Prevent Parking Lot Accidents
Driving through a crowded parking lot is like driving through a danger zone. There are parked cars, moving cars, people walking around, children running around, shopping carts rolling around... just so much to pay attention to! But you can get through parking in a busy lot without incident if you just pay attention to what you are doing.
Turn off the radio
Never listen to music when you are driving through a busy parking lot. You need to be able to hear if someone beeps their horn or if a mother yells out to her child to watch out. You want the inside of your car to be as quite as possible so you can hear what is going on outside.
Get off the phone
Now is not the time to be chatting with your friend on the phone. You want your full attention on your surroundings. If you must make a call wait until you are parked then talk on the phone.
Drive slowly
There is no need to rush. The store will still be there after you find your parking space. Children can dart out from between cars at any moment so you need to be going as slow as possible so you have time to stop.
Park at the end on an aisle
If you park at the end of an aisle you will not get sandwiched between two cars and you will be less likely to get door dings... ot to ding other doors!
Pull ahead
Always look for a space where you can pull ahead into the space in front of you. This way you do not have to back up to get out.
Park next to a nice car
If you must park in a cramped space try to pick a space next to a nice car. A driver of a beater car may not care if he hits you. A driver of a nice car will be more careful.
Look around when you walk
As you walk through a busy parking lot look around and stay alert. Someone may be backing up and not see you. If you do see someone backing up never assume they know you are there. Always stop and take another route.
Put the carts away
Don't leave your shopping cart in an empty parking space or in any area where it might roll away and hit a car. Most parking lots have designated areas to return your shopping cart. So take a minute out of your day to put the cart in its proper space.
Pay attention to stop signs
Stop signs in parking lots are usually painted on the ground. Be sure to look down to see if you are supposed to stop and let the others have the right of way.
