The Parking Lot Less Traveled

Many parents use parking lots when they begin to teach their children how to drive. We choose parking lots because they are large and empty and have few obstacles that could damage a car or the confidence of a young driver. The wide open spaces also give us old folks plenty of room to react to missteps made by our young chauffeurs. But one of the things few parents/forced driving teachers realize that more than 20% of all accidents occur in parking lots.

As parents we need to make sure that our young drivers are aware of the dangers and that we also are aware of the dangers of parking lot driving. An accident in a parking lot usually occurs at a lower speeds but can still cause significant damage and higher insurance premiums. And insurance premiums are high enough when you have teenagers driving a car. Slow speed accidents can still cause significant physical injuries to drivers, passengers and pedestrians.

The Independent Insurance Agents and Brokers Association has come up with some very easy tips to help reduce the chance of parking lot accidents.

How To Choose A Good Parking Spot:

Make sure that you park away from the busiest areas of a parking lot. Drivers tend to look for the closest parking space they can find, when just 20 or 30 yards away the parking lot is virtually empty. In this parking lot less traveled your car is less likely to be dinged or bumped and you have much better visibility when you leave.

In high traffic parking lots such as those at the post office, convenience stores, dry cleaners and banks it is important to park away from other vehicles. There is so much activity in these parking lots and they are usually smaller that the chance of an accident goes up dramatically.

Look for empty spaces together so you can pull through and avoid having to back up when you leave. Just make sure that when you leave you go in the direction of traffic and not against it and also that when you pull through someone else is not pulling in to the spot.

While you make think it saves you time to park next to the cart collection points these areas are the ones where your vehicle will pick up the most dings and dents because everyone brings their cart by your car. Also if you have a smaller vehicle avoid parking next to large pick up trucks, vans and SUVs as you will have hard time seeing around them when you try to leave.

Through Shopping, Time to Leave Safely:

Make sure you windows are completely clear. In the winter clear away frost and snow and during rain storms make sure the fog has cleared from all windows before pulling away. Don't fall into the temptation of pulling out to quickly. Slow down and protect yourself and your car. Once you get in the car make sure you are not distracted, complete your cell calls, adjust the radio and PUT ON YOUR SEATBELT before you start to move. With all the gadgets in our cars today it is very easy to become distracted by navigation systems and cell phones. We often delay putting on our seat belts until we are moving. This is a mistake for two reasons: first you could get in an accident before you leave the parking lot and secondly fumbling around while adjusting your seat belt makes it more likely that you will miss something and wind up in an accident.

Rear view mirrors, side view mirrors, back up cameras and object sensors cannot replace your eyeballs. Especially when situations and circumstances can change very quickly. Rolling carts, a break a way child, another car coming quickly or backing out can all happen before you can see them. Become hyper-o safe will not cause them any undue delays. Over eagerness to leave because you feel pressure will lead to a higher probability of having an accident.

Walk Safely In A Parking Lot:

Walking in a parking lot can make you feel like the poor little frog in the old video game Frogger. Be aware of movement in the parking lot. Today's cars are so quiet that you may not hear the engine of a car running until it is too late. Listen for the sounds of car doors closing which could signal a car about to back out, in colder weather look for exhaust smoke, at night and the early evening be alert for reverse lights coming on.

Here again the don't get distracted advice comes into play. Making cell calls, rummaging through your purse or wallet, or today's newest distraction adjusting your iPod could very well cause you to miss a car backing up. Make sure you look over your shoulder occasionally as drivers may be distracted by looking for a parking spot and may not see you. Be careful when walking around large vehicles as these cars have larger blind spots and may not see you. At night make sure you have on lighter clothing. At night always assume that while you can see the car the car cannot see you.

Just by following these few tips you can quickly reduce the chances of an accident. By teaching these simple steps to your young driver you can help them to protect their driving record. Take a few minutes and ensure that you are following these simple steps and help your kids develop good habits from the beginning.