If you parallel park facing downward on a hill:
Turn your wheels sharply toward the side of the road.
Turn your wheels away from the side of the road.
Keep your wheels straight.
The Correct Answer and Explanation is :
The correct answer is:
Turn your wheels sharply toward the side of the road.
Explanation:
When parking downhill, turning your wheels sharply toward the curb or side of the road is the safest option. Here’s why:
- Preventing Rolling:
If your car starts to roll while parked downhill, turning the wheels toward the curb ensures that the vehicle’s motion is stopped by the curb. This prevents your car from rolling uncontrollably into the street or causing accidents. - Using Natural Barriers:
By angling the wheels toward the curb, the curb acts as a physical barrier. If no curb is present, turning the wheels toward the side of the road ensures that the car moves off the road rather than into it, minimizing potential hazards. - Parking Brake as Backup:
Although your parking brake is designed to hold the car in place, relying on the curb adds an extra layer of safety, especially in situations where the brake might fail or weaken over time. - Law and Best Practices:
Many driving handbooks and laws mandate turning your wheels toward the curb when parking downhill as part of safe driving practices. Failing to do so can result in fines or penalties in some jurisdictions. - Safe Vehicle Retrieval:
When ready to drive away, the car will naturally pull slightly toward the curb, allowing for better control and an easier departure from the parking spot.
In contrast, turning your wheels away from the curb or keeping them straight increases the risk of your vehicle rolling uncontrollably. Proper wheel positioning, combined with the use of your parking brake, ensures safety for you, other drivers, and pedestrians. Always remember to put your car in “park” (or in gear for manual vehicles) as part of a complete parking routine.