Parking lots pose a variety of safety hazards for both drivers and pedestrians. While it’s impossible to avoid crowded parking areas, there are some common practices that can reduce the risk of being in an accident. We want you to be safe, especially during this busy time of year. This parking lot safety list provides practical advice on ways to avoid causing accidents and how to watch out for other drivers.
Eliminate Distractions
Many accidents are the result of distracted drivers who reach for their cell phone, turn their attention to children or otherwise take their focus off driving. Avoid any distractions before coming to a complete stop and turning your car off. This includes unbuckling seat belts prematurely.
It’s a good idea to turn the radio down or off before entering busy parking areas to remain alert to surrounding sounds, too.
Be Courteous
With tensions high during busy shopping season, drivers often cause accidents by attempting to beat one another to prime parking spots. This is very dangerous because as drivers speed to reach a spot, they don’t pay attention to their surroundings. Speeding cars can inadvertently hit other cars that are backing out. You can also hit pedestrians that step out into the lane.
Consider parking farther out to avoid other aggressive drivers who may put you and others in danger.
Park in the Safest Spots
Sometimes the best parking spots aren’t necessarily the most convenient, but they are the safest. Avoid parking in the very first or last spot in an aisle. They may be convenient to pull into but vehicles in these spots are more likely to be hit from the main flow of traffic.
Additionally, those driving with children should opt for spots that are as far away from congested areas as possible. While walking long distances with little ones may not be fun, getting them in and out of the vehicle without traffic zooming around is much easier and safer.
Be Aware of Your Surroundings
Our number one parking lot safety tip is to always stay alert to what is going on around you. While walking, never dart in between cars or cross lanes into traffic while on your phone. Similarly, never assume that a vehicle will stop for you, even at a stop sign or crosswalk. Make eye contact with the driver before you cross.
When leaving a parking area, never pull forward into another parking space to exit. Another car may be pulling in that you can’t see. Additionally, always back out very slowly, looking behind you at all times. Never assume that just because it’s clear the first time you look that it will remain clear.
Accident Protection
Parking lot safety isn’t the only protection you should consider. Another way to protect yourself and your vehicle is to have adequate Car Insurance coverage. You’ll be better off with the peace of mind that your finances are covered in the event that you get into a parking lot accident. Additional coverages, like Comprehensive and Collision may not cost you that much, either. Plus, they’re worth it if you ever do get into an accident. Give an Insurance Specialist a call at (855) 919-4247 for a free Auto Insurance quote today. Trust us, your wallet will thank you.
The information in this article is obtained from various sources. This content is offered for educational purposes only. The definitions, terms and coverage in a given policy may be different than those suggested here. No warranty or appropriateness for a specific purpose is expressed or implied.
