Parking etiquette
Poll
 | 3 votes (11.11%) | ||
| | 23 votes (85.18%) | ||
| | 1 vote (3.7%) |
27 members have voted
August 9th, 2011 at 8:21:05 PM
permalink
One of my favorite shows is Curb Your Enthusiasm, because I'm bothered by all the same things as Larry David. Like him, I am constantly annoyed by things that I find inefficient or unfair, that everybody else seems to accept as customary. For example, that is why I take casinos to task in my reviews when they have McDonald's style lines, with one line per window. It would be much more fair, not gambling with your time, to have one line for all windows, like they do at Wendy's.
This week's episode is a rare occasion where I disagree with LD about something. The issue is you come to a parking lot and another car is way over the line. What do you do? LD parked about two feet from the offending car, I suppose to not let the offending car waste two full spaces. In doing so, you risk looking like an offender yourself if the original car leaves. He never explained on the show why he parked that way.
Personally, I will park normally in the space next to the offending car. In this situation I think you have to let the offending car have two spaces in the interests of keeping order in the rest of the parking lot. It also draws attention to the offending car, hopefully embarrassing the owner.
The question for the poll is what would you do if you had to park next to the offending car.
This week's episode is a rare occasion where I disagree with LD about something. The issue is you come to a parking lot and another car is way over the line. What do you do? LD parked about two feet from the offending car, I suppose to not let the offending car waste two full spaces. In doing so, you risk looking like an offender yourself if the original car leaves. He never explained on the show why he parked that way.
Personally, I will park normally in the space next to the offending car. In this situation I think you have to let the offending car have two spaces in the interests of keeping order in the rest of the parking lot. It also draws attention to the offending car, hopefully embarrassing the owner.
The question for the poll is what would you do if you had to park next to the offending car.
"For with much wisdom comes much sorrow." -- Ecclesiastes 1:18 (NIV)
August 9th, 2011 at 8:38:20 PM
permalink
Quote: WizardPersonally, I will park normally in the space next to the offending car. In this situation I think you have to let the offending car have two spaces in the interests of keeping order in the rest of the parking lot. It also draws attention to the offending car, hopefully embarrassing the owner.
I try my best to help restore order.
August 9th, 2011 at 8:38:50 PM
permalink
Quote:Police reported three dozen cheerful bystanders, yet no one claims to have seen who did it
From http://xkcd.com/562/
Man Babes #AxelFabulous
August 9th, 2011 at 8:50:58 PM
permalink
When I see a car parked not between the lines, I always consider the possibility that a previously-parked car had caused the problem by parking badly. And I just realized that the previously-parked car might be blameless, too, for the same reason.
I have always parked between the lines. And I see this would tend to prevent further disorder in the garage.
Last week, I joked to my friend that we should give grades, 0 to 100, with Post-it notes to the cars for the accuracy of their parking.
I have always parked between the lines. And I see this would tend to prevent further disorder in the garage.
Last week, I joked to my friend that we should give grades, 0 to 100, with Post-it notes to the cars for the accuracy of their parking.
August 9th, 2011 at 9:43:29 PM
permalink
I hate to see cars parked like that myself, and tend to agree on all the things that annoy LD. (LD gets too worked up though and usually ends up hurting himself in the process of "being right" over nothing). Parking like that shows inconsiderate boorish attitude towards others; a me-first-and-hell-with-you statement. Just like smoking in public. If it's his drivers side that's way over the line, I could park within my space so as to force the dbag to get in on his passenger side. Maybe teach him a lesson, or maybe it would entice him to ding my passenger door for spite. Who knows.
I knew a guy who printed up some flyers and kept them in his glovebox for occasions like this, that said something like "FREE PARKING LESSONS call 1-800-ASS-HOLE"
I knew a guy who printed up some flyers and kept them in his glovebox for occasions like this, that said something like "FREE PARKING LESSONS call 1-800-ASS-HOLE"
"Poker sure is an easy game to beat if you have the roll to keep rebuying."
August 9th, 2011 at 10:47:20 PM
permalink
I agree with WOO on this, I normally agree with LD also but not on this one.
EvenBob: "Look America, I have a tiny wee-wee, can anybody
help me?"
August 10th, 2011 at 4:08:05 AM
permalink
One parking structure near an airport put up a sign reading Line Straddlers Will Be Charged Double ... and enforced it.
Even the guy whose act of straddling the line only placed his car closer to a wall, not taking someone else's space, got charged double.
Even the guy whose act of straddling the line only placed his car closer to a wall, not taking someone else's space, got charged double.
