Parking tips to save time and trouble

Parking lots are the most common places for minor, low-impact accidents to occur, yet many drivers don’t consider that parking lots require the same careful attention to driving as roads and highways.

Ironically, it may be the fact that drivers don’t think of parking lots as dangerous that can make them the scene of a collision.

Drivers often ignore lane markings and traffic signals in a parking lot but there is perhaps no area of the road where common courtesy and consideration is more important.

Likewise, this is an area in which there is often little or no room for evasive action.

Parking lots are full of pedestrians and have many blind spots, delivery trucks as well as distracted drivers – and tempers can run high during peak periods when parking spots are at a premium.

Defensive, smart driving is key to maneuvering safely within a parking lot and when you enter and exit.

Shoulder checks are especially important when backing up.

A few thoughts to consider:

If possible, avoid driving in reverse and pull all the way through a parking spot.

Park your vehicle as centered and straight in a space as possible and avoid parking next to cars that are parked at an angle.

If you have to back out for a space, be aware of the clearances between your vehicle and those on either side – and be aware of cars and pedestrians that may drive or walk into your line of travel.

Remember that when parking lanes and passageways intersect in a parking lot and don’t have yield or stop signs, treat the area as an uncontrolled intersection – you must yield to the vehicle on the right.

Keep your eyes open for tail lights, as they may indicate a vehicle is backing out of its stall, and it may also help you find a parking spot.

And finally, when you are exiting a parking lot remember to stop before the sidewalk or where pedestrians might be walking – and then yield to oncoming traffic before pulling out.

To learn more about new safety options, especially the latest technology with blind spot monitoring, cross-traffic alert assist systems, back-up cameras and more in the auto industry, join us at the 2018 Vancouver International Auto Show to see the latest advancements. The 98th Vancouver International auto Show returns to the Convention Centre West from March 28 to April 1.

For more information on the Show and to purchase tickets, visit www.VancouverInternationalAutoShow.com.