Comments on: Parallel Parallel Parking

By: Matthew

Matthew — Mon, 29 Dec 2008 16:50:06 +0000

If everyone who drove had more of their self-worth tide to their driving, Charlene, then we would have much better driving. I wish everyone REALLY cared about doing good work whenever they’re behind their wheels.

By: Charlene

Charlene — Mon, 29 Dec 2008 06:50:29 +0000

Well, I’ve learned something today: people who drive identify their self-worth far too much with their ability to steer a chunk of metal around the road.

By: Frank

Frank — Tue, 23 Dec 2008 18:31:17 +0000

This geezer’s parallel parking skills have deteriorated. Not because of eyesight but mostly from lack of practice. I park in my driveway or at angle slots at work, the mall, or whatever. I hardly ever park at curbs any more but when I do I look for spots that let me have a space or two lead up so I don’t have to back in.

By: Matthew

Matthew — Tue, 23 Dec 2008 16:51:39 +0000

Bill, the weight of the anecdotal is against you, man.

By: Keera

Keera — Tue, 23 Dec 2008 12:15:23 +0000

I’m someone who got better at parallel parking after she passed her driving test (I had to take the test twice after failing the first time (but not on parking) and for some reason, p.p. was skipped the second time! Woo!), simply because frequent driving and parking gives one plenty of practice. And yes, it should be on the test, because I consider it to be a “can handle a car”-test. People who can’t put a couple of tons of metal away properly not only annoy others, but can cause dangerous situations.

Back to the comic: As a couple of others have pointed out, any excuse to keep your teenager from behind the wheel a little longer is a good excuse (and relief) for the parents.

By: Cedar

Cedar — Mon, 22 Dec 2008 23:03:46 +0000

Parallel parking is a needed skill in certain cities. I live in a large urban area, and I don’t think one SHOULD be allowed to drive in this city if one doesn’t know how to parallel park. Often times, parallel parking is your the option for parking, especially in certain neighborhoods, and the residential areas closer to the city center. I don’t drive that often, but literally every time I do, I have to parallel park.

By: This guy I know

This guy I know — Mon, 22 Dec 2008 21:31:42 +0000

Parallel parking was not a part of my driving test (California, 1998), so I never received any formal instruction. The first time I had to parallel park, because I was already late for work and that was the only space available, I managed to get it perfect the first time.

This amazing (to me) feat was accomplished thanks to a Sunday strip of the comic Zits which featured Jeremy reading the instructions for parallel parking from a book. The instructions were very clear and stuck in my mind long enough that I was able to pull it off. It also helped that the street I was on did not have a lot of traffic, so I was able to relax and take my time.

I have only needed to parallel park a handful of times in the years since then, but none have ever been as successful as that first time.

By: eeyore19

eeyore19 — Mon, 22 Dec 2008 20:00:44 +0000

When I moved to WA a few years back I had to take the driver’s test again. I almost didn’t get my license because of the points deducted for not being able to parallel park. I agree with some of the other comments here: it’s a driving test, not a parking test. I’m a good driver, but I can’t parallel park to save my life. If all that’s available is a parking spot that requires me to parallel park, I’ll just skip it and drive on until I can find an easier spot to park.

By: Michael

Michael — Mon, 22 Dec 2008 19:42:34 +0000

I think the joke of the panel is that the kid thinks there’s some conspiracy against 16 year olds just because he can’t pass the test. Parallel parking is an extremely important skill (something I use nearly every day I drive) and perfectly valid for a driving test, but the kid’s too self centered to recognize it from that perspective.

By: Peter

Peter — Mon, 22 Dec 2008 19:15:15 +0000

Way late to this–and I didn’t read all the debate–but I was a rotten parallel parker until about age 28 or 29 when I was living in a city and needed to do so on a somewhat regular basis; I did find it was something I picked up with time and practice, and I’m way better now than I was at 16.