The difficulties of parallel parking are familiar to every driver. This topic is especially relevant for beginners: many cars and few parking lots for them make parking a pain. To successfully cope with this task, you need to practice, bringing your actions to automaticity. In addition, this maneuver must be passed during the traffic police exam.
Parallel parking is the most common option for placing a car between already parked cars. The driver's attention and certain skills are required to complete the task. The maneuver must be performed in reverse, which can be very difficult for beginners. Strict adherence to the instructions will help you quickly master the task.
Parallel parking: what is it and why?
Reversing into a tight space is one of the most challenging tasks on the road. The driver must be able to place the car between two cars without any problems. On a narrow road or a crowded parking lot, this provides an opportunity for other vehicles to pass. But an incorrectly parked car causes accidents and congestion.
You must park your car so that the exit is open and convenient for all other road users. Parking spaces are often marked with special markings. The driver must know the standards for proper parking:
- in length - the space should be 2 times greater than the length of the car itself;
- in width - there must be at least 1 meter of free space on each side of the machine.
After completing parking, you need to get out of the car and double-check the distance to other cars. If there are inconsistencies with the standards, then they need to be corrected. The Code of Administrative Offenses of the Russian Federation specifies parking standards. Violation of them will result in a fine of 500 to 5,000 rubles under Article 12.19 of the Code of Administrative Offenses of the Russian Federation.
Simultaneous exit from the parking lot onto the road
The previous article answered the question of priority during simultaneous or almost simultaneous departure from the edge of the roadway. Now let's consider the same problem (simultaneous departure from the parking lot) in slightly different circumstances.
There are different options for organizing a parking space. This may be an organized parking lot, indicated by sign 6.4 “Parking (parking space),” or it may simply be an adjacent area or a section of road suitable for parking.
For example, let’s take a store (building, territory) along the road, but the parking space is located in a narrow adjacent area along the road, and entry and exit to this area is not limited, more precisely, it is limited by the length (and width) of the area adjacent to both the road and to the store (building). In other words, you can drive off the road into this area anywhere along its entire length.
Entering the area adjacent to the store, which is suitable for parking, and parking the car at a roadside parking lot usually does not raise any questions. Such parking is most often not long-term.
Some people drive up to the building in front, others would prefer to park the car directly with its nose towards the exit, but that’s not the point, people do what’s most convenient for them. Of course, they leave the parking lot the same way, as is more convenient for them. Moreover, their paths are different; some, for example, need to go left, others take the road to the right.
And when two cars leave the parking lot at the same time or almost simultaneously, in such cases the question naturally arises: who will be the first to enter the road, or who has the right of way?
When two cars leave a roadside parking lot (essentially, an adjacent area) almost simultaneously, disagreements sometimes arise between drivers regarding issues of priority.
The reason for the disagreement is that some travel, guided only by the Rules, while the actions of others are based on experience and rational decision. And in some situations, a rational approach is the only correct one. Much depends on the circumstances, the nature of the terrain, visibility of the road section, etc.
When do differences in priority arise? - only when the paths of the cars intersect, and the question arises - who will pass first. If the paths of the cars do not intersect, then questions regarding priority do not arise. Let's consider two options for controversial situations that arise during the simultaneous or almost simultaneous exit of two cars from the parking lot (from the adjacent territory) onto the road.
Suppose the cars drive out like this, as in the figure, i.e. The paths of two cars A and B intersect. In this case, the order of passage is not specified by the rules, which means that you should be guided by paragraph 8.9 of the traffic rules - “obstruction on the right” ( B ) enters the road first.
But if you take each car separately and look at the general road situation, taking into account the intensity of traffic on the road, it becomes clear that the driver who goes to the right ( A ) is obliged to yield only to his fellow travelers on the left, driving on the near (right) one. lane, and the driver driving to the left ( B ) should yield to all participants on the road driving both on the left and on the right.
Thus, car A is in a more advantageous position compared to car B , and can (depending on the situation) seemingly neglect paragraph 8.9. Those. It may well turn out that car A will enter (turn right) onto the road and manage to leave, while car B will still be forced to! wait for the opportunity to exit (turn left) onto the road.
In fact, car B , in this situation, having an advantage, in accordance with paragraph 8.9, voluntarily gives way to car A.
Therefore, it is advisable to make a decision “to leave the parking lot” based on how the situation develops at the time the decision is made. an accident occurs between two cars A and B If they collide, then the driver who did not give way to the “obstacle on the right” will be blamed.
Accidents can be avoided only when car drivers see each other and their actions are clear to each other.
Now, the situation is somewhat different. Both cars almost simultaneously enter the road from its opposite flanks, but they move in the same direction.
In this way, as in the picture, drivers from different directions enter the road, and by chance their paths may intersect. This happens when one of the drivers does not notice the second one, or ignores his actions. In this case, the advantage in traffic goes to the driver who enters the road on the right (situationally - turns right from the parking lot, point 8.9) In the diagram, this is red car B.
