The parking lot: Responsible for 14% of all car insurance claims and 80% of all dented bumpers and paint scratches.
Many of us are pressed for time and as soon as we enter a parking lot our eyes begin to furiously scan for an open spot. We often drive around and around waiting for the perfect spot. As the search drags on, attention to the things going on around us lessen. Activities like picking a song on the radio or reading a text message become more important. Many times we look up just in time to avoid a collision, but sometimes we’re not so lucky. Once our cars cross the parking lot entrance, it seems all etiquette flies out the window as parking lot driving rules can rely heavily on how nice we feel like being that day.
So how do we combat the crazy driving environment parking lots face us with? Here are a few tips for being as safe and as wreck-free as possible in the parking lot:
1. Think for yourself—and everyone else! It’s not enough to just check your surroundings. Check everyone’s around you as well. Pay attention.
2. Rolling down your window helps you to hear what you can’t see. There are always those pesky blind spots. Having your windows partially open helps ensure you will hear another car or pedestrian coming, even if you can’t see them.
3. If you’re capable of walking a little further, save the closest spots for older people and pregnant women. The spots towards the back of the parking lot are surrounded by less frenzy for the best spot. Never park in a designated handicapped spot unless you have a physical disability.
4. If you own a smaller or compact car, don’t pull your vehicle very far into the spot. Keep the back end in line with other, larger vehicles. This way, when pulling out of the spot there is a better chance your vehicle will be visible to other cars.
5. If another driver is becoming angered and frustrated and decides to act in a less than polite manner towards you, just keep on driving. Rage can easily escalate into more dangerous circumstances or actions.
6. Watch for cars cutting diagonally across lots and illegally driving through parking spaces instead of following the designated flow of traffic.
7. When backing out of a spot, be aware of others who are waiting to grab your spot. Make sure they have given you enough room to properly back out.
8. Ask security to walk you to your car if you feel unsafe or it is late at night.
Parking lots will continue to be a hot zone for fender benders and insurance claims for most people, but it doesn’t have to be that way for you. Follow our tips and remember, just slow down, take an extra look and keep your ears open.
This blog is written by guest blogger, Danielle Nadar.