August 10th, 2011 at 4:24:13 AM
permalink
There was a parking garage in Detroit that had a sign that explained how to park, and made it very clear you should not have even a piece of the tire on the line at all (there were double lines nonetheless). When my coach parked, he usually hit one of the lines, and as an ornery but loving student, I would make fun of his parking in such a manner. To this day, when I notice him doing it, I still point it out.
Personally, if I can fit into the space next to the offending car, I do it, just to make it hard for any passenger to get into the car. However, in most cases I can't fit in, and find another spot and say nothing.
Personally, if I can fit into the space next to the offending car, I do it, just to make it hard for any passenger to get into the car. However, in most cases I can't fit in, and find another spot and say nothing.
"One out of every four people are [morons]"- Kyle, South Park
August 10th, 2011 at 4:34:09 AM
permalink
Quote: FleaStiffOne parking structure near an airport put up a sign reading Line Straddlers Will Be Charged Double ... and enforced it.
Thats because parking is a cash cow for airports, they'll do anything to make money from it.
"It's not called gambling if the math is on your side."
August 10th, 2011 at 4:37:09 AM
permalink
At work, our garage has this problem due to the small size of the spaces. It is even worse because we have small motorcycle type spaces every 6-10 spots. If someone parks badly enough, the cascade effect leaves enough space for a car to park in those spots. Sometimes I see folks squeeze their minis in those spots. I voted park normally, but in my youth, if I was mad at how someone parked I would back my car in close so that the passenger would not be able to get in.
-B
-B
August 10th, 2011 at 5:12:31 AM
permalink
Angle hogs, like the one in the cartoon above, are a problem that I ignore simply because there's not much I can do about it.
Line straddlers, and line squeezers, that park in a manner that allows me to park correctly, but 2" away from their car, will find me 2" from their car.
Mind you, I have an older van with enough little dents and dings that I'm not too concerned with additional dings if he hits me when he leaves.
---
Personally, I get more pissed off at the people who park in the fire zone, blocking the front door, because they're only gonna be a minute. I see this often, at strip malls and convenience stores, where there is plenty of close parking.
Line straddlers, and line squeezers, that park in a manner that allows me to park correctly, but 2" away from their car, will find me 2" from their car.
Mind you, I have an older van with enough little dents and dings that I'm not too concerned with additional dings if he hits me when he leaves.
---
Personally, I get more pissed off at the people who park in the fire zone, blocking the front door, because they're only gonna be a minute. I see this often, at strip malls and convenience stores, where there is plenty of close parking.
I invented a few casino games. Info:
http://www.DaveMillerGaming.com/
Superstitions are silly, childish, irrational rituals, born out of fear of the unknown. But how much does it cost to knock on wood? 😁
August 10th, 2011 at 6:26:53 AM
permalink
I don't think I've ever had this problem. I tend to park away from all other cars. I have no issues with walking.
Someday, joor goin' to see the name of Googie Gomez in lights and joor goin' to say to joorself, "Was that her?" and then joor goin' to answer to joorself, "That was her!" But you know somethin' mister? I was always her yuss nobody knows it! - Googie Gomez
August 10th, 2011 at 7:03:46 AM
permalink
As has been said, sometimes the offender is in that position because of a now departed previous offender.
In any case, I'd try to park where I can get out and back in easily. Be it near or far from the offender.
And I'd key his door, just in case, ligtly.
In any case, I'd try to park where I can get out and back in easily. Be it near or far from the offender.
And I'd key his door, just in case, ligtly.
Donald Trump is a fucking criminal
August 10th, 2011 at 7:48:10 AM
permalink
This is actually a favorite activity for my friends and I.
If we go somewhere in multiple vehicles and find that someone has intentionally double parked close to the building, we will take great pleasure in double parking to the left and right of the offending car. Furthermore, if you can park close enough that everyone can exit our vehicles using the doors opposite the offending car and leave no chance for the middle car to open their doors, all the better.
We've been applauded by onlookers multiple times for pulling this off.
With that said, we limit our parking wrath to only cases where someone could have had their two spaces towards the back of the lot but wanted their two spaces but also wanted to park close. The classic "cake and eat it too" scenario.
If we go somewhere in multiple vehicles and find that someone has intentionally double parked close to the building, we will take great pleasure in double parking to the left and right of the offending car. Furthermore, if you can park close enough that everyone can exit our vehicles using the doors opposite the offending car and leave no chance for the middle car to open their doors, all the better.
