Mind Your Manners: 6 Parking Lot Etiquette Tips

This article originally appeared on the Springs "You're Home Blog."

The private entrances to our Springs Apartments homes allow you to maintain your own space without the disruption of frequent passers-by. Parking lots, on the other hand, are shared by the apartment community, so it's important to keep the peace by being considerate of others.

Parking lot etiquette is usually a simple matter of common sense. We've put together a list of some of the best tips for preventing "parking rage" in you and your neighbors.

No matter how much you cherish your car, it's not entitled to more than one parking spot. Make sure your car is squared up between the lines, leaving enough room for the people on either side to exit their vehicles.

Parking lots have a lot of foot traffic, and sometimes you may not see people until they're right in front of you, especially if they're kids. Keep your speed at 5-10 MPH and be alert to all directions, particularly when you're backing up.

The community parking lot is not meant for storing a junked car with no license plates or other garbage, no matter how temporary. Not only is this unsafe and illegal, but it creates an eyesore for your neighbors and potential residents.

Unless parking is formally assigned, you have no special claim to any spot, even if it's right in front of your door. Swooping in to steal a parking space is a sure way to create ill will on the part of the other person.

When you come home after a long day of work, all you can think of is getting home and putting your feet up. That's no excuse for honking, hovering or otherwise harassing a driver who is pulling out in an effort to speed them up. Give them the consideration you would expect in the same situation.

You might love some head-banging heavy metal, but that doesn't mean you should share it with the whole community. Turn down your radio when you enter the parking lot.

At Springs Apartments, we value the peace and comfort of our residents. Many of our communities have Courtesy Officers who have experience in mediating difficult situations to everyone's satisfaction. Stop by the office or call if you have any questions about parking lot rules.