What should you do when preparing to parallel park?

• Look behind you over both shoulders to check for pedestrians or oncoming traffic, then back up slowly while turning your steering wheel completely toward the near curb. Use mirrors to monitor your position.
  Explanation:

  "When preparing to parallel park, look behind you over both shoulders to make sure you will not interfere with pedestrians or oncoming traffic. Back the vehicle slowly and begin to turn your steering wheel completely toward the near curb. Look through the rear window, not the mirrors, when you back up. Look to the side and front occasionally to make sure you will not touch the vehicle ahead."
• Signal your intentions clearly, then back up quickly while turning your steering wheel toward the near curb. Use only your rearview mirror to monitor your position.
• Look through the rear window, not the mirrors, when you back up. Look to the side and front occasionally to ensure you won't touch the vehicle ahead.
• Pull into the space without checking your surroundings if the area seems clear.