We've been applauded by onlookers multiple times for pulling this off.
With that said, we limit our parking wrath to only cases where someone could have had their two spaces towards the back of the lot but wanted their two spaces but also wanted to park close. The classic "cake and eat it too" scenario.
Expert Gold Price Prognosticator of WoV
August 10th, 2011 at 9:36:20 AM
permalink
I used to work in an office building that had an attached parking garage, in which spaces were paid for on a monthly/yearly basis. One of the attorneys in the building specifically paid for two spaces, so that he could park across both spots. Even though he paid for both of the spaces, and nobody else could park there whether he was across both spots or not, he would still get nasty notes and letters from people telling him what a bad parker he was. He finally put up a sign stating that he paid for both spots and would use them as he saw fit.
I get annoyed with the person's tires cross the line, but I do the same thing, only, as I'm REALLY not concerned with dings in my truck, I tend to throw open my truck doors fairly hard and fast. I figure the inevitable dings it leads on the offenders car are their punishment for not knowing how to park properly.
Quote: DJTeddyBearLine straddlers, and line squeezers, that park in a manner that allows me to park correctly, but 2" away from their car, will find me 2" from their car.
Mind you, I have an older van with enough little dents and dings that I'm not too concerned with additional dings if he hits me when he leaves.
I get annoyed with the person's tires cross the line, but I do the same thing, only, as I'm REALLY not concerned with dings in my truck, I tend to throw open my truck doors fairly hard and fast. I figure the inevitable dings it leads on the offenders car are their punishment for not knowing how to park properly.
August 10th, 2011 at 9:51:56 AM
permalink
If the parking lot is empty and I'm parking for a few minutes I don't care about lines. Otherwise I take great care to take up one spot. As for those who purposefully take up two spots (in a crowded lot), I leave them alone. I figure that they're already inconsiderate assholes and all that causing ire will do will cause my car to get damaged or worse. So it ain't worth it to cause trouble.
Larry David, absolutely, I can see him doing that.
Larry David, absolutely, I can see him doing that.
-----
You want the truth! You can't handle the truth!
August 10th, 2011 at 12:38:19 PM
permalink
In my work parking lot, I often find the situation where the only spot available is the one next to a car taking up just a little but more than one spot, maybe straddling, maybe angled, maybe both (we apparently just have a lot of people who don't know how to drive where I work). I always park as normally as I can, as centered between the lines as I can. If this puts me too close to the other car that is their problem.
I do often worry about the other car inflicting my car with a door ding though and have developed a great defensive move against this. Since this move is so awesome, I hesitate to share it but I suppose I will. Side mirrors on cars are generally hard plastic and will not likely be damaged by an impact with someones door. In addition that will leave a serious ding in that door themselves. So what I do is adjust the front/back location of my car to line my side mirror up with the offender's door so if they throw their door open, they can only hit my mirror, leaving my car unscathed and giving them a door ding. This has the side effect usually of giving the offender an even smaller amount of space to open their car door, so its a win/win/win to me!
I do often worry about the other car inflicting my car with a door ding though and have developed a great defensive move against this. Since this move is so awesome, I hesitate to share it but I suppose I will. Side mirrors on cars are generally hard plastic and will not likely be damaged by an impact with someones door. In addition that will leave a serious ding in that door themselves. So what I do is adjust the front/back location of my car to line my side mirror up with the offender's door so if they throw their door open, they can only hit my mirror, leaving my car unscathed and giving them a door ding. This has the side effect usually of giving the offender an even smaller amount of space to open their car door, so its a win/win/win to me!
August 10th, 2011 at 1:32:49 PM
permalink
First year in college I had a 1989 Ford Aerostar Minivan. aka - The Silver Bullet.
I loved parking so close to offenders they had to climb through their passenger seat to get into their cars, especially if the car was nice, because I knew they would still not ding up my rig, and even if they did, who cared?
Now I have a couple really nice rides, my daily driver is a 2009 Ram Laramie, and I am willing to park it anywhere but next to the shopping cart stalls, unless the car next to me looks like the driver could care less about how far he opens his door. I don't really mind that it has a few dings, but I don't think any are from a parking lot.
My Challenger is always parked out in no mans land. Even when it is 100 degrees out, if I drive it, I will walk. About the only time I don't follow this code is when I can't, ie a trip to a restaurant with a small parking lot and no other parking available near by. That plan has worked flawlessly so far. *Knocks on wood*
As for the question of what would I do? If my car sucked, I would make their life suck too and go option three of pissing them off if I can, if I have a nice ride, I just take my spot and do not overlap.
