Is holiday shopping stressful for you? Are you dreading leaving the house to get those last-minute gifts? Well, you aren’t alone! A new survey from BC’s auto insurer shows that the holiday shopping season is taking a toll on many. So, what can you do to combat the stress? How can maneuvering busy parking lots be made easier? Let’s take a look below.
Drivers Are More Stressed in Parking Lots
A survey from the Insurance Corporation of British Columbia (ICBC) shows that 628 B.C. drivers feel more stressed when navigating a busy parking lot than when driving on an open road. An extra 25% said that during busier times, such as the holidays, they’re “extremely stressed or nervous.” Let’s face it: winter weather can cause extra stress for drivers. 37% of respondents report feeling highly nervous or stressed when driving in an outdoor parking lot during winter storms, including rainy or snowy conditions. This number grew to 42% after nightfall.
According to the ICBC survey, most drivers (seven out of 10, to be precise) have witnessed a collision or near-collision in a parking lot at some point in their driving history. With this in mind, 78% of survey respondents believe the risk of crashing in a parking lot is low to moderate. According to the ICBC, 33% of all crashes in B.C. last year occurred in parking lots or involved vehicles that were parked at the time of the crash.
In Ontario, parking lot accidents remain a common occurrence. They account for about one in five accidents, or 20%, that happen yearly. Though there are a lot of factors at play, almost all parking lot accidents that occur are avoidable in some shape or form. Let’s apply what we’ve learned from the ICBC survey above and use it to prevent these occurrences from happening.
Navigating busy parking lots can be frustrating and overwhelming; there’s no question about it. This is especially true when it is snowing, the roads are icy, and last-minute shoppers are battling it out for parking spaces. With these tips, you can drive safely and efficiently.
1. Arrive Early
If you genuinely want to avoid the hustle and bustle of holiday parking lots, try to arrive as early as possible! You can give yourself extra travel time and plan to arrive about 30-40 minutes before the store opens. Let’s face it: you’ll have fewer issues in a parking lot if you’re there before most arrive. This is because many accidents in lots involve collisions with other vehicles or people, typically those who are rushing. Not only will maneuvering the parking lot be less stressful, but you will also face less commotion in the stores. The best part? You get your shopping out of the way early and beat the rush!
2. Reverse into Parking Spaces
In the ICBC poll, only 47% of drivers say they reverse-park into parking spaces whenever possible. Many don’t know that backing into a parking space is one of the safest things you can do to reduce your risk of a collision. This is because backing it in provides you with a greater field of vision to see vehicles or pedestrians when you are leaving. Additionally, you will have less of your car exposed to traffic than if you reverse out of your parking spot when exiting.
3. Slow Down!
When a parking lot or shopping mall is busy, you can expect to see more pedestrians wandering and more cars looking for a parking spot. As you enter and exit the lot, please slow down and be mindful of pedestrians and cyclists in the area. By moving at a safe speed, you give yourself more time to react to any hazards. This becomes especially crucial when the parking lot is icy, as your stopping time may be delayed.
4. Stay Alert
Staying alert is crucial to maneuvering safely in parking lots. Please be sure to keep your eye on all posted traffic signs within the lot. It is essential to constantly scan your surroundings, including what is happening to the side, up ahead, and behind you, while driving. Watch for pedestrians who may be obscured from sight between parked vehicles. Be aware of what any cars in front of you are doing.
5. Avoid Congested Areas and Give Yourself Enough Parking Space
Finding a spot as close to the store entrance as possible can be tempting. However, it’s much safer to park in a less congested area further away if you’re able. This will significantly reduce any hazards you may encounter while looking for a spot. It is essential to park only in spots large enough to accommodate your vehicle. The last thing you want to happen is to hit the car next to you when opening your door or to have it happen to yours.
6. Check Lights and Signals
Before hitting the road, you must ensure your reverse lights, headlights, and turn signals are all working. These are extremely important, not only in parking lots but also when driving in inclement weather. This also ensures that other drivers and pedestrians can anticipate your next move, keeping you, your passengers, and those around you safe.
Busy Parking Lots During the Holidays: Conclusion
The holidays can be a stressful time of year. The last thing you want is added stress from driving around! Please have a look at our blog for more information on parking lot accidents and how to make a claim. With the new year approaching, now is a perfect time to ensure you are up to date on all of your insurance needs. If you have any questions about car insurance, don’t hesitate to contact us at isure or request a quote. Happy holidays and safe driving!
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