News

Nov 23, 2023

Parallel parking attempt goes awry on Main Avenue in downtown Durango

It can be tricky finding a parking spot on Main Avenue in downtown Durango. But

It can be tricky finding a parking spot on Main Avenue in downtown Durango. But the stress level only rises for many drivers once they find that perfect spot and have to parallel park.

Sometimes the space is a little too tight, traffic keeps whizzing by, and pedestrians stand around watching (and judging) as nervous drivers execute their maneuvers.

The attempt didn't go so well Sunday in the 900 block of Main Avenue for an 80-year-old Durango man.

The man, driving a green Hyundai Santa Fe, was attempting to park in front of Eureka Dan's on the east side of Main Avenue. During the delicate dance, he somehow hit the gas pedal and collided with a Subaru Outback in front of him. He then reversed and collided with a Jeep Wrangler behind him. He then accelerated and drove onto the sidewalk, taking out a parking meter, said interim Sgt. Kathleen O’Toole, with the Durango Police Department.

Jim Lowe was eating lunch about 12:30 p.m. at May Palace when a couple of people in the restaurant witnessed the crash. He said people offered the man help, but he appeared to be fine – maybe a little shaken.

He said the crash drew a small crowd of onlookers.

"I’m sure it was quite embarrassing for him," Lowe said.

O’Toole said the Subaru Outback and the Jeep Wrangler sustained "slight" damage. The man's Hyundai Santa Fe sustained slight body damage and "moderate" damage to the undercarriage where the car ran over the parking meter.

The man was cited for unsafe backing involving a crash.

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