Parking lot antics create major headaches and accidents

By ASHLEY LUTHERN

aluthern@vindy.com

As shoppers flock to local malls and plazas to use gift cards and exchange or return gifts, parking lots are prime locations for fender benders, according to the American Automobile Association.

“People know to be concerned about safety on highways and neighborhood streets, but they forget to be on alert in parking lots,” said Lori Cook, AAA Safety Advisor. “Crashes happen frequently in parking lots and have the potential to be quite dangerous, particularly for pedestrians.”

Canfield shoppers have also noticed the danger of parking lots during the holiday season.

“People just need to take their time and slow down,” said Beth Aurim of Canfield.

Aurim and her friend Megan Szekely of Wapakoneta, Ohio, said on their way into Panera Break on State Route 224 in Canfield, they saw a parking faux pas.

“We saw one car taking up two spots, so then the car next to it had to take up two spots. It was ridiculous,” Szekely said.

Those who manage parking lots should also work to help drivers, especially in the winter, said Janine Naples of Canfield.

“If the lot isn’t plowed, people can’t see the lines and park every which way,” Naples said.

James Connolly of Austintown said his parking lot pet peeve is when drivers ignore lanes.

“People shouldn’t angle across the parking lot like it’s an open field,” he said. “They need to follow the stop signs and other traffic signs, even if they are on private property.”

Distractions on the road or in the parking lot also lead to accidents.

“Avoid the temptation to text or talk on a cell phone until you are safely inside,” Cook said. “Texting while driving negatively affects driver perception, judgment and reaction time and can lead to a deadly incident.”