Car park space invaders
You’re returning to your (deliberately) out-of-the-way parking spot.
Dozens of empty spaces surround you but despite your best attempts at some car park alone time, there’s another vehicle parked right next to your yours.
For some, a car in the adjacent space is a major pet peeve. Depending on the location, it might mean turning yourself into a Cirque du Soleil contortionist to get in the driver’s seat or load the back seat. But in some car parks, it’s no big deal.
There’s no definitive reason why drivers park next to you, despite there being plenty of other options, but here are some theories.
Safety in numbers
Depending on the position, some drivers may feel their car is better protected from being vandalised or broken into when parked next to another vehicle. They may also judge that your car protects theirs from a runaway vehicle, supermarket trolley or other type of mishap.
A feeling of belonging
We’re all social creatures and for some that includes parking. A driver may see your car and think you’ve chosen that spot for a good reason. They may want to park there too and tap into your sound judgement.
Some people also have a group mentality and simply prefer to park where others are, rather than somewhere out of the way. It’s the same mentality that drives certain fashions, fads and other choices in our daily lives.
POLL: Does it bother you when someone parks next to you in a near-empty car park?
The parking challenged
Let’s face it – not everyone is a gold-standard parker and for some drivers the idea of parking triggers genuine anxiety. If another driver sees your car perfectly placed between the lines, they may use it as a reference point. For some drivers, it’s easier to line their car up against the one next to it than to judge distances and positions by themselves. They’re using your car as a role model – perhaps you should take it as a compliment.
Good spots
Quite possibly, you’ve chosen another driver’s favourite spot or area to park. The park you’re in is their number one choice, but number two and three are the parks either side of your car. You might be in a shady spot on a hot day, a well-lit space at night, or somewhere close to the entrance when it’s not busy – all good reasons for other drivers to want the spot next to you.
Distraction
We’re often in a hurry when we need to park, or distracted by phones ringing, kids fighting in the back seat, or the complexities of an upcoming errand. Chances are a stressed driver isn’t thinking about how close they’re parking to you.
Don’t leave just yet
Before you go, please give us a minute of your time answering our poll about car park space invaders. We’d love to hear your thoughts.