Car wars Down Under: Aussie car park chaos stuns American expat
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Moving to a new country can be an exhilarating experience filled with new customs, food, and ways of life.
However, for one American expat who recently made the leap to Australia, it's not the Vegemite or the left-hand driving that's causing the most culture shock—it's the car park behaviour.
The expat, settling into the sunny climes of Queensland, expressed genuine concern over what he perceived as a reckless and aggressive driving culture in Australian car parks.
According to his observations, shared on a social media post, Australians seem to have a need for speed and are ‘out for blood’ when it comes to nabbing a parking spot as close to the entrance as possible.
He also observed that the size of the parks is smaller compared to those back at his home.
‘So, I recently moved to Australia from USA. I'm absolutely in love with this country and find it a paradise compared to America but I'm shocked at how people drive in car parks,’ the man wrote.
‘Why do most Australians drive in car parks like they're out for blood? Even in crowded lots, like at shopping centres ya'll drive 40km.’
‘Since moving to Australia the ONLY place I fear for my life is in a car park,’ the expat added.
Australians acknowledged the intense car park culture but couldn't identify a reason for the road rage.
There appears to be a split among drivers who either prefer to find a parking spot near the entrance or opt to quickly secure a spot and walk the distance.
‘There is definitely a strange car park culture here in Australia. I'm of the "park in the middle of nowhere-don't care" camp, and my husband is in the "must park as close as humanly possible to the entry" camp,’ one commenter said.
‘We will never understand each other's motivations. I do wish people would calm down though. They get so angry over spots or blocking lanes. Everyone just needs to relax! The shops aren't going anywhere.’
Another echoed this sentiment, saying, ‘I'm Australian and I have no idea. I had someone laugh at me for using my indicator in a car park. I pointed out that others can't read my mind in a car park any more than they can on the road.’
‘I'll try to park far away in a less popular area before doing a couple of laps, if I still can't find a park I'll exit and go to a side street somewhere, it's not worth the hassle,’ a third shared.
‘I don't like people that sit in a lane waiting for a returning shopper, clogs up traffic flow and sometimes they'll be sitting behind your car while you're trying to back out and don't give a shit when you try to signal you want to leave.’
However, the expat's experience was not unique.
Other foreigners have also noticed the behaviour, with one Brit recounting, ‘so many times I have either had obscenities screamed at me or some i**** ram in the back of my car as I am slowly inching out of a space.’
‘I have driven pretty much around the world and can honestly say Oz has some of the worst attitudes on the road by far.’
Another expat shared, ‘I'm from the UK and find it frustrating that nobody ever wants to let you out of a parking space.’
‘Whether that is the supermarket, a shopping centre or on-street parking. You can be almost fully out of space and someone will still just drive around you rather than wait for you to pull out.’
The speed limit in all car parks and shared zones should be 10km, with clear signage to notify motorists, especially when approaching speed humps.
Studies indicated that car park collisions occur more frequently during busy times of the year, such as Christmas and Easter.
According to AAMI Motor Claims Manager Leah James, shopping centres become like ‘the Hunger Games of parking’ during these periods.
The American expat’s sentiments shed light on the intense car park culture in the country.
This revelation came amidst a discussion about a ’genius’ car park feature that divides Aussie drivers, promising an absolutely elite parking experience.
The juxtaposition of these stories highlights the significance of parking experiences in Australian daily life and the ongoing debate surrounding car park etiquette and facilities.
Have you experienced aggressive driving in car parks? Do you have any tips for navigating these concrete jungles? Share your thoughts and experiences in the comments below.
However, for one American expat who recently made the leap to Australia, it's not the Vegemite or the left-hand driving that's causing the most culture shock—it's the car park behaviour.
The expat, settling into the sunny climes of Queensland, expressed genuine concern over what he perceived as a reckless and aggressive driving culture in Australian car parks.
According to his observations, shared on a social media post, Australians seem to have a need for speed and are ‘out for blood’ when it comes to nabbing a parking spot as close to the entrance as possible.
He also observed that the size of the parks is smaller compared to those back at his home.
An American expat in Queensland shared his shock on social media at Australians' fast-paced driving in car parks. Credits: Shutterstock
‘So, I recently moved to Australia from USA. I'm absolutely in love with this country and find it a paradise compared to America but I'm shocked at how people drive in car parks,’ the man wrote.
‘Why do most Australians drive in car parks like they're out for blood? Even in crowded lots, like at shopping centres ya'll drive 40km.’
‘Since moving to Australia the ONLY place I fear for my life is in a car park,’ the expat added.
Australians acknowledged the intense car park culture but couldn't identify a reason for the road rage.
There appears to be a split among drivers who either prefer to find a parking spot near the entrance or opt to quickly secure a spot and walk the distance.
‘There is definitely a strange car park culture here in Australia. I'm of the "park in the middle of nowhere-don't care" camp, and my husband is in the "must park as close as humanly possible to the entry" camp,’ one commenter said.
‘We will never understand each other's motivations. I do wish people would calm down though. They get so angry over spots or blocking lanes. Everyone just needs to relax! The shops aren't going anywhere.’
Another echoed this sentiment, saying, ‘I'm Australian and I have no idea. I had someone laugh at me for using my indicator in a car park. I pointed out that others can't read my mind in a car park any more than they can on the road.’
‘I'll try to park far away in a less popular area before doing a couple of laps, if I still can't find a park I'll exit and go to a side street somewhere, it's not worth the hassle,’ a third shared.
‘I don't like people that sit in a lane waiting for a returning shopper, clogs up traffic flow and sometimes they'll be sitting behind your car while you're trying to back out and don't give a shit when you try to signal you want to leave.’
However, the expat's experience was not unique.
Other foreigners have also noticed the behaviour, with one Brit recounting, ‘so many times I have either had obscenities screamed at me or some i**** ram in the back of my car as I am slowly inching out of a space.’
‘I have driven pretty much around the world and can honestly say Oz has some of the worst attitudes on the road by far.’
Another expat shared, ‘I'm from the UK and find it frustrating that nobody ever wants to let you out of a parking space.’
‘Whether that is the supermarket, a shopping centre or on-street parking. You can be almost fully out of space and someone will still just drive around you rather than wait for you to pull out.’
The speed limit in all car parks and shared zones should be 10km, with clear signage to notify motorists, especially when approaching speed humps.
Studies indicated that car park collisions occur more frequently during busy times of the year, such as Christmas and Easter.
According to AAMI Motor Claims Manager Leah James, shopping centres become like ‘the Hunger Games of parking’ during these periods.
The American expat’s sentiments shed light on the intense car park culture in the country.
This revelation came amidst a discussion about a ’genius’ car park feature that divides Aussie drivers, promising an absolutely elite parking experience.
The juxtaposition of these stories highlights the significance of parking experiences in Australian daily life and the ongoing debate surrounding car park etiquette and facilities.
