There's no explanation why in the statute. And I'm curious if there's a good "why" other than the "wrong side of the street" business, because honestly, I don't buy that. There has to be a better reason to fine someone $44 for parking facing the wrong direction. All I did was cross the other lane, which is not illegal.
Hi Japhy. As someone who has spent a lot of time in a bunch of cities, some of which allow parking while facing against traffic and some of which dont I have to say that IMO the law while annoying is I think for good reasons.
- To enter/exit your parking spot you must drive into oncoming traffic. This means your closing speed can easily become dangerous, with a proportional increase in the chance of a serious accident. Furthermore others on the road and pavement are unlikely to be expecting a vehicle to come from the wrong direction, also increasing the chance that an accident (especially with a pedestrian or cyclist) will occur. BTW I realize you dont buy this argument, but my bet is that you havent considered the issue in the context of non drivers and expected behaviour
- Clearing cars from a road (for reasons such as snow clearing or emergencies) is more difficult, especially if tow trucks are used (crane trucks obviously do not have this problem)
- Cars are designed to roll off the road if they arent properly braked, when the car is facing the wrong direction they are more likely to roll into oncoming traffic.
I remember having the scare of my life when in the UK (where it is legal BTW) a driver crossed the median headed straight for me, only to park some 20 meters in front of me facing the wrong direction. At that point I realized that in the UK the old advice about looking both ways, no matter what or where you are is damn good advice.
Yves / DeMerphq
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