While the holidays are a time of great joy, they also demand great caution, especially when heading out for last-minute shopping.
Tens of thousands of car crashes occur in parking lots and garages annually, according to the National Safety Council, and that risk goes up during the holiday season, when shoppers are distracted by checking off their gift lists and running to get the best deals.
Distraction doesn’t just increase crash risk — it also makes you more vulnerable to crime. Parking lots and garages are among the top three locations for crimes, including aggravated assault, robbery and car theft, based on FBI crime data.
It’s easy to get swept up in the holiday rush, but safety should always be top of mind. Stay alert and remember these tips while you are out and about.
Parking Lot Safety Tips
- Focus on driving. Your main focus should be on safety, not finding a great parking spot.
- Keep it moving. Follow traffic signs inside the parking lot and avoid sudden stops, which could get your vehicle rear-ended. If you do stop, scan for pedestrians and cars before you accelerate.
- Park farther away. Areas close to the store are typically the most congested. Parking farther away will also decrease the odds that someone is waiting for your spot when you get to your vehicle. Just make sure the area is well-lit if you are shopping at night or early in the morning.
What To Do After a Car Accident
- Back into spots. Backing out of a parking spot is difficult and can be dangerous, especially when you’re between two large vehicles. Backing into a spot can make it easier and safer when it’s time to leave, just make sure to check that the spots are not marked “head in only.”
- Avoid road rage. Incessant honking, yelling and spot stealing can be aggravating, but try not to let your emotions get the better of you. Don’t escalate a frustrating situation, because you never know what the other driver will do. Be tolerant and forgiving and remember that the best response to someone who is driving aggressively is not to respond or engage.
- Make yourself visible. About 74% of pedestrian traffic fatalities occur when it’s dark outside, according to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration. Wear bright clothing and walk in well-lit areas if you’re shopping early or at night. Walk on sidewalks and use crosswalks whenever possible. If you need to walk in the road, walk facing traffic. Before crossing in front of a vehicle, try to make eye contact with the driver so you know they can see you.
- Ignore your phone. Keep your cellphone in your pocket and resist the urge to look at it or answer.
What To Do if Someone Is Following You to Your Car
- Use reflections as an early warning. Check store windows or car mirrors to confirm if someone is behind you without turning around.
- Leverage your car alarm. If you have a key fob, press the panic button before reaching your car to draw attention and deter the follower.
- Keep a barrier between you. Position shopping carts or parked cars between you and the person as you move.
- Stay alert. Put your phone away and scan your surroundings. Awareness is your first line of defense. Eye contact with people around you can be a deterrent as it shows you are paying attention.
- Trust your instincts. If something feels off, it probably is. Don’t ignore that gut feeling.
- Stay around other people. Head toward a well-lit, populated area or back inside the building.
- Have your keys ready. Avoid fumbling at your car door — this makes you vulnerable.
- Call for help/use your voice. Dial 911 or contact security immediately. If you can, share your location with a trusted person. If you feel threatened, loudly say something like “Stop following me!” to draw attention.
- Carry a legal self-defense tool. Pepper spray, personal alarms or tactical flashlights should be kept accessible, not buried in a bag.
Accidents happen. Learn what to do if you get sideswiped and what is considered a hit-and-run, and rest easy knowing you’re well-covered with auto insurance from AAA.
This article has been updated and republished from a previous version.
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4 Thoughts on “Parking Lot Safety for the Holiday Season”
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To avoid backing into a parking spot or backing out of one, I always look for a spot I can just pull forward into. I chuckle at other drivers who could pull forward but don’t since it means a shorter walk to the store. The other point is to drive slowly in a parking lot as there may be children running around.
AAA I agree with your tips. I always Back into spots. Its so much easier and safer when driving out. People who can’t back into a spot, then can’t back up at all. You will have to back out of your parking space which is even worse, so why not just back into your parking spot. People that is elderly or folks that gets distracted are the problem. If you are a licensed driver, then you should be able to Back into a parking spot and make it safer for yourself and others when driving out. If you can’t do it, then go take a driving class to refresh your driving skills. Majority of people just don’t pay attention and causes accidents that don’t need to happen.
When I back out of any parking space, I turn on my flashers and then proceed very slowly. This is especially helpful if I am between 2 super large vehicles. Most people stop for me.
I am concerned about the statement of backing into the parking space, most elderly people can’t do this well. You generally have a car right behind you annoyed that you found the spot first and do not wish to wait for you to back in. I myself lived in the city and was efficient at backing up the length of the street to get a spot but today not so much. So many people can’t parallel park let alone back into a spot in a parking garage. Just my opinion and thought as to what I see so I avoid the mall’s and shop early in the day. Believe I could back into the spot but see many cannot. Thanks for all you good tips and concerns.