Common Parking Myths Explained
October, 2022
From a UK Point of View -- Editor
After driving for years, you may believe you understand everything regarding parking. Like with all information, there are myths on most topics, including driving rules and safety. This misinformation leads to dangerous confusion causing driving hazards. Here are common parking myths explained.
Reverse Parking is Complex
When you are first learning how to drive, many skills can take practice to master. A huge rumor spread about driving is that reverse parking is a complex, difficult skill to learn. Reverse parking is an essential driving ability that assists drivers when parking. Unfortunately, even well experienced drivers are frightened to try reverse parking. This hefty rumor causes drivers to avoid reverse parking at all costs, and feel unconfident when they try to do so. Truthfully, reverse parking isn’t as challenging as it’s made out to be; it can be tricky at first, but with practice it gets easier. Along with the myth that reverse parking is complex, there are also other myths surrounding this type of parking.
Reverse Parking is Unsafe
Many claim reverse parking is unsafe, especially during busy periods of the day. It’s actually considered safer because you get a better view of your surroundings, and can get away from traffic.
Reverse Parking is Disruptive to Traffic
Some people assume that reverse parking takes way longer than standard parking. It doesn’t have to always take long, and can help prevent incidents and collisions.
Parking Charges Don’t Apply on Holidays
While this may be factual for where you live, this rule doesn’t apply to parking everywhere. Usually if a parking area isn’t marked with a sign indicating that parking is free on Sundays and holidays, then you may need to pay. Always double check before you park anywhere so you don’t end up with an unwanted ticket. “Specific parking laws and fees vary from location and your government’s established laws. Research laws if you are ever unsure of driving or parking standards,” recommends Julie King, business writer at State of writing and Boom Essays.
Parking Structures Are Dangerous
In major cities and areas with high populations, parking structures are commonplace. Many are intimidated by parking buildings. This is due to people assuming that parking structures are dangerous. This myth has been developed because of assumptions that a parking structure is not stable enough to support the weight of cars. Buildings are designed to support the weight of whatever will be held in them. The architecture of parking structures is carefully calculated and designed to meet safety standards. Along with the stability of the building, people often question the other aspects of safety of parking structures. There are high levels of security including cameras, employees, and other measures to ensure individuals are safe when using parking buildings. Though often dark and uninviting, these places are nothing to fear.
The 10 Minute Grace Period Doesn’t Exist
The majority of drivers race back to their vehicle before their timer runs out. This rush and anxiety are not necessary because in many places there is a 10-minute grace period. Before an officer can give you a ticket, they have to wait until the grace period has ended. “Instead of freaking out about having to use your last few minutes to make it back before the timer is done, feel reassured that you have leeway time. The myth is one that causes chaos and conflict for everyday drivers,” concludes Lenny Caroll, car blogger at Paper Fellows and UK Top Writers.
Those Who Use Your Car & Get a Ticket Have to Pay
If you lend your car out to a friend, family member, or other individual, they may get a ticket using your vehicle. You may think that they would have to pay if that scenario ever came to fruition. Since the vehicle is under your name, you would be required to pay the ticket. You can get money from the individual who drove your car to pay the fine, but they don’t legally have to. The only way you can legally make them pay for the ticket they earned is by proving you gave them permission to use your vehicle.
Being Cautious About Driving & Parking Myths
There are decades full of myths and information spread about parking. If you doubt any information you hear from an untrustworthy source, get some clarification from a credible place.
Technical writer and project coordinator Sara Sparrow works at both Academized and UK Writings. Sara gets involved in marketing conferences, and writes articles for virtual blogs including OX Essays. She can be reached at sara.g.sparrow@gmail.com
