Expect The Unexpected In The Parking Lot
Murphy's Law and Chaos Theory are alive and well in the parking lot. Proceed with caution.
All the rules seem to fly out the window at the crack of dawn while people are rushing to catch trains. You really need to proceed with caution in the parking lots because other people are not. Remember the old saying: "you are only as good as the worst driver on the road?" It really is true. Pedestrians this applies to you too. You don't have five-mile-per-hour bumpers for protection.
Within the last few months, I've seen enough near misses that could have been fairly messy. For example within the last month or so I was tailgated by a guy because I was doing the speed limit. He proceeded to pass me in a no passing zone and then run a red light (semi-carefully). The roads are fairly empty at that hour. The funny thing is that I think we ended up at the same parking lot with plenty of time to spare. Obviously he gained nothing by driving recklessly. Where is a cop when you need one?
Each morning I watch a guy obsessively adjust his parking. I'm not sure if it has to with the fact he has a luxury car or if he is just obsessive by nature. In an ironic move, he pulled his car forward without looking and would have run into the side of my car had I not been driving slow enough to stop. Hint: you do not have the right of way when pulling out of parking space. And I'm sure your insurance won't love the move either.
On another recent morning, because there was a train waiting at the platform, a fellow commuter ran out in front of me while I was moving! Hurray for slow speeds and quick reflexes (even at pre-dawn hours).
Most mornings I watch drivers fly through the parking lot to grab a parking space. This includes speeding around a fairly blind curve that has a cross walk and driving over some empty parking spots. Pedestrians beware because these people do not stop for anyone.
For the most part this last one has been fairly curtailed with stern warnings from the parking authority, but also don't expect drivers to abide by the "one way" signs. Apparently getting that perfect parking spot is more important than nearly causing accidents.
I'm sure my busy train station is not unique in crazy behavior. With all that in mind, here are a few things to remember:
- Slow down and follow the rules of the road. Tickets and accidents will make you miss your train or worse (injured or arrested maybe).
- Even though pedestrians have the right of way, don’t assume you’re going to get it. Two words - defensive walking.
- Expect the common sense rules of road won’t be followed. Be prepared to stop or jump out of the way. Take responsibility for your safety.
I still stand by my own saying, which I hate to say, "And you wonder why the average NJ Auto insurance rates are the highest in the nation?" Be safe out there!
Posted: March 3, 2007 (Permlink to this Tip)
Posted in Parking Lot , Safety
Tags: driving , rules , safety , walking