In this case, as in the situation discussed above, an accident can be avoided only when the car drivers see each other and they mutually understand each other’s intentions. For example, when a white car crossing the road, turning left, starts moving, then the “red” one makes no sense to “cut” its way, despite the fact that it has an advantage in this situation. It is advisable to give the “white” the opportunity to enter the road without hindrance.
This is a common practice, driver solidarity, otherwise, if a collision occurs, which of the drivers will feel better because he was right on the road, the cars, after all, will already be broken.
The material in this article does not pretend to be the correct way out of such situations. This does not mean that you need to act exactly as stated in the article. Moreover, in reality, any case considered will have its own characteristics, and one should proceed based on them.
You must always act according to the circumstances in accordance with the traffic rules, or in such a way that the actions do not conflict with the Rules.
In such cases, an accident can be avoided only when the actions of the opponents are clear to each other. Having the right of way and giving way does not violate the Rules.
In addition to the material presented above, I suggest that you familiarize yourself with previously published articles on a very similar topic - leaving the parking lot (from the parking lot) onto the road:
Getting started by car - options for leaving from a sidewalk parking lot;
Simultaneous departure from the edge of the roadway - who can start moving first;
Leaving a parking lot in reverse - leaving a parking lot in a situation with limited visibility.
Be careful while driving.
General parking rules
Many novice drivers find it difficult to concentrate on several factors at once. City driving requires simultaneously taking into account the features of the road, signs and maneuvers of other road users. The driver must be able to quickly determine whether the available space is suitable for stopping. When parallel parking in reverse, compliance with traffic rules is of paramount importance. To successfully complete the maneuver, you must act according to the following instructions:
- find a place to park the car, according to its size and standards;
- see if the car is blocking the exits from the yard or the pedestrian crossing, and if there is a prohibitory sign or signal nearby;
- try not to park the car under an advertising sign or tree;
- use the reverse and forward lights to signal your intention to make a maneuver, make sure that road users understand your actions;
- monitor traffic in the mirrors;
- remember that when the vehicle turns in reverse, the bumper will turn in the opposite direction.
You should not take your reference from already parked cars, since you are not completely sure that they are parked according to the rules.
How to learn to drive in reverse?
Knowing how to drive a car is good, but being able to go in reverse is the height of perfection. To learn how to drive in reverse, learn how to drive backwards in a straight line. It should be noted that when using it, it is important to feel the size of the car, because this will allow you to avoid emergency situations.
Don't trust the mirror
Exterior mirrors are a very important element of a car. It is very important to understand it, evaluate it and how correctly and accurately the external review mirror reflects it. Only experience, as well as an understanding of the principles and essence, can understand how they are set up - right or wrong.
Step-by-step parallel parking algorithm
Constant training in driving skills gives the driver confidence and ensures safety on the road.
You need to pay equal attention to both moving and stopping. Driving at the training ground and around the city is radically different. At the race track
The driver, following the proven parking method in training, must pay attention to various nuances that help to successfully perform maneuvers. And if you learn to focus on the mirrors, then beginners will be able to park without difficulty.
The main thing is to act according to a proven algorithm:
Stop the car on o.
The traffic police standard gives a clear time to complete the task. Complete the maneuver. Level the steering wheel and continue moving backward until the driver's foot is level with the corner chip. Then turn the steering wheel to the left all the way. Around the city
In the city it is not easy to find a suitable place to park your vehicle. Having noticed free clearance between two cars, it is important to immediately determine whether the parking space is suitable. To easily park the car in the city, you must strictly follow the instructions:
- Safety. When you arrive at the selected location, turn on the turn signal. Check for pedestrians or other vehicles behind you.
- Stop. Stop the car parallel to the car standing in front of the selected place. The rear bumper of the car should be level with the rear bumper of the other car (A).
- Movement. Engage reverse gear and turn the steering wheel to the left as far as possible. You need to control the situation by looking in all three mirrors of the car. Keep in mind that other vehicles may be passing near you. Then carefully back it up. Stop when the rear car headlight (B) does not appear exactly in the middle in the interior mirror. Turn the steering wheel until the wheels are straight. Start driving backwards again until the front bumper is level with the rear bumper of car A. Stop and turn the steering wheel all the way to the right. Moving in this way, approach the curb.
- Completion. Once at the curb, level the car so that there is enough space for nearby vehicles to maneuver. Make sure that the car is parked according to the rules.
Few people manage to park their car correctly the first time. It is better to train in a yard where there is one vehicle. This way you can calmly practice important skills. By constantly practicing, a beginner will “feel” the dimensions of the car and will be able to easily park in any available place.
How to enter and exit
The basic rules for driving through the analyzed area largely boil down to prohibitions: only by adhering to them, you can move around the adjacent territory without problems. The law prohibits in the area in question:
- Perform maneuvers in vehicles at speeds above 20 km/h.
