Pedestrians and drivers: Beware, parking lots are dangerous places

For the second time in the last few years, I almost hit a pedestrian in the parking lot of our local co-op. A woman standing beside my car, who I saw, and the woman in my blind spot, both yelled at me.

They were mad, but I couldn’t see her. I’d carefully checked my mirrors, looked out the back window, and looked over my left shoulder.

When it happened before, I talked to the co-op staff about painting another crosswalk by the entrance door. And putting up a sign about watching for cars that are backing out.

There’s only one crosswalk at the exit door of the co-op. No one uses it. Co-op patrons stroll in and out of the co-op usually walking diagonally to and from their cars with no apparent thought to going quickly in a straight line and watching out for cars.

The last time I almost hit someone, I asked that another crosswalk be added and a sign put up about dangers from cars. Nothing was done. I’ll try again.

Why are parking lots a big problem for pedestrians and cars?

One in five car accidents in the United States occur in parking lots with more than 60,000 people injured annually. About 500 people die every year in parking lot and garage accidents, according to the National Safety Council. They become even more dangerous around the holidays. Auto insurers report the number of claims spike on Black Friday and run above normal throughout the holiday shopping season.

In a survey by the council, 66 percent of drivers nationwide said they’d make phone calls while driving through parking lots while 63 percent said they program their GPS system and 56 percent said they’d text.

A council analysis of government data indicates that 9 percent of pedestrian deaths in parking lots result from backup incidents. Many vehicles these days are equipped with backup cameras, but that view may not be clear if the camera lens becomes obstructed.

Safety reminders for drivers in parking lots:

• Conduct a 360-degree walk-around before backing, keeping an eye out for low-lying objects.
• Watch out for pedestrians.
• Don’t rely on technology; look over your shoulder and use your mirrors as you back up.
• Leave the parking space slowly.
• Put down your phone.

Parking lot safety tips for pedestrians:

• Use crosswalks.
• Put your phone away.
• Stay visible.
• Wear appropriate footwear to avoid tripping or slipping.
• Walk quickly and safely.
• Look both ways.

Remember, safety first, especially in parking lots.

Comments

[Beth Havey]

Great points...thanks for reminding us. Tweeted

[Rita]

Yes, I didn't realize parking lots were so dangerous until I wrote the article. I'm very cautions now.