How to Safely Navigate Parking Lots

Drivers tend to lapse into a false sense of security when they roll into a parking lot. Yet research shows that parking lots can be dangerous places, and they are even more hazardous around the holidays.

According to the National Safety Council, more than 50,000 collisions occur in parking lots and garage structures annually — resulting in 500 or more fatalities and over 60,000 injuries. What's more, auto insurers report the number of claims run above normal throughout the holiday season.

With the holidays upon us, now is a good time to remind your fleet drivers of best practices for keeping themselves and others safe while driving in parking lots. Experts offer the following advice:

Stay in lanes and never cut across parking lots.

• Drive slowly, even if you think the lot is empty.
• Use your directional signals; these help reduce confusion in parking lots.
• Park correctly — centering your vehicle — so that you provide ample room for other vehicles on either side.
• Comply with the speed limit as well as signs such as stop and yield, one-way arrows, and handicap parking spaces.
• Be extra cautious when backing out — Experts say vehicles backing up cause 25% of all parking lot accidents. Make sure to check for children who can be difficult to see, other pedestrians, and other motorists.