Five holiday safety tips for preventing parking lot accidents

Whether you enjoy holiday shopping or just see it as a necessary task, it’s important to be vigilant while you are marking those items off your list. Statistics released by the National Safety Council show that 50,000 people suffer injuries in parking lot car accidents each year. The overall number of accidents greatly increases during the holiday season. Many of these accidents can be avoided by simply slowing down and following good safety measures.

1. Look out for dangerous sidewalks and parking lots

While it is not a huge concern here in Houston, in many areas of the country holiday shoppers not only have to battle the crowds, but the icy weather as well. Be aware of the weather conditions and don’t risk your safety or someone else’s if conditions are not safe. Be aware of parking lots that are usually poorly lit or tend to be more dangerous when wet or icy. This is good advice to remember as a driver and a pedestrian. 

2. Put your phone down

Most of us feel like our cell phones are an extension of ourselves. They allow us to easily stay connected but they can also be a distraction as well. This can be especially true when walking through busy parking lots from one store to the next. Keeping your eyes glued to your cell phone when walking can cause you to miss icy or wet spots in the parking lot or even walk into the path of a moving vehicle. Make sure you are in a safe, stationary spot before using your cell phone and are completely parked before checking that text. 

3. Practice patience

Getting the closest parking spots might seem like an effective holiday shopping tip but when it comes to safety, be patient. Bolting through the parking lot to grab that prime spot might be your first thought. But resist the urge. It is simply not safe and with many more pedestrians and vehicles out during the holidays, you run the risk of seriously injuring someone. When walking through the parking lot, be sure to look both ways and be aware of your surroundings.

4. Look out for pedestrians

As we all know, the holiday season can be hectic. Swarms of people are out trying to find that perfect gift, many with children and shopping bags atow. You should always be cautious in parking lots and streets with heavy pedestrian traffic but, especially during the holiday season. People in a hurry will often take shortcuts between cars and may seem to come out of nowhere. Be vigilant and look out for one another.

5. Reduce your speed

We all understand being in a hurry during the holiday season. However, being in a rush increases the likelihood of parking lot accidents. You may think slowing down will add more time to your trip but in actuality it just may prevent someone from getting injured or killed. Remember that holiday shoppers might not be paying as much attention as you are. Take the safe route and slow down.

Contact an experienced car accident attorney if you are injured

We truly hope your holiday season is a safe one. But if you are injured in an accident we are here to help. Contact us at (877) 724-7800 or fill out our free, confidential case evaluation form.