The Manitoba Driver, from Manitoba Public Insurance
December 2008

About 370 words
Parking lots can hide holiday hazards

It’s easy to let your guard down when you’re dashing from store to store, but road safety experts have some commonsense tips to keep your shopping experience a happy one.  

Theft prevention should remain high on drivers’ lists when they’re spending extra time in mall parking lots, says Donna Roed, Manager of Auto Crime Prevention for Manitoba Public Insurance.

“Don’t let an opportunist ruin your Christmas by stealing parcels from your vehicle. Put everything in the trunk and make sure your vehicle is secure,” Roed says. Thieves who see shopping bags in a back seat won’t hesitate to smash and dash.

Drivers also need to exercise extra caution behind the wheel. Even though your speed has slowed to a crawl, fender-benders are all too common when factors like congestion, distractions and icy conditions are in play.

“Give yourself a little extra time to get around and accept that it’s unlikely you’re going to be able to travel as quickly as you’d like,” says Clif Eden, Manager of Road Safety Programming for Manitoba Public Insurance. “A little courtesy and a good attitude behind the wheel will do more to speed things up than aggressive driving.”

The same rules of the road apply in parking lots. Drivers should observe all traffic signs and signals, as well as marked traffic lanes. Resist the temptation to cut diagonally across parking lots. Remember that it’s an environment shared between drivers and pedestrians – watch out for one another.

“If you do get into a scrape, remember that little bumps are still collisions,” Eden says. The law requires that after any kind of crash you must provide your name, address, licence and registration numbers and insurance details to anybody whose property has been damaged.

If you collide with a parked car, you must take reasonable steps to notify the owner. If you can’t find the owner, leave your information in a note under the windshield wiper. Even if you can’t see any damage, you’re still required to provide information. There may be damage you didn’t see.

“If people have been injured, no matter how slightly, or if damage exceeds $1,000 you must report to police immediately, if possible, or within seven days of the accident,” Eden says.

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© 2008 Manitoba Public Insurance

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Don’t be a victim of holiday parking lot prowlers – stow your purchases securely in the trunk.

Photo courtesy Manitoba Public Insurance