If you park facing uphill on a street with a curb, set the parking brake and:
Answers
Turn the front wheels toward the curb.
Turn the front wheels away from the curb.
Leave the front wheels straight.
The Correct Answer and Explanation is :
The correct answer is: Turn the front wheels away from the curb.
Explanation:
When parking uphill on a street with a curb, turning the front wheels away from the curb is an important safety measure to ensure that the vehicle does not roll into traffic if the parking brake fails. Here’s why:
- Purpose of Turning the Wheels: When you park facing uphill, turning the front wheels away from the curb means that if the car starts to move, the rear tires will roll into the curb, preventing the vehicle from rolling into the street. This can help avoid potential accidents and damage.
- Mechanics of Parking: When you engage the parking brake, it locks the rear wheels and prevents them from moving. However, the parking brake alone may not be enough to fully hold the car in place, especially on steep inclines or if the parking brake fails over time. Turning the front wheels toward the curb provides an additional level of security by using the curb as a physical barrier.
- Why Not Leave Wheels Straight?: If the front wheels are left straight while parking uphill, the car will roll forward into traffic if the parking brake fails, which could lead to a dangerous situation and potential accidents.
- Why Not Turn Wheels Toward the Curb?: Turning the front wheels toward the curb while parking uphill is incorrect. This would cause the vehicle to roll toward the curb if the brake fails, potentially hitting the curb and damaging the tires or wheels. It would not prevent the car from moving into traffic.
Additional Tips for Uphill Parking:
- Set the Parking Brake: Always engage the parking brake fully after turning the wheels.
- Shift to “Park”: If driving an automatic transmission, shift into “Park” to ensure the vehicle stays stationary.
- Check for Stability: Before leaving the vehicle, check that the car is securely parked and won’t move when you release the brake.
These precautions are essential for safe parking on an incline, preventing unexpected movements and promoting overall road safety.