Parking Lot Trend

[redhawker]

I've recently noticed a trend that seems to me a little strange. Maybe it is because of the lower gas prices or maybe its just because of peoples' fascination with their "smart" phones or both. If you watch people in parking lots you may have noticed this too. I've found that, probably 9 out of 10 times, when people get into their vehicles in a parking lot they will start the engine and then sit there and pull out their phone and check for messages, emails or whatever. This can last from 30 seconds to 10 minutes or even more in some cases. Not that I really mind them checking their phone in the parking lot, in fact, I'd rather they do it there then on the road but why, if someone is going to check their phone, is it necessary to start the engine and then sit there with it running? Not that I'm really complaining, I just find it strange.

 

[Jim Puke]

It may be cold or hot in the car.....

 

[Viking Queen]

Have noticed that. They could move the vehicle to a less populated part of the lot to free up that closer spot for someone else and check messages, etc. from that location. Common courtesy. I have done that, rarely though do I feel the need to check the phone before heading home. I am old fashioned.

I have also noticed an alarming trend of shoppers exiting the store with phone to their ear and walking right out in front of cars without checking traffic first. Yikes!! Yes, we yield to pedestrians, but geeze, look before stepping out into traffic!

VQ

 

[RusselJ]

Agreed with Jim they want to get the car hot if there is a cold weather which is good for the engine of the car or if there is a hot weather than i think they on the AC of the car to make the car cool before going out to the roads in sunlight coz i think AC won't work faster in the sunlight rather than in the shade. Secondly they want to make sure all things outside are good by checking their phones or checking the messages before is a way better than checking them while driving, safety first right. But 2 or 3 minutes are enough for this the person waiting in the parking lot checking msgs for 10 minutes he or she is definitely wasting the gas.

 

[blume357]

Unintended conséquences: 'they' make it illegal to text or talk and drive and so folks just sit in their cars.... just like when they made 'open containers' in cars illegal.... sides of the roads got a lot more empty beer cans and bottles.

 

[powder smoke]

In the winter people up here leave their cares running while in stores.
Especially during cold snaps and snow storms. Common occurrence.
In the summer I park in the shade usually a longer walk to get inside
but who cares? ps

 

[Kevin]

I am guilty of doing this. I don't leave my car running though, and RARELY park on the front row. I hate door dings so I always try and park back where it's quiet. Nut if the weather is nice, I do this... know who I'm talking to? ...You guys mostly, or my wife when I have to. Ha ha ha...

 

[Jimbo357mag]

They feel safe in their little cocoon. Do they lock the doors?

 

[wwb]

It's not just parking lots..... walking around, driving, in the stores..... more and more folks (especially the younger ones) seem to be glued to their phones. Is there stuff going on in their lives that is THAT important?

 

[Poco Oso]

Unintended conséquences: 'they' make it illegal to text or talk and drive and so folks just sit in their cars.... just like when they made 'open containers' in cars illegal.... sides of the roads got a lot more empty beer cans and bottles.

They're worth a nickle here! Which has funded a new career for many now, it appears. It helps to keep the roadsides cleaner. Now if we could only get them to figure out where the landfills are , we'd have it made. :wink:

 

[nvbirdman]

Are these the same people that walk beside their shopping carts taking up three quarters of the aisle so you can't get by?

 

[jeffmb]

I am guilty of doing this. I don't leave my car running though, and RARELY park on the front row. I hate door dings so I always try and park back where it's quiet. Nut if the weather is nice, I do this... know who I'm talking to? ...You guys mostly, or my wife when I have to. Ha ha ha...

Ditto on door dings. I bought a new(used but new to me) car in really great condition. For the first 2 or 3 years I always parked far and against curbs when in a parking lot. Never had an issue. Then I got complacent and within a couple of months received a nasty door ding. More like a 3 inch vertical crease from an SUV door. I was pissed!

 

[Poco Oso]

Are these the same people that walk beside their shopping carts taking up three quarters of the aisle so you can't get by?

Nope. We now have "recycling centers" where cans and bottles can be dropped off, counted and even added to an account you can set up to be reimbursed later, when you have time. Not a bad thing, all in all.

 

[redhawker]

Those that suggested cold or hot weather (and therefore the heater or AC) for the running car I agree, if those are the conditions. Where I'm coming from though is a Southern California Beach city where its right around 70 degrees about 80% of the time.

 

[RusselJ]

Those that suggested cold or hot weather (and therefore the heater or AC) for the running car I agree, if those are the conditions. Where I'm coming from though is a Southern California Beach city where its right around 70 degrees about 80% of the time.

Exactly.