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AAA: Start the Holidays Off With a Bang Not a Dent

8 December 1997

 


SAN FRANCISCO, Dec. 8 -- The halls are decked, the tree is
trimmed, and shopping malls are filled with holiday shoppers rushing to get
those last-minute gifts.  Parking spaces are scarce, tempers are short, and
patience is running low.  A parking lot fender bender would put a damper on
the holiday cheer, and possibly your holiday budget.

"Expect parking lots to be busy," said Michael Haag, AAA in Northern
California senior claims supervisor.  "The crowded lots, bad weather and
bustling people combine to make holiday parking lots prime locations for
accidents."

AAA offers these tips to avoid becoming a holiday parking lot accident
victim:

    *  Be prepared for parking lot gridlock.  Allow extra time to find a
    parking spot in a calm, patient manner.
    *  Shop during "off" hours, when stores first open, or later on in the
    evening.
    *  Remember that the parking spots that are close will always be in
    demand.  Park further away, in a well lit area, and walk to the shops.
    *  Be aware of your surroundings, especially when backing out of your
    parking space.  The car directly across from you might be doing the same
    thing, at the same time.
    *  Wait until windshields and windows are defogged before backing out of
    your space.
    *  In the event of an accident, it would be your word against the other
    party's.  Be sure to get witness names, addresses and phone numbers.
    *  Be aware that if you are found to be at fault in a parking lot
    accident, you might have to pay your collision deductible, and the accident
    could count as a point on your motor vehicle record.
    *  Move any shopping carts that might get pushed into your car.  These
    losses are considered collision losses, and your collision deductible would
    have to be paid -- by you.
    *  Use your headlights (not parking lights) as daytime running lamps.
    Being seen by other drivers will help avoid accidents.
    *  Use public transportation, shop by catalog or over the Internet to
    avoid holiday parking lot headaches.

"Let your holiday goodwill extend to your fellow drivers in and out of
their vehicles," said Bronwyn Hogan, spokeswoman for AAA in Northern
California, Nevada and Utah.

The AAA affiliate for Northern California, Nevada and Utah serves nearly
four million members with an array of automotive, travel and insurance
services.

SOURCE  AAA