I loved parking so close to offenders they had to climb through their passenger seat to get into their cars, especially if the car was nice, because I knew they would still not ding up my rig, and even if they did, who cared?
Now I have a couple really nice rides, my daily driver is a 2009 Ram Laramie, and I am willing to park it anywhere but next to the shopping cart stalls, unless the car next to me looks like the driver could care less about how far he opens his door. I don't really mind that it has a few dings, but I don't think any are from a parking lot.
My Challenger is always parked out in no mans land. Even when it is 100 degrees out, if I drive it, I will walk. About the only time I don't follow this code is when I can't, ie a trip to a restaurant with a small parking lot and no other parking available near by. That plan has worked flawlessly so far. *Knocks on wood*
As for the question of what would I do? If my car sucked, I would make their life suck too and go option three of pissing them off if I can, if I have a nice ride, I just take my spot and do not overlap.
Statistics don't lie, they deceive.
August 10th, 2011 at 2:13:28 PM
permalink
What I absolutely can't stand are parked cars that block a driveway. Years ago I had that problem, frequently, when I lived a block from a school. Lots of kids parked on our street, and one in particular blocked my driveway. I left notes, then threats, and he kept parking there.
Finally I talked to the beat cop to see if he could issue a ticket. he said he couldn't, but that I could call the transit department and ask for a tow truck to haul the car away. Guess what I did then? He never again blocked my driveway :)
Finally I talked to the beat cop to see if he could issue a ticket. he said he couldn't, but that I could call the transit department and ask for a tow truck to haul the car away. Guess what I did then? He never again blocked my driveway :)
Donald Trump is a fucking criminal
August 10th, 2011 at 3:00:34 PM
permalink
I'm just enough of a trouble maker that at one time I'd park close enough to the offender that he couldn't open his door. Now that my kids are on their own and my house is paid for, I can afford a nice car, so I wouldn't take a chance on getting my Cadillac keyed or otherwise harmed. In fact, I usually don't even park in the closest spot, so I can have an empty spot on both sides of my car.
My pet parking peeve is idiots in a full size truck, Ford Excursion, Chevrolet Suburban, etc. in a compact space. In some cases they can take up three spaces.
My pet parking peeve is idiots in a full size truck, Ford Excursion, Chevrolet Suburban, etc. in a compact space. In some cases they can take up three spaces.
August 10th, 2011 at 3:04:18 PM
permalink
Quote: dtyst1If we go somewhere in multiple vehicles and find that someone has intentionally double parked close to the building, we will take great pleasure in double parking to the left and right of the offending car. Furthermore, if you can park close enough that everyone can exit our vehicles using the doors opposite the offending car and leave no chance for the middle car to open their doors, all the better.
The way I heard this justifed best was the thought "he wanted that spot so bad he can keep it for a looooong time."
Last time I had someont park so I could barely get in I left a note, "learn to park between the lines you jagoff!"
What is a big pet peeve of mine is "close parkers." IOW, I go to a store or restaurant and plenty of open spaces. I always park further away to get easy in-easy out and preferably pull thru so I can pull not back out. Used to have to give safe driver trainings and I know backing out of a spot is a big cause of accidents. Anyways, I park far away, a dozen spaces around me and when I come out A CAR PARKED IN THE VERY NEXT SPOT, CLOSE. With still 10-15 spots to pick, the have to park right alongside. WHY?
My dad screamed at a woman for doing this once. We were at an ice cream stand, he parke a 45 year old Cadillac Convertible and we are eating, 30 feet on either side of the car. Woman pulls up and parks right beside like it was the only spot left. She didn't even understand why he went ballistic.
All animals are equal, but some are more equal than others
August 10th, 2011 at 5:44:45 PM
permalink
Quote: AZDuffmanWoman pulls up and parks right beside like it was the only spot left. She didn't even understand why he went ballistic.
I kinda understand her. it would never occur to me to even think about some people maybe wanting a free spot between my car and theirs. I am not saying it is necessarily wrong to want it, I guess, I am just not wired that way. If there is a free spot, I park there, and rarely even notice what if any cars are parked in the neighboring spots. Unless, they are too close, and are making it hard for me to get out of the car, in which case, I'll just back in :)
"When two people always agree one of them is unnecessary"
August 10th, 2011 at 5:50:10 PM
permalink
Quote: weaselmanI kinda understand her. it would never occur to me to even think about some people maybe wanting a free spot between my car and theirs. I am not saying it is necessarily wrong to want it, I guess, I am just not wired that way. If there is a free spot, I park there, and rarely even notice what if any cars are parked in the neighboring spots. Unless, they are too close, and are making it hard for me to get out of the car, in which case, I'll just back in :)
I can't give a pass on her for "being wired" that way. This was a obvious choice, an old car from the 1940s, 30+ feet on each side, and it was mid-day not even near peak time for the place. A normal person would have parked a bit away just to be able to open their door more easily. I will concede you had to be there.
