Parking Garage And Public Parking Etiquette
Posted by Charmen in Culture and SocietyAnytime you’re around other people, common courtesy and etiquette should prevail — even when it’s in a parking garage or other public places. A little courtesy goes a long way when you have limited time or are looking for that one great spot. It’s easy to get caught up in the rush of our daily lives and forget the few simple rules that will make our day go better.
A Little Courtesy Goes A Long Way
The courtesy lessons we learned as children still apply today in most situations and this includes being polite and considerate of others in a parking garage, at the supermarket, or vying for spots to park on the public streets. If you bring your shopping cart to your car, be sure to put it in a responsible place when finished. Most lots have designated locations for the return of the carts. Don’t let them take up valuable spots or make someone get out of their car to move them so they can park.
If you accumulated trash or garbage in your car, don’t leave it behind. Again, most parking garages have ample trash receptacles to handle this. This includes dumping the contents of your ashtray on the ground next to your car as well.
If you have small children, be sure to keep a close eye on them. Cars often travel faster than you might think and it can only take a second for a child to dart into the path of another car.
It’s Called A Parking Spot For A Reason
When you find your perfect spot you’ll probably notice lines mark your space. Those lines are there for a reason. Stay within the lines. This will help to make sure your car won’t get “dinged” by another car as they open their door. Pull completely into the space to allow other drivers to see better as they back out of their space and to prevent your car from becoming an obstacle for other drivers to avoid. Make sure your car can fit into the space provided; those spots marked for compact cars are marked for a reason.
Driving Rules Apply Inside Of A Parking Garage
Wherever there is congestion of vehicles, pedestrians or other moving objects rules must be applied and obeyed for the safety of everyone involved. Most will have posted speed limits, marked crosswalks for pedestrians and other signals for you to observe. If everyone follows these rules it helps to keep traffic flowing smoothly and orderly.
Common sense can go a long way when it comes to driving. Never take a space that is marked for the handicapped unless you are entitled to use it. If you should find an unmarked space that is close to the exits, please leave them for the elderly, disabled, new mothers or others that might have a more difficult time or need additional space to maneuver.
So, whether you’re in Chicago parking at the mall, in Atlanta in your supermarket lot, or in a private garage, remember the basic rules of etiquette should always be applied.
Resources: Christine O’Kelly writes for the Chicago parking garage experts at Chicago Parking Map. They provide a wealth of information and helpful interactive maps of downtown Chicago parking.
