The first parking lot in the world was created in Fort Wayne, Indiana. Parking lots are especially dangerous for drivers making deliveries or just stopping for lunch. The exposure exists for a vehicle accident as well as being involved in an accident as a pedestrian.
Reasons Why Parking Lot Accidents Occur:
- Drivers understand the risks are high while on the roadway, but few recognize that risks remain high once off the roadway. As such, many drivers drop their guard and become less vigilant once they turn off the street and into a parking lot.
- Upon entering the lot, drivers are usually focused on seeking a parking spot…not on looking for other drivers or objects.
- Most drivers pull “head in” into a parking spot. Once in this position, they must then back out. The natural blind areas behind most vehicles, combined with vision obstruction due to vehicles parked alongside, often make visibility very difficult.
- Traffic laws are non-existent. Most parking lots are private property. Hence, drivers often roll through stop signs, travel against the directional arrows or cut between parked cars. Vehicles can be coming from any direction…at any time.
- Parking lots are congested and with a high density for the amount of area with vehicles and pedestrians.
What you can do as a driver to prevent from being involved in a parking lot accident:
- Wear your seatbelt – even low speed collisions can throw you around the cab of your truck.
- Obey all traffic signs such as STOP and YIELD.
- Drive slowly and use your turn signals and headlights – make sure your vehicle is seen and watch for distracted motorists who do not see you coming.
- When possible, avoid backing. Look for a “pull-through” spot that will negate the need to back out and will place you away from the activity.
- Obey traffic lanes and do NOT drive diagonally across lots (watch for cars cutting diagonally across lots)
- Slow down for speed bumps as not to injure yourself or damage your cargo.
- Be extra careful at entrances and exits – motorists stop suddenly and for no apparent reason – tailgaters often end up in rear-end collisions and rushing while turning into access road or side street traffic can also lead to collisions.
- Be especially careful in lots that contain Post Offices, package stores and other locations where people are prone to dart in and out hastily in a hurry to be on their way
- Be extra careful during peak times when reckless drivers may speed through lanes while trying to get a “better spot” closer to the shops
- Some drivers are on the “hunt” for an ideal parking spot and may drive erratically – watching for open spots rather than watching where they are driving! These drivers often circle the lanes nearest to their store – parking away from stores may make a longer walk, but prove less dangerous from a vehicle collision standpoint
- Lock your truck at all times when not attended. Parking lots are very busy and are often targeted by thieves. Putting all this together, it’s clear the danger doesn’t end once the driver reaches the parking lot.
Originally posted on Idealease Safety Bulletin