On the surface, parking lots would appear to be relatively low-risk areas for operating a motor vehicle; however, they can also be an easy place for fender benders, accidents involving pedestrians, and even theft to occur.
Cars are darting here and there trying to grab the best spot, while people are walking behind vehicles without even paying attention, and shopping carts are rolling around as if they have minds of their own. It only takes an instant for craziness to unfold.
With so many people running errands at the busy shopping center, maneuvering through an event parking lot with people everywhere, or looking for a decent parking space downtown, it is important to stay alert to ensure your safety and to limit damage or injury.
Here are some safety tips for driving in busy parking lots so you can keep yourself, your passengers, and your vehicle safe in the throng of everything.
Slow Down and Stay Alert
The posted speed limit is often significantly lower than the speed limit of the road; on average speed limits in parking lots are between 5-10 mph; you probably will be shocked to notice how many drivers completely disregard speed limits. Drivers in parking lots often act like they are in a free-for-all and that normal rules of the road do not apply.
The possibility that a driver is going to have to come to a sudden stop is greatly increased in parking lots; it happens all the time. A driver may slam on their brakes the minute they see a parking space open or a pedestrian might unexpectedly step out from between parked cars. You want to give yourself room to react.
Be alert for vehicles that may be unexpectedly reversing, especially when driving down parking aisles; drivers typically do not pay attention to their surroundings when reversing, and most backup cameras will completely ignore small children or the vehicles in their blind spots.
You should be extra cautious when it is busy, such as weekends, holidays, and immediately after work when everyone is out errand running. Event parking lots can be much more chaotic, as you may have an inexperienced parking lot driver whom just breaches into traffic without consideration.
Park Smart and Park Safely
If you are returning to your car after dark, use well lit areas. Thieves tend to gravitate toward poorly lit parking spots, as they are concealed from view, and you want to have visibility into your surroundings when you are both leaving and returning to your parked vehicle.
Try to avoid parking next to trucks, vans, or SUVs as they may block your view when your are attempting to reverse out of your parking spot and block the line-of-site for other vehicles thereby making them unable to see you, which only increases your eventuality for an accident.
It is sometimes wise to park further away from the main entrance if it allows you easier space navigation, as well as allowing more space in congested aisles. Yes you may have to walk somewhat further from parking, but you will also have less likelihood of hanging out by a popular store, which minimizes the potential for dings and scratches.
Keep valuables and belongings visible out of site. The more visible you are and minimize out of sight will all lower the potential of opportunity for theft. Don’t leave your bags, electronics, or anything else that looks tempting in your vehicle. Even if you’re only stepping inside the store for a few minutes.
Be Careful While Backing Up
Check your mirrors and your back-up cameras but don’t rely solely on them. Technology is not perfect and will fail or miss things, especially small children, shopping carts, or pedestrians that could be in your blind spots.
So before you back out of your parking space, turn around and actually look over your shoulder for pedestrians, shopping carts, and any other obstacles that don’t show up in your mirrors or camera. This old-school method of checking is still one of the safest ways to prevent an accident.
When possible, back into parking spaces so that leaving is safer. You’ll be leaving with better visibility and you won’t be backing out into busy traffic lanes.
Go slow, and use turn signals in parking lanes too. It is good for other drivers to know what you’re planning, and it also helps to clear up confusion, and prevent accidents.
Look for Pedestrians and Shopping Carts
Pedestrians can jump out at you suddenly from between parked vehicles… children especially are harder to see. Walkers and even shopping carts can dart out without warning and slowing down while driving through a parking aisle gives you some reaction time if you’re cautious.
Yield to foot traffic, and most importantly be patient. Walkers, or pedestrians; always have the right of way. Wearing sandals, texting, or walking slowly is not your concern. No one ever loses a second by hitting someone so stay patient until they clear the sidewalk or crosswalk.
Be especially careful for foot traffic around store entrances and designated crosswalks where pedestrian traffic is likely to be highest. The front of stores, during busy shopping days can become very congested.
Do not roll-stops. Full stops are necessary when applicable especially at crosswalks or when you can’t see around things. That extra second could be the difference between a close call and a life-altering accident.
Safe Navigate Every Time
Busy parking lots are certainly much more dangerous than most drivers know, but it is possible to navigate them safely with a little awareness and caution. Slowing down, looking for pedestrians, thinking about your parking location, and maintaining your cool will do much more to keep you, your vehicle, and everyone else safe from accidents, damage, or any stress your day can do without.
With these safety tips in mind, you can build confidence to navigate even the craziest parking lots, and not turn a simple shopping or event trip into a costly headache that ruins your day.
Stay aware, stay patient and remember that safety should always come before just saving a few steps or seconds. There is no price too high on safety and mental function.