AAA Texas releases holiday safety tips for parking lots

AUSTIN, Texas - Parking lots can be a risky place during the holidays, according to AAA Texas. 

The organization is warning consumers about the hazards shoppers may face in parking lots during the holidays. “Stay focused, pay attention and be aware of all the hazards crowded parking lots this holiday season. A moment of distraction or poor judgment by shoppers in a rush can lead to unfortunate situations during what should be a festive time of year,” said Daniel Armbruster, AAA Texas Corporate Spokesperson.

According to AAA Texas, 20 percent of all collisions occur in parking lots and can often lead to expensive insurance claims for damaged vehicles or injured pedestrians. 

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The organization also states that most crashes are caused by distracted drivers, and that "passengers, phones, the radio, or simply having tunnel vision looking for a parking spot," all increase crash rates in parking lots. In fact, according to AAA data, two of the days with the highest number of auto claims occur the day before Thanksgiving and the Friday before Christmas. 

AAA Texas recommends these tips to avoid parking lot collisions: 

•  Be aware of the hazards around you in a parking lot, including pedestrians and moving vehicles.
•  Don’t Drive ‘Intexticated’. While searching for a parking spot, don’t make phone calls, read or send texts and emails, use social media or take photos or videos.
•  Drive slowly and obey all traffic and directional signs.
•  Avoid “short-cuts” such as cutting across parking lanes and rows of parking spots. 
• Watch for pedestrians and other vehicles when slowly backing up.  
• Be extra alert for small children, pets, and parents pushing baby strollers in parking lots.
• Turn on your headlights, even in the daylight and especially when driving through dark parking garages.

Collisions are not the only thing AAA Texas warns about, however; the organization also warns against criminal activity occurring during the holidays. 

To prevent auto crimes of opportunity this season vehicle owners should:

• Always lock your vehicle with the windows closed. Even if you park your vehicle in a garage, this simple measure is added security.
• Never leave belongings or purchases out in the open of your car as they could tempt thieves. Even empty shopping bags, sunglasses, coins or a change of clothes might look interesting to a thief.
• Never leave your keys in your vehicle or leave your vehicle running any time you are not in it.
• Park in populated, well-lit areas.
• Never hide a spare ignition key on the vehicle. Thieves look for keys in popular hiding places like inside a car bumper or wheel well.
• Store your key fobs in a metal container when at home. The metal provides a barrier that interrupts radio signals to/from the smart fob preventing potential hackers from opening your vehicle.