MURRAY, Utah (ABC 4 News) – Parking especially this time of year is no joking matter. With packed crowds of holiday shoppers and last minute purchases stress levels can skyrocket before you even get out of your car.
It’s happened to us all. You’re an aisle over and see that glorious spot empty. You’ve set your sights on it, race over and just before you get there someone else beats you to the punch. Or, just steals it right from under you.
“Definitely. I've had parking spots taken in just the past week,” said Fashion Place shopper Chaleh Trujillo
“Um, it's a nightmare. Especially the malls,” said Scott Nebeker.
So what is parking lot etiquette? Could it be the first person who sees the spot and heads that way owns it?
“Well, yea. I'm not going to take someone else's spot if I see them waiting. That'd be not very nice,” said Sandy Hardy.
Or, is it finders keepers?
“I think it is. If you find it and I found it and they were down a little ways and I got it so I'm in it,” said Miriam Chadwick.
After more than a decade studying the psychology of driving and road rage, Dr. Leon James outlines a
three-step parking anger prevention process.
1. Acknowledge: Admit that you show aggression in parking lots.
2. Witness: Monitor your thoughts and feelings as your shop for a spot. Are you anxious? Frustrated?
3. Modify: Change at least one thing each time you head out. For example, try disconnecting your ego from that prime parking real estate and opt for a 60-second walk from the back of the lot instead.
“I'm getting to the point where I park further and further back now but my parents they'll drive around for a half hour or 45 minutes looking for a parking spot up close,” said Nebeker.
Stealing someone’s spot can lead to stress, anger and even confrontations.
“Definitely it's frustrating if you've been waiting for a long time,” said Trujillo.
“I just hope they go on by and don't come and chew me out,” said Chadwick.
“Tt gets me mad. It gets me angry.” Said Louis Martinez.
So, try to relax and enjoy the spirit of the holidays. Help each other out and contribute to a stress-free holiday season.
