happen in environments with many inexperienced drivers so it is important to be very cautious. “Go slowly,” Crystal stresses, “and choose a spot that you’re comfortable parking in and one that reflects your parking level.”