The shopping centre car park on a Saturday morning has become a modern-day arena where people lose their minds over a painted rectangle.
If you've been driving for decades, you've probably noticed things getting worse.
Recent incidents across Australia paint a troubling picture of parking etiquette in free fall.
From revenge parking at the airport to explosive confrontations in shopping centres, we've forgotten the basic courtesy that once made navigating crowded car parks a bearable experience.
The numbers don't lie—car parks are getting dangerous
According to data from Australian Associated Motor Insurers (AAMI), December 2023 saw 2,423 car park incidents, and January 2024 followed with 2,053, coinciding with the Christmas, Boxing Day, and New Year sales period.
That's not just bent panels and scratched paint; these figures represent real stress, insurance claims, and ruined shopping trips for thousands of Australians.
'Car park accidents jump by around 50 per cent over Christmas and the holiday season.'
A study by Monash University's Accident Research Centre identified several reasons why Australians become combative when parking their cars.
These reasons include feeling rushed for time, wanting to 'claim' a parking bay, having a general tendency towards aggression, and getting annoyed by other drivers' actions.
The research hits home because most of us recognise these triggers.
The clock ticking towards an appointment, that perfect spot someone else is eyeing, or watching someone take up two spaces when you've been circling for ten minutes.
The hall of shame—Australia's worst parking sins
Let's talk about the behaviour that's driving everyone mad. You don't want to get internet famous as the driver who took up two parking spaces.
Taking up more space than you need is not only rude, but it can also result in someone else having to park further away, simply because of your inconvenient parking job.
The 'two-space parker' might be the most universally despised car park character, but they're not alone.
There has been considerable debate on this topic. Still, the consensus is that claiming space by having your passenger stand on it is considered rude.
This is regarded as a highly passive-aggressive and antisocial parking practice, and it is sure to escalate the situation.
Then there are the lurkers—those drivers who follow you to your car and idle behind you, waiting for you to leave.
Do not idle in the aisle, waiting for them to go. Chances are, they'll take their time to get their A/C and music running, send a text, or set their GPS before even starting the engine.
When parking revenge goes viral
A recent incident at Melbourne Airport aptly illustrates the intensity of these situations.
A woman posted, 'Airport parking is chocker block, and this rude person has parked like this!! I have squeezed in beside them and hope they have to climb through their passenger seat to get to their driver's seat now.'
Some viewers praised her 'petty justice', while others cautioned she might have targeted someone who had made the best of a tricky parking situation.
Melbourne Airport's parking woes provided the perfect storm for Fraser's frustration.
The incident highlights a crucial point: poorly parked cars can sometimes result from earlier issues, creating a domino effect that unfairly blames later arrivals.
What appears to be selfish parking is someone making the best of an impossible situation.
The psychology behind parking rage
Why do car parks turn reasonable people into aggressive competitors? These reasons include feeling rushed for time, wanting to 'claim' a parking bay, having a general tendency towards aggression, and getting annoyed by other drivers' actions.
There's something primal about securing that parking spot. It's territory, convenience, and time-saving all rolled into one. Add the stress of busy shopping periods, and you have a recipe for conflict.
Did you know?
Holiday parking danger zones
Weekends and festive seasons also bring out the worst in drivers. Studies have shown that aggressive driving in car parks reaches peak levels during these times, with insurance data revealing that car park accidents jump by around 50 per cent over Christmas and the holiday season.
A gentleman's guide to car park courtesy
Good parking etiquette isn't rocket science, but it does require mindfulness and a bit of patience.
Here are the golden rules that seem to have been forgotten:
Space respect
: Ensure your car is centred within the lines of the space. Not to mention that if you choose to park outside your designated space's limits, it will be difficult for those who are parked in adjacent spaces to get in and out of their vehicles.
Big car considerations
: We know Aussies love big cars. If you have a larger vehicle, such as a truck or SUV, consider parking further away from the entrance, where there may be sufficient space available.
The indicator rule
: When a parking space opens up, it's common courtesy (and parking etiquette) to turn on your indicator to signal your next move to other drivers.
Shopping trolley courtesy
: Please return your shopping trolley to the bay. Leaving it behind will obstruct someone else, which will cause delays or worse, an accident. Unmanned trolleys have also been known to roll, so if you don't like the idea of someone's stray trolley hitting your car, don't do the same to someone else.
Special considerations for senior drivers
If you're 75 or older, you're already dealing with additional requirements.
Australian seniors aged 75 or over are required by law to get medical checks each year to ensure that they're still fit to drive. However, age shouldn't mean accepting poor treatment in car parks.
Parking strategies for seniors
- Plan your shopping timing: Avoid peak hours when possible, especially weekends and early evenings.
- Use disability permits properly: In Australia, drivers or passengers holding a disability parking permit are the only ones permitted to use accessible parking bays. This means you can park in these designated areas if you're driving with a permit holder.
- Take your time: Don't let other drivers pressure you into rushing.
- Use technology: Download the free My NRMA app, which allows you to search for the best parking deals, then book and pay for a space.
The bottom line on parking civility
Car parks don't have to be war zones.
The incident at serves as a stark reminder of the need for patience, respect, and calm when navigating busy areas.
As the community reacts, many are hoping the authorities take appropriate action, and that public discussion will encourage better behaviour in public spaces.
When another driver is reversing into a car park, drivers should wait for the parking to be finished before driving around them.
The solution isn't more aggressive enforcement or revenge parking—it's remembering that we're all just trying to get our errands done and go home. A little patience, a wave of acknowledgement, and proper positioning of your vehicle can make everyone's day better.
What's your biggest car park frustration? Have you noticed a decline in parking etiquette in your area? Share your experiences and tips for staying calm in the car park chaos.
Primary source
Parking Etiquette 101: Car Parking Rules Every Driver Should Know
Cited text: 'According to data from AAMI (Australian Associated Motor Insurers), December 2023 saw 2,423 car park incidents and January 2024 followed by 2,053 — co...'
Excerpt: 'According to data from Australian Associated Motor Insurers (AAMI), December 2023 saw 2,423 car park incidents, and January 2024 followed with 2,053, coinciding with the Christmas, Boxing Day, and New Year sales period.'
Parking Etiquette 101: Car Parking Rules Every Driver Should Know
Good manners matter—Car Parking etiquette from seating to eating that everyone should know but nobody talks about! Here’s the essential car parking etiquette 101 every driver should know.www.sharewithoscar.com.au
Parking Etiquette 101: Car Parking Rules Every Driver Should Know—Parkhound
Cited text: 'A study by Monash University’s Accident Research Centre found several reasons for Aussies getting combative when parking their cars. These reasons inc...'
Excerpt: 'A study by Monash University's Accident Research Centre identified several reasons why Australians become combative when parking their cars.'
Car park etiquette rules | Advice and How-to | Open Road | The NRMA
Cited text: 'Walk your shopping trolley back the bay. Leaving it untethered will create an obstruction for someone else, which will cause delays or worse still...'
Excerpt: 'Please return your shopping trolley to the bay. Leaving it behind will obstruct someone else, which will cause delays or worse, an accident.'
Car park etiquette rules | Advice and How-to | Open Road | The NRMA
Car park stoushes needn’t get heated. If we all commit to courtesy, we’ll get home safely with our dignity intact. Use these rules to guide you when parking in Sydney.www.mynrma.com.au
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