All animals are equal, but some are more equal than others
August 10th, 2011 at 5:53:22 PM
permalink
Quote: AlanRRTMy pet parking peeve is idiots in a full size truck, Ford Excursion, Chevrolet Suburban, etc. in a compact space. In some cases they can take up three spaces.
+1! I also include vans that park in "compact" spaces.
Simplicity is the ultimate sophistication - Leonardo da Vinci
August 10th, 2011 at 5:58:47 PM
permalink
Quote: AZDuffmanI park far away, a dozen spaces around me and when I come out A CAR PARKED IN THE VERY NEXT SPOT, CLOSE. With still 10-15 spots to pick, the have to park right alongside. WHY?
My dad screamed at a woman for doing this once. We were at an ice cream stand, he parke a 45 year old Cadillac Convertible and we are eating, 30 feet on either side of the car. Woman pulls up and parks right beside like it was the only spot left. She didn't even understand why he went ballistic.
I can't fault the woman. You're dad didn't own the parking lot, and had no right to go off on someone parking between the lines. In fact, if her car was decent, it is a good strategy to avoid door dings, since the person who cares enough to park far away will take care not to damage their own car.
Maybe she was single and looking to chat up the two sporting gentlemen in the sweet ride? What an unpleasant surprise.
Simplicity is the ultimate sophistication - Leonardo da Vinci
August 10th, 2011 at 6:10:06 PM
permalink
Quote: AyecarumbaI can't fault the woman. You're dad didn't own the parking lot, and had no right to go off on someone parking between the lines. In fact, if her car was decent, it is a good strategy to avoid door dings, since the person who cares enough to park far away will take care not to damage their own car.
Maybe she was single and looking to chat up the two sporting gentlemen in the sweet ride? What an unpleasant surprise.
There were no lines. It was a gravel lot of a local dairy queen type place. Not about thinking you "own the lot" it was about common courtosey. Even if it was an everyday car. I forgot to mention after she left the gal working at the stand remarked she could not believe what the woman had done.
Other owners of classic or nice cars may have seen similar. People are upset you have what they don't so they almost intentionally cause damage. Or they are oblivious and don't notice their boorish behavior.
BTW: she was an old hag that I would not "pick up" if I had just been let out of Attica after 20 years for a crime I didn't commit.
All animals are equal, but some are more equal than others
August 10th, 2011 at 6:16:13 PM
permalink
duplicate deleted
All animals are equal, but some are more equal than others
August 10th, 2011 at 7:00:17 PM
permalink
I have to disagree with AZDuffman as well. I feel it is perfectly acceptable to take the next closest spot to the store. No matter how nice your car is you do not own all of the surrounding spaces. If it is going to perturb you if someone parks closely then you should park your car further away in a spot that someone is not likely to choose. It seems more out of line to yell at this old lady.
Now I would personally park a few spaces away from the car because it seems courteous, but that doesn't mean this lady was in the wrong.
Now I would personally park a few spaces away from the car because it seems courteous, but that doesn't mean this lady was in the wrong.
August 10th, 2011 at 7:15:14 PM
permalink
Quote: iwannaiguanaI have to disagree with AZDuffman as well. I feel it is perfectly acceptable to take the next closest spot to the store. No matter how nice your car is you do not own all of the surrounding spaces. If it is going to perturb you if someone parks closely then you should park your car further away in a spot that someone is not likely to choose. It seems more out of line to yell at this old lady.
Now I would personally park a few spaces away from the car because it seems courteous, but that doesn't mean this lady was in the wrong.
Tell you what, let me park next to your nice, irreplacable car when I could have parked not 5 feet away from it then open my door an inch away from it and see your reaction. Think you will still have the same attitude? We are talking A FEW FEET. Common sense says when there is 30 feet of open space on either side you give a buffer zone. Not just for a nice car but any car.
Just like if there was only one person playing craps or BJ. Do you leave a buffer or do you sit or stand right next to them as if the place was crowded?
Maybe common courosey is dead?
