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I got off work early today and went down to the nearby rail yard to snap some pictures.

I parked in a bank parking lot, then crossed the road to the yard side. I walked down the road and back, about 25 minutes or so.

When I get back, I see two police cars outside the bank, and a buch of people standing around. I start thinking that the bank was held up or something. I start looking closer and realize my car is the center of the commotion, as it is now in the middle of the parking lot blocking the drive thru teller lanes. 

I cross back over, and start apologizing profusely.  The bank guys were cool, one of the police officers although, wasn't. He seemed really "put out" by having to be there, and kind of disappointed that he couldn't give me a ticket or something. 

I always set my e-brake, even on flat ground. I don't know what happened, but I didn't when I got out, and 2nd gear wasn't enough to hold it still. I was on a pretty good slope. The officer was kind enough to remind me that "that's what they make parking brakes for!"  

Every now and again, I guess we all need reminding that we're just human.

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You were very lucky.

My Ford Van was hit in a shopping center slopped parking lot by a "parked" truck.

The driver was nice enough to come into the store to tell the manager what had happened, who made a PA announcement.

I went outside to see what the fuss was about.

I was not happy to see the big dent in the side on the van, but it did stop his truck from hitting anyone else.

The impact moved my 1989 van several feet sideways, I was glad I was not in it at the time.

I was in the area Rail-fanning and Tech shopping.

The higher the gear ratio, the more mechanical advantage the engine has on the drive wheels. Using the lowest gear in your car (1st gear) will provide the best mechanical advantage and help prevent your car from rolling away. 1st gear should only be used on level ground or downhill. Reverse should be used when parking up hill. Reverse has a similar gear ratio to 1st and will prevent your engine from rotating backwards. Rotating an engine backwards puts unneeded stress on the timing components like the timing belt tensioner. Just use the ebrake

Did you at least get some decent pictures?

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