| The holiday shopping season is here, and while you're | | | | and more accessible parking spaces. |
| bumping arms with other shoppers while reaching for | | | | Look behind you. When backing out of a parking spot, |
| the perfect gift, your car may be getting a few bumps | | | | we're used to looking left and right, but don't forget to |
| of its own out in the parking lot. | | | | look directly behind you. A vehicle across the way |
| Nicks, dings and scratches are common casualties to | | | | may be backing out at the same time, or shoppers |
| cars caused primarily in parking lots; beyond just | | | | may be rushing by. |
| looking unsightly, when it comes time to sell your | | | | Don't get sandwiched. Going back to the tight spot, |
| vehicle or trade it in, those "little" nicks and dings can | | | | avoid parking between two large SUVs, truck or |
| significantly reduce the value. The good news is, with | | | | minivans. If you are driving a large car, the space will |
| just a little foresight on your part, they can largely be | | | | be too tight. If you are driving a small car, you won't be |
| avoided. | | | | able to see around the other vehicles while you're |
| Parking lots are actually quite risky, and for more than | | | | backing out. |
| just the little dings. "People know to be concerned | | | | Use your headlights. Studies show that having your |
| about safety on highways and neighborhood streets, | | | | headlights on--even during the day--reduces your risk |
| but they forget to be on alert in parking lots," said Bella | | | | of a collision. And in certain regions, during the holidays |
| Dinh-Zarr, Ph.D., AAA's Director of Traffic Safety | | | | many days are gray and cloudy, so turning on your |
| Policy. "Crashes happen frequently in parking lots and | | | | lights will make your car easier to see for other drivers. |
| have the potential to be quite dangerous, particularly | | | | Head to the top. If you're in a parking garage, many |
| for pedestrians." | | | | cars will be circling, looking for the "premium" close |
| They can be so risky, in fact, that the Insurance | | | | spots. You can avoid this frustration, and reduce your |
| Institute for Highway Safety reports that 20 percent of | | | | risk of collision, by simply heading directly to the top |
| all collisions resulting in damage claims occur in parking | | | | floors. There's likely to be much more space and less |
| lots. To prevent the crashes, bumps, thuds, nicks and | | | | traffic, so even if you end up walking a bit farther, you'll |
| dings, follow these top ten parking lot driving tactics: | | | | be able to park quickly and safely. |
| Don't park too close to the shopping cart bin. Though | | | | Slow down and be choosy. If you're finding that the |
| you may be tempted (after all, then only one car can | | | | holidays have you trying to travel at the speed of light, |
| park next to you), don't give in. Many people launch | | | | slow down; avoid risky driving just to get to a parking |
| shopping carts at the bin with one hand behind their | | | | spot first. Just as with your shopping, you should be |
| back, without stopping to look where the cart ends up | | | | choosy about where you park: Is there enough space |
| (or what it ricochets off of). Also, if it's windy, carts can | | | | between your vehicle and the ones nearby? Could |
| easily blow out of the bin and into your car. | | | | shopping carts or other debris blow into your vehicle? |
| If the spot's small, keep going. You know the spot. It's | | | | Is it well-lit and safe? Will you be able to back out of |
| the first in the lane or the closest one by half a block. | | | | the spot without difficulty? "In general, don't allow the |
| You hesitate for a moment, then forge ahead, | | | | holiday rush to affect your driving, drive slowly, use |
| determined to wedge your car into it, no matter how | | | | your turn signal, park in safe areas and practice |
| tight a squeeze. This is a surefire way for your car to | | | | defensive driving skills at all times," said Sebastian |
| get bruised as the people parked next to you try to | | | | Giordano, chief operating officer of the Top Driver |
| squeeze into their cars. You'll probably get a few | | | | driver education company. "By anticipating the actions |
| bruises yourself when you try squeezing in and out. | | | | of other drivers and pedestrians, you may avoid |
| Remember, just because you can fit "in the yellow | | | | senseless accidents." |
| lines" doesn't mean you should take the spot. | | | | Take public transportation ... or walk. By far, the best |
| Park as far out as (safely) possible. As long as it's | | | | way to ensure that your car remains dent- and |
| safe to do so, parking at the far end of the parking lot | | | | fender-bender-free is to not drive it at all! If it's available |
| means lighter traffic, less congestion and lower risk of | | | | in your area, public transportation is a great choice. If |
| collision. Plus, a little extra walking could do most all of | | | | you can, walking is the best choice, as you will also get |
| us some good, particularly during the holidays when | | | | excersie. Alternatively, some larger shopping areas |
| you'll be sipping cocoa and savoring sweets more | | | | offer shuttles between stores. This way, you can park |
| often than usual. | | | | your car in an outlying (safe) area, then shuttle |
| Use side entrances. The main entryways of stores | | | | between stores without having to worry about finding |
| are the most crowded. Look for doors on the sides of | | | | another parking spot. |
| the building; there will be fewer cars in the parking lot | | | | |