When parking your vehicle downhill on a two-way street:
Turn your wheels to the right.
Turn your wheels to the left.
Keep your wheels pointed straight ahead.
Leave your transmission in neutral.
The Correct Answer and Explanation is :
The correct answer is: Turn your wheels to the right.
Explanation:
When parking downhill on a two-way street, you should turn your wheels to the right and let your vehicle roll gently until the front tire rests against the curb. This simple action prevents your vehicle from rolling into traffic if the brakes fail. Here’s why this practice is crucial and how it works:
1. Understanding Gravity’s Impact:
- When parking downhill, gravity pulls your car downward. If the brakes fail or are accidentally released, the car could roll. Turning the wheels to the right directs the vehicle toward the curb, acting as a barrier.
2. Curb as a Safety Mechanism:
- By turning the wheels to the right, the front right tire will touch the curb. This ensures the curb blocks further movement, reducing the risk of the vehicle rolling into the street or causing an accident.
3. No Curb? Safety First:
- If there’s no curb, turning your wheels to the right will still cause your car to roll away from the road and onto the shoulder or grass, minimizing danger to passing vehicles or pedestrians.
4. Legal and Practical Importance:
- Many driving laws mandate proper wheel positioning when parking on inclines. Failing to follow these rules could result in fines or penalties, as well as liability for accidents caused by improper parking.
5. Additional Precautions:
- Engage the parking brake every time you park. If you drive a manual transmission vehicle, leave it in first gear or reverse. For automatic transmissions, place it in “Park.” These measures provide extra security against rolling.
In summary, turning your wheels to the right when parking downhill is a simple yet critical safety step. It ensures your vehicle stays in place, protects other road users, and complies with safe driving practices.