Parking lots and garages at malls and supermarkets can be riskier than you think, particularly on weekends and during the holiday season when traffic surges.
According to the National Safety Council (NSC), tens of thousands of crashes happen in parking lots and garages each year, leading to hundreds of fatalities and thousands of injuries. From minor fender benders to serious collisions, auto insurers report a spike in claims on Black Friday that persists throughout the holiday shopping rush.
Ways to avoid crashes in parking lots
Parking lots can be surprisingly hazardous, but taking some simple precautions greatly reduces your risk of a collision.
Slow down and stay alert
When driving through parking lots or garages, take it slow and follow posted signs. Racing for a parking spot isn’t worth the risk. Always be ready for the unexpected, like careless drivers cutting across rows, speeding, or ignoring signs and pavement markings. Stay calm, obey speed limits and stop signs, and always yield to pedestrians. A little patience goes a long way toward keeping everyone safe.
Use your turn signals
Even in parking lots, turn signals matter. Signaling helps other drivers anticipate your next move, reducing the risk of fender benders and keeping the peace in tight spaces.
Watch for pedestrians
Stay alert and honor crosswalks at all times. Be especially cautious of children who may dash ahead or pedestrians cutting across the lot unexpectedly. A little extra awareness can prevent a serious accident.
Avoid distractions
Stay focused on the road. Put away your phone and avoid programming the GPS while driving. Always keep an eye out for pedestrians and other cars that might not be paying attention.
Park wisely
Choose well-lit, less crowded spots and skip the tight spaces to reduce the risk of dings or accidents.
Park further away
Fewer cars nearby means lower risk of collisions and less pressure from impatient shoppers circling for the “perfect” space.
Use mirrors and a backup camera
Check your mirrors often, adjust for blind spots, and look over your shoulder when reversing. Back out slowly, and watch for carts, kids, and rushing drivers. Take advantage of backup cameras or blind-spot alerts if your car has them.
Shop smart
Skip the chaos. Shop early or later in the day to avoid peak crowds and packed parking lots.
What to do after a car accident
Accidents are often stressful, but following the correct steps can help streamline your claims process and make it less overwhelming. Mapfre has some recommendations:
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- Check for injuries and call for medical help if needed.
- Move over to a safe spot, if possible, and turn on hazard lights.
- Call the police, even for minor accidents, to ensure an official report is filed.
- Exchange details: driver’s name, contact info, license number, license plate, and insurance information.
- Document everything with photos or video.
- If your car can’t be driven, verify the tow driver’s credentials.
- Report your claim promptly. You can start the process online anytime by logging into your Mapfre account.
What not to do after a car accident
Keep these important cautions in mind to avoid mistakes after an accident:
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- Don’t panic, stay calm.
- Never leave the scene.
- Don’t admit fault; let the investigation determine responsibility.
- Don’t delay filing your claim.
Will insurance cover a parking lot crash?
Every situation is unique, but if you’re involved in a parking lot accident, your best resource is your claims adjuster. They’ll check the details of your policy and the incident to guide you through the next steps and ensure you get the support you need.
A little extra caution goes a long way toward a safe, stress-free trip. So will reviewing your auto policy to make sure you always have the right insurance coverage suited to your individualized needs. And if you’re not yet insured with Mapfre, you can always get a fast, free quote on your car insurance policy by contacting an independent agent in your state.
