Parking lot safety 101

It’s just as important to be aware of your surroundings in a parking lot as it is on the highway. Here are a few tips to help you safely navigate your next parking lot trip:

Stay in your lane

Do not cut across the parking lot; you never know when someone else might be barreling your way. Do not drive up a row you are supposed to be driving down. And remember, while there do not tend to be marked lanes in parking lots, the same rules of the road apply–stay to the right.

Drive s-l-o-w-l-y

Mothers with strollers. Edlerly folks on their motorized scooters. Grocery store employees bringing carts back to their store. There are many potential pedestrians in and around parking lots. Be aware of this. There’s no reason to be going any faster than 15 miles per hour while circling a parking lot.

Watch for small children

Most parents do the very best they can with holding the hand of a small child while walking through a parking lot. But you never know when a little one might break free to chase after a run-away toy. Make note of any young families you see while in a parking lot, and drive extra carefully when you’re near them.

On the way out

Before getting back into your vehicle, check the surroundings around your vehicle. Is there a young family near you? A car across the way backing up? Make note of this. Once in your vehicle, check your surroundings again. Using your rearview mirror and/or your side mirrors are helpful, but remember, turning your head around to visually check everything for yourself is always the best option.

If you or a loved one has been injured in a motorized vehicle accident, we are always available for legal counsel.