Hazard:
Parking lots and Garage structures are riskier than you think. These intense driving environments require both drivers and pedestrians to pay close attention. Consider this: Visibility in parking lots is naturally limited due to parked cars, posts & poles, moving vehicles and pedestrians. Add to the mix impatient drivers and distracted drivers, and you can understand why 29% of VSC at-fault accidents occur in parking areas!
In a National Safety Council poll of drivers, 66% admit to making Phone Calls, 63% program their GPS, 52% view Social Media and 42% Video Chat when operating a vehicle in parking lots. Drivers also admitted to adjusting the seat, radio, mirrors and air temperature, while others eat & drink, fix their hair, apply make-up or look through bags of retail purchases made in stores and restaurants that share the parking lot. There is a misconception that it is safe to “multitask” because you drive at lower speeds in a parking lot! In reality, a parking area is the worst place to drive distracted!
Preventative Measures:
To avoid driving or backing into another vehicle, pedestrian, or fixed object, all VSC drivers need to practice these behaviors when navigating through parking areas:
- Conduct a 360-degree walk-around before backing, keeping an eye out for low-lying objects.
- Turn off your phone before starting your vehicle.
- Put on your seat belt.
- Adjust vehicle controls (mirrors, seats, air temperature, etc.) before driving the vehicle.
- Pre-set your navigation system and playlists before driving the vehicle.
- Look over your shoulder and use your mirrors as you back up. Do not rely on technology.
- Stay in lanes and avoid cutting across parking spaces.
- Drive slowly and use turn signals.
- Anticipate the actions of other drivers.
- Obey stop signs, no-parking signs & directional arrows – Do not drive down a lane against the arrow!
- When parking, if safe to do so, pull through on arrival to avoid backing out when you leave.
- Remember – Pedestrians have the right of way – even when they are not paying attention!
- Be a courteous and patient driver.