Before moving your car from a parked position, drivers need to first check for any approaching vehicles, pedestrians, or cyclists. This is a basic driving procedure designed to prevent accidents especially in places where traffic conditions can be hectic.
Knowing the right procedures for pulling out of a parking spot not only helps in avoiding potential collisions but also helps avoid trouble with the law. It is especially important in crowded parking lots, where visibility and space can be quite limited and very troublesome.
This is one of the questions from the LTO CDE Exam. Please check below for the correct answer if you are going to take this exam:
Question: Before moving your car from a parked position, you should
Answer: check other traffic, signal and pull from curb when it is safe to do so
Yielding Right of Way at a Parking Lot
When pulling out of a parking space, drivers must yield to oncoming traffic and pedestrians. Vehicles already traveling in the parking lot have the right of way, and failure to yield can not only result in liability and accidental collisions.
Parking lots are, after all, busy areas with limited visibility, making it challenging to see other vehicles or pedestrians. Drivers must be extra cautious in checking that they have a clear view of the space before them before moving out. Negligence in these situations can lead to accidents, with the driver pulling out typically being held responsible.
Right of Way Exceptions
While the general rule is to yield when pulling out, there are exceptions. For instance, if the oncoming vehicle is speeding or the pedestrian is behaving recklessly, the responsibility may shift. These exceptions, however, are rare and often require clear evidence to be considered in legal battles.
In cases where all oncoming traffic is stopped at a stop sign or light, drivers can proceed with caution. Understanding these nuances helps in navigating parking lots safely and responsibly.
Accidents Involving Multiple Drivers
In cases of parking lot accidents involving two cars backing out simultaneously, the resulting accident is usually a shared fault. In such situations, each driver is usually responsible for their own damages. These collisions are generally minor but can still cause property damage that requires attention from insurance companies.
If it happens, it is generally best for both parties to exchange contact and insurance information with each other to facilitate claims and resolve the incident efficiently.
Hierarchy of Right of Way in Parking Lots
Parking lots generally have a hierarchy for right of way: vehicles in parking spaces yield to those in feeder lanes, which in turn yield to those in thoroughfare lanes. This system is designed to maintain an orderly flow of traffic. Pedestrians always have the right of way, but they must also act reasonably to avoid accidents.
Drivers must adhere to these rules to prevent accidents and facilitate smooth navigation within parking areas. Awareness of this hierarchy is a good attitude, resulting in safe driving in busy parking environments.
Local Traffic Rules
Local laws and specific parking lot rules can influence right of way and speed limits. Typically, the speed limit in parking lots is around 15 miles per hour so drivers have sufficient time to react and prevent accidents. It’s important to observe posted signs and local regulations to avoid accidents, legal battles, and tedious insurance claims due to negligence.
Video: How to Exit a Parking Lot
To further understand the importance of safe driving in parking lots, watch this video from Conduite Facile which highlights key precautions and common mistakes to avoid when pulling out of a parking space.
Summary
Before moving your car from a parked position, always check for approaching vehicles, pedestrians, or cyclists. Yielding the right of way is essential to prevent accidents and ensure smooth traffic flow. Understanding local traffic rules and the hierarchy of right of way in parking lots is crucial for safe driving. Despite exceptions, the responsibility to drive cautiously remains with the driver pulling out. Staying vigilant and minimizing distractions can significantly reduce the risk of accidents in parking areas.