When should your wheels be pointed straight ahead?

Wheels should be pointed straight ahead when you are parked on flat ground because this positioning allows your vehicle to remain stable and reduces the risk of rolling away unexpectedly. However, when parked on a hill or sloped driveway, merely pointing your wheels straight isn't the safest practice. Instead, it's essential to turn your wheels toward the curb when facing downhill and away from the curb when facing uphill, using the curb to help prevent the vehicle from rolling. In contrast, at a stop sign or while driving in traffic, the emphasis is on being prepared to navigate rather than stabilizing the vehicle. Thus, when the vehicle is parked in a position that could lead to it rolling if not properly secured, the correct procedure is to turn the wheels to maximize safety.