Somerville, NJ November 23, 2015 - Black Friday is only days away, the highly anticipated sales event where consumers race to their local retailers in an effort to snag deep discounts on items their loved ones have on Christmas wish lists. In fact, according to a recent poll, an estimated 40% of buyers expect the deepest savings will come on the day immediately following Thanksgiving.
While a number of Americans believe that the commercialization of the holiday detracts from its true meaning, others say that it’s the shopping component that puts them in the spirit, helping to make this time of year so special for children and adults alike.
However, the last thing you want to happen is a vehicle accident, especially while shopping for the upcoming holidays. Approximately 1 in 5 vehicle collisions - 20% - that result in physical damage take place in parking lots, based on statistics from the Insurance Institute of Highway Safety. These are often caused by failure to remain aware of the fact that cars are still moving in these oftentimes heavily congested areas, frequently at a pace that ought to be slower.
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To avoid any misadventures in Christmas shopping - like an auto insurance claim - the following tips can help ensure that the only horns or bells you hear are played over store speakers, not the steering wheel:
Don’t rush
During Black Friday shopping - or really, virtually any day or evening between now and Christmas - it can be hard to locate an open parking space. Once you do, however, resist speeding up in order to snag it. Always drive no more than 5 to 10 miles per hour in parking lots to avoid a collision or incident with pedestrians.
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Store purchases in trunk
If you’ll be making several trips to the car when shopping to drop off purchases, avoid leaving them in plain sight. Store bulky items in the trunk and others under a blanket so they aren’t noticeable. Automotive theft often increases in frequency during the holidays, according to the National Insurance Crime Bureau.
Back out cautiously
With lots packed to the brim, you want to make sure that your parking experience is as simple as possible. Thus, when backing out of a space, keep your foot prepared to apply the brakes the moment that another car or pedestrian is in the way. Ideally, seek out a parking space where you can pull through, which will prevent you from having to back up once you’re ready to leave.
Make frequent use of mirrors
The side and rearview mirrors serve as the window to the world of what’s behind you while in the car. Be sure to use them liberally and adjust the mirrors so you have a good view of anything and everything. Also, make sure to use your peripheral vision to account for blind spots that the mirrors can’t pick up.
Watch out for abandoned shopping carts
Unfortunately, many people don’t return their carts to the carousel for store employees to easily retrieve. When pulling into a spot, keep in mind of what could be in one that’s preventing people from parking there - namely, a shopping cart.
For more tips on how to avoid a Christmas catastrophe while checking items off your list, Property Casualty Insurers Association of America has some additional safety measures. For any auto insurance inquiries you may have, visit Bateman Agency site. Or contact Donna Bateman at 908-271-2073.
Photo and article courtesy of Selective Insurance Group, Inc.