All animals are equal, but some are more equal than others
August 10th, 2011 at 7:34:52 PM
permalink
Quote: AZDuffmanTell you what, let me park next to your nice, irreplacable car when I could have parked not 5 feet away from it then open my door an inch away from it and see your reaction. Think you will still have the same attitude? We are talking A FEW FEET. Common sense says when there is 30 feet of open space on either side you give a buffer zone. Not just for a nice car but any car.
Just like if there was only one person playing craps or BJ. Do you leave a buffer or do you sit or stand right next to them as if the place was crowded?
Maybe common courosey is dead?
I agree with you to a certain degree. It would be common courtesy to leave more space, but common courtesy isn't law and I am sure the lady was not intentionally trying to be rude.
If someone sits next to me at the blackjack table when there are other empty seats available I am not going to throw a fit. It may be unusual but it is still his right.
The rules of common courtesy are subjective, and the lady was apparently not aware of this guideline. The lady's actions may have been enough to warrant a raised eyebrow or an eyeroll, but this was clearly an overreaction. I don't care how old your car is, it still doesn't make you owner of the lot or even of the few feet around your car.
August 10th, 2011 at 7:38:38 PM
permalink
Quote: FleaStiffOne parking structure near an airport put up a sign reading Line Straddlers Will Be Charged Double ... and enforced it.
Even the guy whose act of straddling the line only placed his car closer to a wall, not taking someone else's space, got charged double.
Ha, sounds like the airport was run by the same people who managed our city's parking spaces downtown. (The company keeps something like 80% of the fines collected, and the rest goes to the city). They did away with the parking meters, and instead, painted white boxes on the side of the street, with a number in it. You then went to a nearby kiosk and paid for that space. For the next year, even though you were parked inside the white lines, they would write a ticket if you were more than 12" from the curb. It was so bogus that they painted the box out 16" to 20" and then ticket you for being too far from the curb. After a year, city council and the mayor got so fed up with all the complaints that they made the company stop writing tickets for that violation.
And no, I did not get a ticket. Actually, I rarely go downtown just because of the parking hassles. Between crap like this, and the predator towing companies (one finally got busted for towing legally parked cars) I'd rather fine something to do elsewhere.
Always borrow money from a pessimist; They don't expect to get paid back !
Be yourself and speak your thoughts. Those who matter won't mind, and those that mind, don't matter!
August 10th, 2011 at 7:50:18 PM
permalink
I will just park normally, but have been known to do these things to the guilty party's car, depending on my mood & sobriety:
1. Leave a note asking them to kindly park in a more conventional manner.
2. Leave a note telling them how much of an asshole they are for parking that way, and threatening damage the next time they do it.
3. Hock a big lugie on the driver's side of the windshield.
4. Rinse their front windshield with some of the recycled beer I've been drinking.
1. Leave a note asking them to kindly park in a more conventional manner.
2. Leave a note telling them how much of an asshole they are for parking that way, and threatening damage the next time they do it.
3. Hock a big lugie on the driver's side of the windshield.
4. Rinse their front windshield with some of the recycled beer I've been drinking.
"Bite my Glorious Golden Ass!" - Bender Bending Rodriguez
August 10th, 2011 at 8:01:03 PM
permalink
Quote: Toes143. Hock a big lugie on the driver's side of the windshield.
4. Rinse their front windshield with some of the recycled beer I've been drinking.
Men <shakes head>
Simply write a note with lipstick on the windshield. A good one would be "Call me" followed by the number for the local precinct.
Donald Trump is a fucking criminal
August 11th, 2011 at 3:27:26 AM
permalink
Quote: iwannaiguanaI agree with you to a certain degree. It would be common courtesy to leave more space, but common courtesy isn't law and I am sure the lady was not intentionally trying to be rude.
If someone sits next to me at the blackjack table when there are other empty seats available I am not going to throw a fit. It may be unusual but it is still his right.
The rules of common courtesy are subjective, and the lady was apparently not aware of this guideline. The lady's actions may have been enough to warrant a raised eyebrow or an eyeroll, but this was clearly an overreaction. I don't care how old your car is, it still doesn't make you owner of the lot or even of the few feet around your car.
If common coutosey were law about half the population would dissapear into the penal system never to be heard from again.
But I do think such a reaction is warranted. If only to change her behavior in the future. And again, the person who worked there commented how rude she was to have done it so she clearly needs to learn how to park.
All animals are equal, but some are more equal than others
August 11th, 2011 at 5:20:07 AM
permalink
Quote: AZDuffmanTell you what, let me park next to your nice, irreplacable car when I could have parked not 5 feet away from it then open my door an inch away from it and see your reaction. Think you will still have the same attitude? We are talking A FEW FEET. Common sense says when there is 30 feet of open space on either side you give a buffer zone. Not just for a nice car but any car.
