Assuming that the street is level, what should you do after you have finished parallel parking in a space between two other cars?
Leave your front wheels turned toward the curb.
Make sure your car almost touches the car behind you.
Move as far forward in the space as possible.
Straighten your front wheels and leave room between cars.
The Correct Answer and Explanation is :
The correct answer is: Straighten your front wheels and leave room between cars.
Explanation:
Parallel parking is a vital driving skill that ensures your vehicle is parked safely and does not obstruct traffic. When you finish parallel parking, there are a few key actions to follow, assuming the street is level:
- Straighten Your Front Wheels:
This ensures your vehicle is aligned with the curb and positioned properly. Leaving the wheels turned might confuse other drivers or cause the car to roll into traffic if the parking brake fails. - Leave Room Between Cars:
Adequate space in front of and behind your car allows both you and the other parked cars to exit the space without difficulty. Crowding another car increases the risk of collisions when you or the other driver tries to leave. - Secure Your Vehicle:
Although not part of the question, it is important to engage your parking brake. On level ground, this prevents your car from rolling due to external forces, such as a strong push or another vehicle nudging it.
Why Not the Other Answers?
- “Leave your front wheels turned toward the curb”:
This is only necessary when parking on a hill to prevent the car from rolling into traffic if the brakes fail. - “Make sure your car almost touches the car behind you”:
Leaving too little space makes it difficult for you or the other driver to maneuver out. - “Move as far forward in the space as possible”:
While you should center your car within the space, moving excessively forward might crowd the vehicle in front or obstruct nearby driveways.
Following these steps ensures safety, proper alignment, and courtesy to other drivers, contributing to smoother traffic flow and fewer accidents.