AAA to Holiday Shoppers: Put Safety First When Bargain Hunting

With incredible bargains luring holiday shoppers from their homes earlier and earlier on Thanksgiving Day, AAA-Mid-Atlantic officials are urging drivers to "use caution and keep their calm" while searching for the perfect—or any—parking spot.

"Whether it's the thrill of holiday shopping hustle and bustle, the hunt for the ultimate gift deal or panic that there are six fewer shopping days this season, shopping should not come at the expense of safety," Christine Sarames Delise, public affairs specialist for the organization, said in a statement.

Shoppers are encouraged to be aware of their surroundings, especially in dark parking lots and to stay alert "while out and about," Delise said.

Drivers are reminded to be alert and attentive while in crowded parking lots and garages. Careless driving could result in additional expenses when least needed for fender-benders and personal injuries, according to the statement.

About 20 percent of all vehicle collisions that result in damage claims occur in parking lots, according to the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety.

AAA Mid-Atlantic’s “Top 10” Safety Tips for Black Friday: 

1. Stay on guard in parking lots. Be aware of your surroundings and park in well-lit areas when shopping during early morning hours and at night. When returning to your vehicle, have keys ready in hand, check under your car and in the back seat before getting in, and lock your doors as soon as you get in. Watch for loiterers and report suspicious people.

2. See and be seen. Use your headlights when scouring parking garages for spaces, even in the daytime. Avoid parking between a pair of tall SUVs or minivans where it might be hard for you to back out of the space.  If you can’t see well enough to back out safely, get help from one of your passengers.

3. Slow down, buckle up and obey the laws. Drive the speed limit, stop at stop signs, don’t park in handicap spaces and don’t text and/or talk on the phone. Ensure all passengers are buckled up even if it is a short trip to another part of the parking lot as even a low-speed collision can result in injuries.

4. Head for the side door. Many shoppers prefer to park near their favorite stores or near the mall entrance. Most malls have secondary entrances on the sides and those entrances usually have less traffic and additional convenient spaces.

5. Play the outfield. Outlying areas normally have more open spaces, lighter traffic and a lower risk of collision. Plus, it doesn’t hurt to walk off the holiday treats. In some cases, however, those spaces may not be as secure so be aware of the risks.

6. Refrain from reverse. If possible, avoid backing out of a space by either backing into it or pulling through two spaces that are open nose-to-nose.

7. Look out for children and distracted pedestrians. It can be difficult to see small children in busy parking lots, who may make quick, unpredictable movements. Hold the hands of your children to keep them safe from traffic. Also, watch out for those not watching out for themselves as they are focused on their smart phones.

8. Stay on track and alert. Pedestrians should use walkways and crosswalks, if available. If walking in the traffic lanes is unavoidable, be alert for subtle cues – including exhaust or reverse lights – that signal a vehicle is about to pull out.

9. Lock your car and hide valuables. Thieves like to window shop.  Place all shopping bags and valuables in the trunk, including the GPS and its mount, and always lock your car. Remove any evidence, such as GPS suction cup marks from the vehicle’s windshield. It takes a thief just seconds to smash a window and steal your shopping loot. 

10. Wait until Cyber Monday. Many retailers will have special online promotions on Cyber Monday, the Monday after Thanksgiving.