Courtesy Not Required

SoapboxThe following post about driving courtesy appeared on Facebook attributed to Larry Unger:

When shopping at our local Country Grocer, please stop being 'courteous' by blocking the lane in while waiting for people to back out of their spots. I get that you want a convenient place to park, but that is not how it is supposed to be done.

Don't Block the Road

It is up to the reversing car to wait until it is clear to back up. You are not supposed to block the road to let them out.

On top of that, it can be very dangerous, especially with the spots closest to Cedar Road, as this causes traffic to back up onto Cedar Road itself, which is both dangerous and stupid.

I've seen it happen way, way too many times now and had to say something. You can walk the extra 30 feet from the back spots, I promise you will make it.

I'm in a hurry, courtesy not required.

Thank you all, rant over.

The Parking Lot & It's Approach

Here's the spot that Mr. Unger is referring to:

There's Lots of Room

As you can see, there is lots of room along Cedar Road for traffic waiting to enter the parking lot. It's wide enough for vehicles to park along the curb so through traffic can get by easily if traffic into the parking lot backs up.

Is It Courtesy or Congestion?

Why would you not apply a little courtesy and let someone back out safely? The added bonus is that parking space may be the one that you need. Both drivers benefit.

No Stopping

There are a couple of places here where it is not legal to stop, on the sidewalk and on the crosswalk. Otherwise, as long as the delay is only what is necessary to back out and carry on, I can't think of a reason not to do this.

Can you?

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