The Manitoba Driver > Road safety includes the parking lot

The Manitoba Driver, from Manitoba Public Insurance
December 2007

374 words
Road safety includes the parking lot

This holiday season, don’t let the parking lot lull you into a false sense of security. You may feel like you’re safe because you’re off the street, but the same risks are there.

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.

“Busy parking lots at Christmas are one of those times when people need to take a couple of deep breaths and exercise a little patience,” says Clif Eden, Manager of Road Safety with Manitoba Public Insurance.

“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. 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. 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.

And don’t forget that while you’re looking for a steal of a deal in the mall, the thieves are out in the parking lot looking for a steal.

“Don’t let an opportunist ruin your Christmas by taking parcels from your vehicle,” Eden says. “Put everything in the trunk and make sure your vehicle is secure.”

--30--

Downloadable high resolution images
(right click on the thumbnail below and choose "Save Target As...)

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

Photos courtesy Manitoba Public Insurance