If you’ve walked or driven across a parking lot before, you’ve likely experienced the epidemic that is slowly plaguing many drivers behind the wheel. Distracted driving is a problem that drivers of all ages face each time they step behind the wheel. Unfortunately, with the constantly advancing technological age that we live in, these distractions are only getting worse.
According to a recent survey conducted by the National Safety Council (NSC), distracted driving within parking lots is becoming a much larger problem today. NSC states that distracted driving accidents cause more than 50,000 parking lot accidents each year, which accounts for over 60,000 injuries annually. This number only gets worse as the holiday season approaches.
Of the drivers surveyed about their driving habits in parking lots:
- Two-thirds of the drivers admitted to making a phone call in a parking lot.
- 56% of the drivers admitted to texting in a parking lot.
- 52% of the drivers admitted to using social media in a parking lot.
- 50% of the drivers admitted to sending or reading emails in a parking lot.
- 63% of the drivers admitted to programming their GPS in a parking lot.
Tips to Stay Safe in Parking Lots
By looking at the numbers above, you may realize that at any given time, in any given parking lot, over half of the drivers are distracted. Because distracted driving has become such a rampant issue, the NSC has put together some helpful tips to keep yourself and your loved ones safe this holiday shopping season.
Stay Alert
It’s extremely common for individuals to think less about their safety once reaching a parking lot, as they feel they don’t need to be as cautious due to the lower speed limits in these areas. With the increase of distractions to drivers across the nation, it’s more important now than ever to remain on high alert in parking lots.
Don’t Rely Solely on Technology
Many safety features have also come from our nation’s technological advances. With one of the most prominent being the backup camera. While this is a great feature, it’s important to understand that you should still conduct a complete scan around you before backing up. Don’t rely only on technology; doing so may cause an accident.
Check out the complete list of tips on the NSC’s parking lot safety page, here.
Don’t Live a Different Life Because of Another’s Negligence
Distracted driving is a completely preventable impairment that many people choose to do each day. When someone drives distracted, they are stating that their needs and wants are more important than the safety of those around them.
At Harmon Parker, distracted driving is something we will not stand for. Our team of Tampa car accident lawyers has been helping victims injured due to distracted drivers pursue the compensation they deserve for countless years.
If you or a loved one has been injured due to another driver’s negligence, we can help. Give us a call (813) 452-4144 or contact us online to get started on your free case evaluation.
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