- Conduct driving lessons in a specific area.
- Leave the car with the engine running for more than 5 minutes.
- Park trucks whose weight exceeds the 3.5t mark.
When talking about parking, it is also worth emphasizing that a parking pocket, which is located 10 m from a residential building, also falls under the term “adjacent zone”. It turns out that every driver driving along this section is obliged to unconditionally give way to all pedestrians, cyclists and cars driving from right to left.
The area in question is considered a secondary road, so you need to behave accordingly on it. When leaving it on the main section of the highway, the owner of the vehicle is obliged to give way to all traffic participants moving along the main route - they will always have traffic priority. When leaving, you should pay special attention to the left side of the road: it is in this direction that the leaving car usually intends to turn.
Parallel parking during the traffic police exam
The driver's license test involves performing certain tasks on the road flawlessly. One of the exercises is parking the vehicle and driving out. That is, the driver must park in reverse within a certain time and leave the parking space without touching the markings. The maneuver is assessed using the markings installed on the circuit. It indicates the following landmarks:
- cone B – the left rear corner of the car that is in front;
- cone C – left front corner of the car standing behind;
- cone D - the right front corner of the car standing behind.
Such a circuit simulates a real situation, so successful completion of the exercise indicates the driver’s ability to park in a city. A fine in points is assessed for improper fulfillment of the following conditions:
- 3 – the driver did not meet the 2 minutes time limit;
- 1 – the car stalled;
- 3 – the examinee damaged the fence and drove onto a solid line;
- 3 – the car did not cross the “NE” border.
You need to do the exercise as correctly as possible. If the result is 3 or more points, the traffic police exam is not passed.
Before you start driving
How to reverse out of a parking lot without harming yourself and others? To begin with, you should map out your route. A beginner should think in advance about how to get out, how to taxi, where to turn. Next, you should look at both sides of the driveway (right and left), as well as the space behind the car. This will help ensure there is no traffic in the parking lot.
If the exit is clear, you are allowed to start moving. Be sure to turn on the appropriate turn signal.
Recommendations from experienced drivers
Until you have sufficient driving skills, experts advise using the tips of a person who will stand outside and control the process. In any case, you should follow these simple tips:
- Any maneuver on the road must be understandable to other road users.
- When you stop for parallel parking, immediately engage reverse gear. Lit lights signal to other drivers that the car is about to reverse.
- When you stop, take a good look around to notice all the features of the place.
- While driving, look over your right shoulder until the car is at an angle of 45° from the curb.
- Move slowly and carefully.
- Determine an imaginary reference point on the right rear window to perform the maneuver. It should be visible from the driver's seat. Use a line to connect the rear wheels of the other car and this point. This way you can clearly imagine where the wheels of the car are at one time or another.
When the driver learns to park in reverse, it is necessary to avoid pre-stopping the car before turning the steering wheel. This will make parking faster and the steering mechanisms will work longer. Novice motorists most often make mistakes due to their own uncertainty or stress. However, knowing by heart the algorithm of movements when performing parallel parking, you can “steer out” of any traffic situation.
Situation two
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Here the circumstances are somewhat different.
Two drivers begin simultaneous departure. Only there are one on different sides of the road. In this case, the movement is carried out in the same direction.
In such circumstances, there is a possibility that one motorist will not notice the other.
The advantage will be with the driver who is located closer to the lane where he plans to leave.
It will be possible to avoid collisions if motorists notice each other, and also soberly and correctly assess the current situation.
Let's say a car that doesn't have priority to leave first starts moving a little earlier. Then the second car should not create obstacles, cut off, or otherwise demonstrate the presence of an advantage.
It turns out that if the car shows priority in every possible way and does not retreat, then there is a high probability of causing an accident.
The result will only be 2 crashed vehicles.
Don't forget about safety
In general, like any movement back, leaving the parking lot is fraught with certain difficulties and even dangers. At a minimum, there may be a bag of belongings left behind by passengers in your or a neighboring car. It is much worse if there are pets or even children there - when they approach a short distance, they no longer fall within the range of visibility of the mirrors, being in the so-called “dead zone”.
Fortunately, many modern cars are equipped with rear view cameras - through them you can clearly see if there is someone or something behind you that is preventing you from leaving. If your car does not have such a camera, but you are not driving alone, then it would be a good idea to get the help of a passenger. Ask him to get out and stand behind the car, making sure that no one comes within a dangerous distance, and also warn in a timely manner about dangerous proximity to other vehicles.
How to develop skills?
How to learn how to reverse out of a parking lot correctly? The best way to cope with this task will be training with a professional instructor. This person will explain to the beginner how to perform the maneuver correctly and as quickly as possible. The instructor will also make comments on the execution technique and draw attention to the main mistakes that are made during the movement and before it begins.
Of course, you can practice the maneuver yourself. For training, it is better to give preference to the most free space. On the selected site, you can display cardboard boxes or cones that will imitate other cars.
