Hello, Kia customers, Miss Manners here. Yes, it is me – I am writing guest blogs for car dealerships now. I wanted to address this post to every person who has had a negative experience in a parking lot. “But Miss Manners,” you may ask, “how do parking lots have anything to do with manners?” Good question! Manners are important everywhere you go, whether it’s the soup aisle of the grocery store, your mother-in-law’s home, or the parking lot. Did you know that parking lots are one of the places where manners seem to disappear entirely? (Yes, I made up this fact for emphasis, but it’s very believable.) This week, I will be discussing some important rules of parking lot etiquette – and I expect that everyone will immediately begin to follow these rules upon reading this blog. You may not believe it now, but it is a real, true fact that if people behave themselves in the parking lot, the place will feel a lot friendlier. Read on.

Make sure your car is pulled into the space far enough, but not too far. If you have a normal-size car, pull your vehicle all the way into the space so the rear of your car is in line with other cars. This makes it easier for other drivers to see past your car when they are backing out of adjacent spaces, and also gives the widest possible driving lane between rows. Pulling in properly is particularly helpful when shoppers pushing loaded carts are sharing the driving lane with moving vehicles. If you drive a super small vehicle, park so that the back end of your car is in line with the cars beside you. This lets drivers know that the space is occupied and does not give a false impression that the parking spot is vacant.

Never force your car into a space that’s too small. Standard parking spaces are generally 9 feet wide while compact car spaces are only 7 feet wide and shorter. Obviously, a large SUV or pickup will not fit easily in a compact car space. Quite simply put, they are not supposed to fit.

Watch for pedestrian crosswalks in parking lots. Crosswalks are common near the main entrances and exits of most large garages and lots. Created for the safety of pedestrians coming from and returning to their cars, they are usually marked with diagonal white or yellow stripes and often marked with a pedestrian crossing or stop sign.  As much as you are in a hurry to find a spot, slow down. Watch for pedestrians and obey all signs in the parking lot.

Park straight in a parking space. In a parking lot or garage where cars are parked in slots, leave room on each side so you can open your doors without hitting the cars beside you. Park in the middle of a marked parking space. Overhanging the stripes will crowd the driver who parks next to you will inevitably lead to door dings in the paint.

Don’t straddle a line and take up two spaces in a parking lot or garage. Some people with new cars or those who don’t want to risk having their car’s sides banged by adjacent car doors will park in the middle of two spaces. This is not only rude; it also makes it impossible for others to park at all.  Crowded garages and lots need every space.

Take your turn when waiting for a parking place. In a crowded parking garage or lot, when you see someone pulling out of a space, get as close as you can and turn on your turn signal to let other drivers know you have “dibs” on the space.  If another car is close to the space and has its turn signal on already, you lose! The other car gets the space. If you and another driver both think you found the space first, be generous and let it go. A parking space is not worth a fight.  Another spot will be vacant soon.

Make your intentions clear when walking in a parking lot. If you’re walking back to your car and you sense a car crawling down the aisle behind you, don’t presume they’re sightseeing. They want your parking space!

Finally, don’t expect miracles. Even if you are already driving this way, or decide to adopt these courteous practices, don’t expect others to do the same. Be careful of letting your expectations for others’ behavior contribute to your own potential parking lot rage. Take a few deep breaths, and take your time.