Parking is one of the biggest hassles of modern life. We all know the feeling of circling the block for what seems like hours, trying to find a spot that’s not too far away or too close to traffic.
And once you finally find a spot, there’s always the worry that someone will take it from you! Is there a scientific strategy for finding a good parking spot? According to recent research, there might be. In this blog post, we will discuss some of the best techniques for finding a great parking spot!
Big Cities Are A Nightmare For Parking
We’ve all been there. You’re trying to find a spot in a big city, and it seems like everywhere you turn is full. You circle the block for what feels like hours, only to find that every spot is taken. And then when you finally do find a spot, you have to worry about someone taking it from you!
It’s no wonder that parking is one of the biggest hassles of modern life. But according to recent research, there might be a scientific strategy for finding a good parking spot.
Why Is Finding A Parking So Stressful?
Finding a parking spot can be one of the most stressful things about driving. In fact, a study found that drivers spend up to 14 minutes looking for a spot to park! This stress is caused by a few different factors. First, there is time pressure. We often need to find a spot quickly in order to make it to our destination on time.
Second, there is the fear of getting a ticket. Parking tickets are expensive, and no one wants to get one! Finally, there is the worry that someone will take our spot. We’ve all had the experience of finding a spot and then seeing someone else drive into it just as we’re about to park. It’s infuriating!
So, what can we do to reduce the stress of finding a parking spot? According to the research, there are a few strategies that seem to work best
The first strategy is to park further away from your destination. This may seem counterintuitive, but it actually makes a lot of sense. The further away you park, the more likely you are to find a spot.
This is because most people want to park as close to their destination as possible. So, if you’re willing to walk a few extra minutes, you’re much more likely to find a spot.
The second strategy is to avoid parking near popular destinations. If you’re looking for a spot near a popular restaurant or store, you’re likely to have a lot of competition. Instead, try parking a few blocks away from the destination. You may have to walk a bit further, but you’ll be much more likely to find a spot.
The third strategy is to arrive early. This one is pretty self-explanatory. The earlier you arrive, the more likely you are to find a spot. This is because most people don’t start looking for a spot until they’re about to leave their current location. So, if you arrive early, you’ll have a better chance of finding a spot before everyone else starts looking.
Finally, the fourth strategy is to be patient. This may be the most important strategy of all! If you’re willing to wait a few minutes, you’re much more likely to find a spot. This is because many people give up after just a few minutes of looking. So, if you’re patient, you’ll be more likely to find a spot that’s just right for you.
Use A Math Formula To Find The Perfect Spot
Now that we know some of the best strategies for finding a parking spot, let’s talk about how to find the perfect spot. According to a recent study, there is a math formula that can help you find the perfect spot!
The formula is pretty simple. First, you need to find the average number of cars that pass by the spot you’re considering. This number is called the “passing rate.” To find the passing rate, simply count the number of cars that pass by in a minute, and then multiply by 60. So, if 15 cars pass by in a minute, the passing rate would be 900.
Next, you need to find the “searching rate.” This is the number of cars that are looking for a spot in the area. To find the searching rate, simply count the number of cars that pass by with their blinkers on in a minute, and then multiply by 60. So, if you see five cars with their blinkers on in a minute, the searching rate would be 300.
Finally, you need to find the “waiting rate.” This is the number of cars that are waiting for a spot to open up. To find the waiting rate, simply count the number of cars that are parked in the area with their hazard lights on in a minute, and then multiply by 60. So, if you see three cars with their hazard lights on in a minute, the waiting rate would be 180.
Once you have all of these numbers, you simply need to plug them into the following equation:
(Passing rate + Searching rate) / Waiting rate = Perfect Spot Score
For example, let’s say you’re considering a spot that has a passing rate of 900, a searching rate of 300, and a waiting rate of 180. Plugging these numbers into the equation, we get:
(900 + 300) / 180 = 1500 / 180 =Perfect Spot Score
So, according to this formula, the perfect spot score for this spot would be 1500 / 180, or about eight.
Of course, this formula is just a guide. It’s not guaranteed to find the perfect spot every time. But it’s a helpful tool that can increase your chances of finding a good spot!
Types Of Parking Spots
Now that we know how to find a good parking spot, let’s talk about the different types of parking spots. There are four main types of parking spots: on-street, off-street, underground, and surface.
On-street parking is the most common type of parking. This is when you park your car on a street, either with a meter or in a designated spot. On-street parking can be convenient, but it can also be hard to find a spot.
Off-street parking is when you park your car in a lot or garage that is not on a street. Off-street parking is usually more expensive than on-street parking, but it can be easier to find a spot.
Underground parking is when you park your car in an underground garage. Underground parking is usually more expensive than on-street or off-street parking, but it can be the most convenient option.
Surface parking is when you park your car in a surface lot. Surface parking is usually less expensive than on-street or off-street parking, but it can be more difficult to find a spot.
Small Or Bigger Vehicles?
Now that we’ve discussed some general strategies for finding a parking spot, let’s talk about specifics. One question that many people have is whether it’s better to park a small car or a larger one. After all, smaller cars take up less space and are easier to maneuver.
However, the research suggests that it’s actually better to park a larger car. This is because larger cars are less likely to be blocked in by other vehicles. So, if you have a choice, go for the bigger car!
Solutions For Parking In The Future
As you can see, there is a lot to consider when it comes to finding a good parking spot. And, as cities continue to grow, the problem is only going to get worse.
One solution that has been proposed is “dynamic pricing.” This is when the price of parking varies based on demand. For example, parking might be more expensive during peak times and less expensive during off-peak times.
Another solution that has been proposed is “parking cash out.” This is when employees are given the option to receive a cash payment instead of a parking spot. The idea is that this would encourage people to use public transportation, carpool, or walk to work.
The Number Of Cars In The World
Finally, let’s talk about one last thing: the number of cars in the world. According to a recent study, there are now more than one billion cars on the road. That’s a lot of cars! And, as the population continues to grow, we can expect that number to increase.
Of course, this growth in the number of cars is not without its problems. One of the biggest problems is traffic congestion. According to one estimate, traffic congestion costs the US economy $160 billion per year. And, as the number of cars on the road continues to increase, that number is only going to get higher.
Closing Thoughts
We hope you found this blog post helpful! Remember, the next time you’re looking for a parking spot, try using some of the strategies we discussed. And, if you’re ever in a bind, just remember to be patient. With a little bit of luck, you’ll find the perfect spot in no time.