The festive season is here! And like you, we can’t wait for beach trips, braais, and fun family outings. Unfortunately, ’tis also the season for increased car accidents, thefts, and smash-and-grabs.
During this “silly season,” when roads and parking lots are more crowded than ever, staying safe requires extra vigilance. With a little know-how, you can enjoy the season without putting yourself or your car at risk. In this guide, we’ll explore practical parking and driving safety tips to keep the joy of the season everlasting.
Essential Car Park Safety Tips
We all know the hustle and bustle of parking lots and garages as people flock to the shops for last-minute gifts and groceries for their delicious festive spreads. So, let’s explore how to keep your car safe amidst the holiday chaos.
Choose Secure Parking Spots
Look for parking spaces in a well-lit area whenever possible, even if this means going around a few times. Parking near the entrance of the mall or elevators, where there are usually more drivers and pedestrians around your car, can help and prevent theft.
Planning your shopping spree during daylight hours is also a good idea so you don’t return in the dark to your car in a parking lot .
Lock Up, Every Time
Many incidents happen because drivers forget to lock their car doors. If you use a remote to lock your car, double-check you’ve locked your car by pulling on the door handle before walking away.
And remember, never leave valuables like your handbag and cell phone in your car to avoid smash-and-grab thefts. Holiday-season crime stats show a spike in car break-ins and smash-and-grabs, especially around shopping centres.
Parking and Reversing
sis by the National Safety Council, up to 9% of pedestrian deaths in parking lots are because of incidents related to reversing. Before jetting off to your next destination, take a moment to take a 360° walk around your car, removing shopping trollies from your path and becoming aware of low-lying objects around you.
Although using your rearview camera, if your car has one, is helpful, don’t rely only on technology. It’s best to look over your shoulder and use your mirrors while reversing slowly out of the parking bay. Finally, when parking, pull through to the opposite parking bay to help you leave the parking lot easily.
Follow the Rules
You still need to stick to the rules of the road when you’re driving in a parking lot. That means staying in your lane, obeying all directional signs, and not using your cell phone when in motion.
Drive Slowly and Stay Alert
Even if you’re in a rush to grab the last available parking spot, keep your speed low and stay vigilant. Remember that pedestrians, especially kids, may run out unexpectedly.
It’s also a good idea to practice defensive driving and try and anticipate other drivers’ moves, as holiday shoppers often get distracted or forget the basics of driver safety.
Watch for Pedestrian Traffic
Pedestrian traffic surges during the holidays, so be cautious, especially around entrances and exits. Many parking lot accidents involve low-speed collisions with pedestrians, so be prepared to yield and avoid driving too close to pedestrian crosswalks to lower the risk of accidents.
Staying Safe on the Road
If you’re on the coast or in other favourite holiday spots, the roads get wilder over the festive period. With more cars, distracted drivers, and potentially risky driving behaviours, here’s how to stay safe behind the wheel.
Follow Speed Limits
With everyone rushing to their next celebration, it can be tempting to push the speed limit. However, speed limits are there to save lives, especially in residential areas with heavy pedestrian traffic. Always look out for the posted speed limits if you’re in an unfamiliar area.
Remember, holiday periods also see increased roadblocks and speed monitoring, so driving within legal limits is safer (and wiser).
Maintain a Safe Following Distance
Depending on where you’re going for the holiday, you might find yourself in hotspots with a high density of cars. This can make rear-end collisions more common.
Always keep a safe following distance so that you have enough space and time to react to sudden stops or unexpected movements.
Be Mindful of Blind Spots
More traffic means more cars near yours, which can also make checking your blind spots tricky. Always check both your rearview and side mirror when changing lanes or reversing.
This is especially important when you’re backing out of a parking lot, as you have a high density of cars and pedestrians moving around unpredictably.
Always Buckle Up
This may be the oldest advice in the book, but it’s crucial: always wear your seat belt. Whether you’re driving on the highway, navigating a packed parking garage, or simply moving your car from one side of the mall to another, seat belts save lives.
It’s easy to forget when you’re in “holiday mode,” but a seat belt is your most reliable safety feature in case of an accident.
Extra Protection with Car Insurance
Having the right car insurance can give you peace of mind as you enjoy the holiday festivities. Whether it’s covering theft, accidents, or damage to your car, car insurance can help you recover financially if something unexpected happens.
Disclaimer
The article aims to provide South African motorists with information about parking and driving safety during the festive period. However, it’s not a complete list, so always do your independent research.
Get a quote for affordable Comprehensive car insurance with Prime South Africa for fixed premiums*, reducing excess*, and top-tier service. T&Cs apply.
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