My friend Bob Kraft at Kraft & Associates in Dallas, TX has a great post this morning on the danger of parking lots during the holidays. Did you know that backing up accounts for 1% of drive time but 25% of car crashes?
From Bob’s post: “Bloomberg points out that “distractions from passengers, phones, the radio or intense parking-spot searches contribute to high crash rates in lots.” California officials “recommend that drivers check surroundings before entering their cars, look every direction when pulling in or out of a parking space, stay off the gas pedal while backing up and watch for pedestrians moving between vehicles.””
I remember when my dad took a defensive driving course required by his employer. One of the points was to pull through parking spaces whenever possible so as to minimize your time backing up. It sometimes looks awkward to pull through the spot and you have to be careful, but it does make driving safer.
Remember, if you are backing up and hit a pedestrian, or a parked vehicle, you are going to be found at fault by your insurance company. That will increase your rates. Be careful this holiday season and pay extra attention when backing up!