Just like if there was only one person playing craps or BJ. Do you leave a buffer or do you sit or stand right next to them as if the place was crowded?
Maybe common courosey is dead?
I still don't get it. What "buffer zone"? Are you afraid that I can't drive and will hit your precious car if I park next to it?
Well, in my book, putting (or, at least, exhibiting) reasonable trust into people's skills and abilities is a part of "common courtesy" as well. If you think, I am a stupid idiot, who can't park a damn car next to another without hitting it, it's your problem, not mine, and I am not going out of my way to accomodate your belief.
If you think your car is too precious to be parked next to another on the street, just leave it at home, or sell it to a museum.
"When two people always agree one of them is unnecessary"
August 11th, 2011 at 5:35:44 AM
permalink
Quote: weaselman
If you think your car is too precious to be parked next to another on the street, just leave it at home, or sell it to a museum.
In the early 90's I had a 68 Lincoln Continental. Light blue with suicide
doors. It was my baby, best car I ever owned. As I was coming out of
the supermarket, a 16 year old girl in a pickup truck, cranked her
wheel too far to the left, and as she pulled out of the parking space
next to me, dragged her solid steel front bumper down the whole
drivers side of my Lincoln, right in front of my eyes. It basically totaled
the car, there was so much damage. To this day, that little bitch can rot
in hell, as far as I'm concerned. She had no remorse, screamed at me
like it was my fault. I still haven't gotten over it, obviously...
"It's not called gambling if the math is on your side."
August 11th, 2011 at 7:24:39 AM
permalink
This story does not get any sympathy from me, I am sorry.
If you make a decision to take something precious, "your baby", out to the street, and leave it in a supermarket parking lot, you have to be ready to deal with consequences. It is your problem and your responsibility if something happens to it, not anyone else's.
It is not like it is rare or unheard of that cars get hit on parking lots, and on the streets in general. If you are going to be devastated in case it happens to your car, you should not be driving it.
If you make a decision to take something precious, "your baby", out to the street, and leave it in a supermarket parking lot, you have to be ready to deal with consequences. It is your problem and your responsibility if something happens to it, not anyone else's.
It is not like it is rare or unheard of that cars get hit on parking lots, and on the streets in general. If you are going to be devastated in case it happens to your car, you should not be driving it.
"When two people always agree one of them is unnecessary"
August 11th, 2011 at 7:58:06 AM
permalink
Plenty of people I know, mostly girls, when given the choice to park in the middle of a stretch of empty spaces or beside an already parked car will choose the latter. The reason is that they are not confident in their parking abilities, and an already parked car gives them a point of reference. Then there are also people who take the first spot they can get turning into the lot even if its far away because 'they don't mind the walk'. You can park away from the middle cluster to leave yourself more space, sometimes it will work often it won't but I don't think there's much you can do about it.
August 11th, 2011 at 8:47:26 AM
permalink
Quote: gogPlenty of people I know, mostly girls, when given the choice to park in the middle of a stretch of empty spaces or beside an already parked car will choose the latter. The reason is that they are not confident in their parking abilities, and an already parked car gives them a point of reference.
I don't know about girls, but I usually do it for a different reason. I actually do it out of courtesy to other people, who are going to want to park there later. It will be easier for them to park next to my car having an empty spot on the other side, than to squeeze into the spot I "considerately" left between my car, and that antique Ford that was parked there before :)
"When two people always agree one of them is unnecessary"
August 23rd, 2011 at 6:15:02 PM
permalink
Saw this California Lexus in the garage and couldn't resist the photo op. Perfect chance to sqeeeeze in an inch away with a rusty '72 truck.
"Poker sure is an easy game to beat if you have the roll to keep rebuying."
August 24th, 2011 at 9:21:08 AM
permalink
Interesting thing that happened yesterday reminded me of this thread.
I pulled into a parking lot at a large store. I saw 4 spaces next to each other, all empty, except one of them, let's call it the 2nd one, had a shopping cart in it, toward the front of the space, but up against the line to spot #1. I pulled into spot #1, as that space was perfectly clear.
