Thanksgiving is here.
That means Black Friday isn’t too far behind. With all of the rushing around, drivers and pedestrians may not be paying attention to the goings-on around them.
Here are a few tips from State Farm Insurance to consider as you head to the mall to take care of your list:
Buy time to react:
• Parking lots are filled with obstacles and hazards, so slow down! This buys you time to react and avoid a collision. Be especially cautious when turning corners and backing up.
Distance yourself:
• Door dings and scratches are aggravating and hard to avoid. Reduce the risk of door damage by parking away from other vehicles.
Expect Pedestrians:
• Pedestrians may not be looking out for you, so be sure to keep an eye out for them. Anticipate pedestrians even if you don’t see any.
What to do if there is a parking lot accident:
If you’re the driver:
• Don’t Drive Away.
• Track down other driver.
• Leave a note.
• Call the police.
If you’re the victim:
• Contact your agent.
• Record evidence.
• Take Thorough Notes.
• Look for witnesses.
If you’re the witness:
• Provide assistance. Help document the damage. Give the driver your contact information, in case his or her insurance agent or the police need to contact you for further comment.
Not all shoppers are buying their gifts:
• Keep your purchases away from prying eyes by putting them in the trunk or keeping them covered.
• Be aware of your surroundings as pickpocket artists and purse-snatchers are especially active.
U.S. Security Associates offer this advice for staying safe in parking lots. But the theme is always — Being aware of your surroundings is your best defense.
Arriving at the Lot
• Park in highly visible, well-lit areas, preferably with surveillance cameras and security patrol services, which provide an added layer of security and deter crime.
• Avoid parking near shrubbery or vans with sliding doors that could conceal attackers.
• In a parking garage, park as close as possible to the elevator, and avoid parking garage stairs unless you are with a group of people.
• Be aware of pedestrian and vehicle traffic, as well as stray shopping carts; pay close attention when entering and backing out of a parking spot.
• Avoid parking in tight spaces or in close proximity to cars with child restraints on the same side as your vehicle. This helps protect your vehicle from dings and provides a courtesy to parkers with young children, allowing them more room to maneuver baby carriers, children into car seats, etc.
• Conceal all valuable items left in your vehicle by locking them in the trunk. Avoid leaving purses or wallets in the vehicle.
• Be cautious of strangers asking questions, requesting assistance, or handing out pamphlets.
• When leaving your vehicle, always lock the doors and close the windows. Remember your keys and make sure your vehicle has signaled that the doora are locked.
• Remember to keep your vehicle in good working condition and with adequate fuel to prevent car trouble. Ensure lights are off before leaving your vehicle to prevent battery draining.
• Familiarize yourself with parking lot exits.
• To remember where you parked your car, note landmarks, distance from store entrance, and/or make a note in your cell phone.
Returning to Your Vehicle
• Walk confidently and with purpose. If you detect a threat, retreat to the building or store.
• Observe your surroundings when returning to your car, glancing under, around, and in your car as you approach it. If you notice anything suspicious, use the panic button on your vehicle’s remote control key fob and retreat to safety.
• If you feel uncomfortable walking to your car for any reason, ask a security officer for an escort.
• Stay off your cell phone while walking to and from your vehicle to avoid distraction.
• Have your keys ready before you get into your vehicle. Searching or fumbling for keys is distracting and increases your vulnerability.
• If you have a purse, carry it across or close to your body.
• Enter your vehicle quickly and lock the doors immediately once inside. Do not linger in your parked car.
• Avoid carrying large amounts of cash or unnecessary credit cards on your person or in your car.
• If you fear you are being followed, instead of leading the follower to your home, go to the nearest police or fire station. Report the vehicle following you, and ask for an escort home when you are confident you are no longer being followed.
Be safe — and happy holiday weekend!