ALT-1 How to Avoid Car Accidents in Parking Lots
One of the more hazardous places to drive, believe it or not, is in a parking lot. There are a variety of additional distractions that don't usually exist in standard highway driving. Drivers are looking for places to park or trying to back out of parking spaces with limited visibility. Pedestrians are darting around, looking for their own vehicles or heading to their destinations. Assorted hazards such as stray shopping carts or debris abound.
Most of us have more than just our driving skills on our mind when we enter a parking lot. We have errands to run or a workplace to enter. Every other driver in that parking lot is preoccupied with similar concerns. Driving defensively in a parking lot involves paying close attention to detail and to the drivers and pedestrians around you. Remaining fully alert is crucial to your safety. Consider the following points when navigating a parking lot:
- Expect the unexpected. There are distractions everywhere. You may not know what they are, but you can be sure they are coming. Drive slowly behind parked cars in the lot. You never know when a car may back up suddenly or a pedestrian may step out from between two vehicles. In fact, always drive slowly in parking lots. Drive so you can stop quickly if necessary. Speed should never by one of your concerns in a parking lot.
- Park away from other vehicles. Everyone jockeys for position in the spaces closest to the entrance. This causes traffic congestion and an increased risk of having your door dinged by another car. Park further down in the lot and take a little walk to your destination. The fresh air and exercise are good for you.
- Pay attention to your surroundings. Don’t be the distracted driver or pedestrian who causes the accident. If you’re unloading a shopping cart and putting groceries in your trunk, make sure you’re not stepping into the path of oncoming traffic or letting your cart roll away from you. If you’re shopping with children, make sure they are securely tucked away in the car before you unload your shopping cart.
- Drive in the clearly marked lanes throughout the parking lot; don’t cross over empty parking spaces trying to take a short cut. If you cross over too often, it’s only a matter of time before you pull between cars and hit a car that is being correctly maneuvered in the traffic lanes.
- Obey posted signs. They are there for your benefit. If a space is marked for a compact car, don’t park your SUV in the space. Signs for “Head in Parking Only” are posted for safety reasons. Never park in fire lanes thinking your errand will only take a minute. Take the time to find a legitimate parking space.
Safe driving in parking lots is all about doing everything you always do while driving, only with a little more attention and a little less speed.
