Reader says truck parking is creating potential hazards

QI have noticed a large increase in the number of package delivery trucks pulling over into oncoming traffic and then either parking or double parking facing oncoming traffic. The offenders are Amazon, UPS, FedEx, some white unmarked trucks or vans, occasionally a moving truck, and pickups (for plumbers, electricians, etc.) on the side against the flow of traffic.

My theory is this saves a few steps and the time of crossing the street or making a U-turn to park correctly.

There is also an increase in cars parked facing oncoming traffic. I thought this violated two traffic laws, driving on the wrong side of the street and parking in the wrong direction.

Have the laws changed?

I am writing to improve awareness in both the companies and drivers of these vehicles and in each of us.

It might take a short second to do the right thing, but it might avoid a late or wrong decision and an accident.

— Henry Walasczyk, San Jose

AYou raise some good points. But with delivery services needed so much during COVID-19, I doubt if police will clamp down on this.

It is illegal to park on the wrong side of the street. Hopefully, your concerns will raise awareness.

QI feel sad every time someone makes statements like, “Is there any chance Toyota will confess they screwed up, order a recall and install that $300 protective metal plate that should have been there in the first place on the Prius?”

There was no screwup. Designs were changed. Take responsibility for yourself, weigh the risks of not paying to protect your car, and put your own protector on it if that’s the decision you think is best.

— David J.

AYou also raise a good point. Designs were changed a decade ago to make it harder to steal catalytic converters.

It’s older models from 2011 that are the problem.

QI just read about Alison Hyde and how her catalytic converter was stolen twice, and I wanted to let you know I had mine stolen within the last few days, as well.

My car was parked on the street in a fairly well-lit location, and I’ve parked in that same spot for over a year now. Thanks for writing this piece, though.

It’s helping me plan my next step.

I’m leaning toward dumping the car altogether.

— Will Matsuoka, San Jose

AItcanrunafew thousand dollars to install a new converter, a few hundred to install a lock to protect the converter from theft, but that costs less than buying a replacement car.

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