When parking uphill with a curb, which way should your wheels face?

Study for the Washington Defensive Driving Test. Prepare with interactive flashcards and multiple choice questions, each with detailed hints and explanations. Ace your exam with confidence!

When parking uphill with a curb, the correct practice is to turn your wheels away from the curb. This positioning ensures that if your vehicle were to roll downhill due to gravity, the rear of the vehicle would move towards the curb, preventing it from rolling into traffic.

The intention behind this guideline is primarily for safety. By pointing your wheels away from the curb, the friction of the curb will stop or slow down the descent of the vehicle, acting as a barrier. This technique is important in ensuring public safety and preventing accidents.

In contrast, turning the wheels toward the curb would allow the vehicle to roll into traffic if it were to slip out of gear or if the parking brake failed, which could lead to a dangerous situation. Parking parallel to the curb or not having a specific direction for the wheels fails to adhere to the safety practices established for preventing runaway vehicles in such situations.

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