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Shopping Malls are Filling Up; Don't Become a Theft or Crash Victim

9 December 1999

Shopping Malls are Filling Up; Don't Become a Theft or Crash Victim, Says the Auto Club

    LOS ANGELES--Dec. 8, 1999--With Christmas just around the corner, shopping centers and mall parking lots are filling up with gift-seekers.
    And holiday gift-buying panic is setting in. "The closer we get to the holidays, the tougher it is for people to be patient. This is especially true in mall parking lots and streets near the malls," said Arline Dillman, the Auto Club's traffic safety expert.
    "As the holidays approach, it's also wise for people to be more aware of their surroundings to avoid becoming a crime victim."
    As the holiday countdown continues, and mall parking lots and surrounding roads become more congested, the Automobile Club of Southern California offers these tips to avoid becoming a crash or theft victim:

     While Shopping

     -- Be prepared. Anticipate that the malls will become busier with
        last minute holiday shoppers. Allow more time to find a 
        parking space and don't be naughty. Be nice and remember it
        may be easier to park further away than closer to shops. If 
        it's nighttime, park in a well-lit area.
     -- Time your trips to the mall. Try to shop in the evenings or
        when stores open early in the morning.
     -- Stash it. Don't set yourself up for a vehicle break-in by
        leaving your purse or wallet or packages or other valuables in
        view while your car is parked or while you're driving. Put
        packages in the trunk.
     -- Don't argue. If someone approaches you in the parking lot with
        a weapon who demands your wallet, purse or car, comply. The
        loss of these items isn't worth your health, safety or
        possibly your life.

     While Driving

     -- See and be seen. Use your headlights during the daytime so
        that other drivers will see you and avoid crashes in parking
        lots and on the streets.
     -- Exercise caution. Be aware of your surroundings and pay extra
        attention to the cars around you, especially when you back out
        of your parking space.
     -- Check your vehicle's equipment. Make sure your defroster or
        defogger is working properly. Make sure your windows are clear
        before backing out of your parking spot.
     -- Move it. Remove any shopping carts that might accidentally get
        pushed into your car. These losses are considered insurance
        losses and your insurance deductible would have to be paid --
        by you.
     -- Be careful. Be aware that if you're found to be at fault in a
        parking lot crash, you might have to pay your collision
        deductible and the crash could count as a point on your motor
        vehicle record.
     -- Get the vital statistics. In the event of a crash, be sure to
        obtain the names, addresses, telephone numbers, insurance
        carriers and policy numbers of the other motorists.

     Try Alternatives

     -- Go high tech. Use public transportation, shop by catalog or
        use the Internet to avoid the shopping mall parking lots
        completely.

    "The bottom line is, don't let parking lot chaos or a thief ruin your holiday season," said Dillman.
    The Automobile Club of Southern California, the largest affiliate of the AAA, has been serving members since 1900. Today, the Auto Club's members benefit by the organization's emergency road service, insurance products and services, travel agency, financial products, automotive pricing, buying and financing programs, automotive testing and analysis, trip planning services, highway and transportation safety programs and legislative advocacy. Information about these products and services is available on the Auto Club's Web site at www.aaa-calif.com.