With road traffic collisions, it’s common to focus on highway crashes, crashes at intersections and other accidents that occur at speed. However, there’s much more to it than this.
This may come as a surprise, but some research suggests that up to 20% of crashes occur in parking lots. Drivers can’t become complacent once they’ve entered a lot, as there are numerous hazards to look out for. Outlined below are some of the more common causes of parking lot collisions.
Accidents caused by distractions
Drivers often see parking lots as a chance to take a break. They may take out their cell phone before even coming to a stop. This is a huge mistake, as there are at least as many potential hazards in a parking lot as there are on the open road. There are greater numbers of pedestrians around and the concentration of vehicles may be very high. In parking lots, it is important that drivers remain focused and do not give in to temptations such as cell phones and other electronic
devices.
Competing for spaces
Whether it’s a road rage incident or a simple error, competition over parking spaces can result in devastating crashes. Parking lots, especially in the center of town, are notorious for lacking spaces. People may take unnecessary risks to secure a space while jeopardizing your safety in the process.
There are many ways that collisions can occur in parking lots, and this shouldn’t be overlooked. If you have suffered injuries due to someone else’s negligence, make sure you assess your options in terms of obtaining legal compensation.