Parking Procedure on Hills for Big Trucks

Properly parking a large truck on a hill requires specific steps to ensure the vehicle remains secure and doesn't roll away. Follow this procedure exactly:

While your foot is still on the brake and the truck's gear is in neutral with the engine running, instruct your assistant to place the TIRE CHOCK (tire stopper, big brick, or whatever is available) under the wheel closest downhill.
Slowly release the foot brake until you feel the truck is resting on the tire chock. Do this gradually to ensure the chock properly supports the vehicle's weight.
Once the truck is being held only by the stopper alone (no longer relying on the brake), it is safe to engage the emergency brake.
Put the automatic transmission in PARK or manual transmission in 1st gear. This provides an additional layer of security against rolling.
Turn the engine off. The vehicle is now properly secured on the hill.

What Happens If You Don't Follow Procedure

Potential Consequences

Some of the most serious accidents involving vehicles happen when the driver is nowhere near the car. A truck can fall out of gear and drift directly into traffic or strike another parked vehicle, building, or unwitting pedestrian.

Gravity is not always a driver's best friend, and that fact becomes very apparent when parking a large truck on a steep grade or hill. Knowing how to properly park on a hill can literally save lives and property.

Procedure to Depart (Reverse Parking)

When it's time to leave, follow these steps in reverse order to safely remove the truck from the hill:

Assistant should be waiting for your signal when to remove the chock. Clear communication is essential for safety.
Start the engine and ensure it's running smoothly before proceeding.
While keeping your foot on the brakes, release the emergency brake. Maintain brake pressure throughout.
Put the transmission in gear (Reverse or Drive depending on your direction of travel).
Then drive off the chock. Apply gentle pressure to move the vehicle off the chock.
Assistant should remove the chock now once the truck's weight is off it. Never remove the chock while weight is still on it.

Visual References & Demonstrations

These photos and videos demonstrate proper hill parking techniques and equipment usage:

Photos & Diagrams

Truck parked on hill with wheel chocks
Proper use of wheel chocks placed on the downhill side
Tire chock placement diagram
Correct placement of tire chocks under wheels
Emergency brake engaged
Engaging emergency brake after chock placement

Instructional Videos

Step-by-step hill parking procedure demonstration
Proper wheel chock usage and safety checks

Safety Tips for Hill Parking

Assess the Situation

If at all possible, avoid parking on a hill in the first place. If you haven't exhausted all of your parking options, you may want to keep searching for a more level parking spot.

Consider Necessity

Parking on a steep incline is not illegal, but it does put added stresses on a vehicle. Ask yourself if parking on this particular hill is strictly necessary.

Proper Wheel Positioning

Turn your front wheels towards the curb or outer edge of the road—do not leave the wheels facing forward. This helps direct the vehicle toward the curb if it rolls.

Team Communication

Always maintain clear communication with your assistant during both parking and departure procedures. Use clear hand signals and verbal commands.

General Hill Parking Information

Parking a large truck on a hill can be a tricky maneuver for drivers. Here's additional information on why these procedures are so important:

Park your truck normally within the boundaries of the designated parking space. Ensure you're not obstructing traffic or creating a hazard.
The philosophy behind turning your wheels inward has to do with gravity and steering. If the truck should fall out of gear accidentally or the brakes fail, gravity will pull the vehicle down the hill.
Momentum will take over and the truck will gain speed. By the time it reaches the bottom of the hill, it will be an unstoppable wrecking machine.
The only force which can stop a rolling truck is an immovable object, i.e., a tree, building, or another vehicle. By turning the front wheels towards the curb, the truck will be steered naturally to the side and the momentum will be stopped.
A truck facing sideways is less likely to continue speeding down a hill than one pointing straight downhill.

Key Takeaway

Always follow proper hill parking procedures. The few extra minutes it takes to secure your truck properly could prevent catastrophic accidents, save lives, and protect property. Remember: Safety first, always!