What should you always do before leaving a parking space?

Always checking your mirrors and looking over your shoulder for pedestrians and other vehicles is crucial for ensuring safety before leaving a parking space. This action helps drivers become aware of their surroundings, which is especially important in tight parking situations where visibility may be limited.

By checking mirrors, drivers can see vehicles that are nearby and the spaces that may be occupied, while looking over the shoulder provides a clear view of any pedestrians who may be behind the vehicle. This comprehensive check reduces the risk of accidents and injuries caused by sudden movements when exiting a parking spot, making it a key part of responsible driving behavior.

Utilizing only the rearview mirror doesn’t provide a complete view of the surroundings, as blind spots and lower visibility areas might be missed. Using the horn to alert others could be considered aggressive and doesn’t guarantee safety, and backing up without any checks is unsafe and increases the likelihood of collisions. Thus, the importance of thorough observation before moving from a parking space cannot be overstated.