Parking Accidents

[Smart Enuf]

Pulling all the way out before you have settled on a comfortable but highly visible position would not be considered smart. I have had several near-accidents this way, so I know what I'm talking about.

[angel]

Not pulling all the way in is one good tip. For those that don't mind the walk? Park a little further out in the parking lot. It's another level of protection. Most people are essentially lazy and will jockey for the closest spots. I know that certain places {like the Dallas V.A.} there is no safe parking spot. So I just try to remain as visible as possible. I find the center of the parking place is best. Not quite all the way back and not all the way forward either. And even though she's small I still prefer to back in whenever possible. Just makes it a lot safer for when I'm trying to get out of that parking spot.

[John_H]

I love parking in the back of the space. There's enough room for another Smart in front of me, I confuse my passenger, and I wouldn't get hit by most doors because they'll typically swing clear of my headlight. Bonus, bonus, bonus!

[letsgoskatepool]

I back into spots, especially with the smart because of the blind spots while backing up.

[imcquade]

I park away from others and leave the bum right up against the back of the parking spot

At my local grocery shop; I park in the top left corner of the car park where no one ever does and I park side ways just because I can

Cheers

[SuperGeek]

Park in the middle. You leave enough room for the massive pickup someone's bound to park in the spot in front of you, and the two large trucks or vans that are next to you can swing out and take the 2-3 feet of space you left behind your car. Safer and easier for everyone. Even the neighboring truck/van driver will say, "Gee, that was easier than usual. Glad they had such a small car." OK, I'm living in a Pollyanna world but you get the point.

[caravine]

I park as close to the middle as I can get! The yahoos swingin open their doors won't hurt my 'max' that way! And FYI, my Aunt said when she bought her mini, it was in the owners manual to park to the rear of the spot to avoid getting rammed! ;)

[angel]

OKay so they're trying to sell
Smart Car Domain www.SmartCenter DAYTONA .com
for example.
I checked and Daytonasmartcenter.com was available.
And could always add the FL on there too.
DaytonaFLsmartcenter.com or smartcenterDaytonaFL.com

To further show this person is not to be trusted ...
NOTE: PayPal specifies they may hold funds as long as 21 days! To avoid delays, payment with a bank check is encouraged.

[Micro]

I too thought that parking somewhere in the middle of the space or closer to the rear of the space would be the logical/polite thing to do until a week ago when someone pulling out of a tight space cut the wheel too soon and clipped my left rear quarter with what looked to be a tire or black rubber coated bumper. Fortunately the "rash" polished out of the yellow plastic panel, but now I park a little closer to the front of the space even if that means I'm not quite as visible to drivers looking for a space.

And yes, I too usually back in when I can and park as far away from others as I can (unless my wife is with me - then I'm forced to park a little closer or suffer the wrath. ;) ) I've posted pictures of the "rash" before and after cleanup.

Rex