When I came back out, someone had parked in spot #2, but because of the shopping cart, they were halfway over the line into spot #3. Someone had then parked in spot #3, but because of the person in spot #2/3, they had to park halfway over the line into spot #4. I just chuckled to myself as I drove away. I suppose it never occurred to the spot #2 parker that s/he could have just as easily parked completely in spot #3, and the other person would then have parked completely in spot #4. I understand that by utilizing his methodology he was, in fact, parking about 3 feet or so closer to the store, so I do hope his tired, aching feet were appreciative of that fact.
Of course, I'm assuming on this sequence of events. It's altogether possible that the first person to arrive on the scene actually noticed the shopping cart in spot #2, and thus parked halfway in spots #3 and #4 in order to give the second person to arrive a place to park halfway in spots #2 and #3.
I pulled into a parking lot at a large store. I saw 4 spaces next to each other, all empty, except one of them, let's call it the 2nd one, had a shopping cart in it, toward the front of the space, but up against the line to spot #1. I pulled into spot #1, as that space was perfectly clear.
When I came back out, someone had parked in spot #2, but because of the shopping cart, they were halfway over the line into spot #3. Someone had then parked in spot #3, but because of the person in spot #2/3, they had to park halfway over the line into spot #4. I just chuckled to myself as I drove away. I suppose it never occurred to the spot #2 parker that s/he could have just as easily parked completely in spot #3, and the other person would then have parked completely in spot #4. I understand that by utilizing his methodology he was, in fact, parking about 3 feet or so closer to the store, so I do hope his tired, aching feet were appreciative of that fact.
Of course, I'm assuming on this sequence of events. It's altogether possible that the first person to arrive on the scene actually noticed the shopping cart in spot #2, and thus parked halfway in spots #3 and #4 in order to give the second person to arrive a place to park halfway in spots #2 and #3.
August 24th, 2011 at 9:45:03 AM
permalink
The real question is: Why didn't any of you move the damn shopping cart?
I invented a few casino games. Info:
http://www.DaveMillerGaming.com/
Superstitions are silly, childish, irrational rituals, born out of fear of the unknown. But how much does it cost to knock on wood? 😁
August 24th, 2011 at 7:34:00 PM
permalink
Well, I didn't move the shopping cart because it didn't affect me. Normally, when I know I will need a shopping cart, I will grab one from the parking lot on my way into the store. In this particular instance, I was only going in to look at some prices, and thus I didn't need a cart.
August 30th, 2011 at 9:16:42 PM
permalink
Quote: DJTeddyBearThe real question is: Why didn't any of you move the damn shopping cart?
hahaha I was wondering the same thing!
EvenBob: "Look America, I have a tiny wee-wee, can anybody
help me?"
August 30th, 2011 at 10:04:04 PM
permalink
"Poker sure is an easy game to beat if you have the roll to keep rebuying."
September 5th, 2011 at 10:36:24 AM
permalink
Being the real jackass I am, I park in the space as if the offending car were not offending in the first place. If this impedes my exit from the driver side door, I will back in instead. Preferably the offending car is over the line on its driver side, so I have completely blocked the driver door and s/he must enter through the passenger door. Occasionally my mirror will line up with the mirror of the other car, and risk getting torn off when the other car leaves. In that case I take a photo of the situation with my phone.
In the end, I have made the situation as bad as possible for the offender, which I take some schadenfreude from, and I have not disrupted the normal parking order of any of the other spaces.
In the end, I have made the situation as bad as possible for the offender, which I take some schadenfreude from, and I have not disrupted the normal parking order of any of the other spaces.
September 5th, 2011 at 10:38:16 AM
permalink
I was in a parking lot like this (see zippy's post above--didn't want to re-post the image) once. it was an airport lot, and it had snowed lightly that morning--enough to obscure all parking lines. When I got back from the airport a week later it looked like that.
September 5th, 2011 at 11:23:10 AM
permalink
Quote: kmcdBeing the real jackass I am, ....Occasionally my mirror will line up with the mirror of the other car, and risk getting torn off when the other car leaves. In that case I take a photo of the situation with my phone.
In the end, I have made the situation as bad as possible for the offender, ...
....and yourself if your clever trick backfires, cell photo or not. Is it really worth it?
"Poker sure is an easy game to beat if you have the roll to keep rebuying."
September 5th, 2011 at 11:57:08 AM
permalink
p(mirror damage) = ~5% (just a guess)
Cost of mirror: $300 (another complete guess)
EV of mirror problem: $15
But the schadenfreude from all of the other situations in which some incompetent driver is unable to get into his car is worth it.
Cost of mirror: $300 (another complete guess)
EV of mirror problem: $15
But the schadenfreude from all of the other situations in which some incompetent driver is unable to get into his car is worth it.
