Why Parking Lots Are So Dangerous For Pedestrians

If you're like many adults, safety might not be the first thing on your mind when you leave a store and head towards your car. You're probably already thinking about your drive home or what you'll cook with your recent purchase. It's easy to overlook your safety, even though you're navigating through a parking lot filled with stationary and moving vehicles.

Compared to the fast-paced streets where drivers zoom by, parking lots may not seem very dangerous. Most people drive cautiously in parking lots and keep an eye out for other vehicles and pedestrians. However, the reality is that pedestrians face a significant risk of injury or even death in parking lots. According to national collision data, approximately 20% of car accidents happen in parking lots each year, and a considerable number of these accidents involve pedestrians. Shockingly, a simple act like a vehicle backing out of a parking space could lead to fatal injuries for someone walking into a store. So, why are parking lots more perilous than they appear?

The issue often boils down to people not paying attention. The National Safety Council (NSC) continually investigates the most prominent risks for modern Americans, and in recent years, distracted driving has been a major focus of their research. The NSC has discovered, through self-reported data, that up to two-thirds of drivers use technology inappropriately while in parking lots, rather than on public roads.

When driving in a parking lot, some individuals might be texting, scrolling through social media, or otherwise engrossed in their phones instead of being attentive to their surroundings. These distracted drivers may fail to notice pedestrians, leading to tragic collisions due to their distracted state. Other risks in parking lots include drivers speeding or attempting risky maneuvers, such as performing donuts in their vehicles.

Now, let's consider the rights of injured pedestrians. If someone is harmed by a negligent driver or if family members are grieving a tragic parking lot collision, they may consider filing an insurance claim. However, pedestrian accidents can result in substantial financial losses, and basic car insurance may not offer sufficient coverage.

In cases of pedestrian collisions, pursuing a civil lawsuit may be necessary for those seeking full compensation to cover the financial impact of the accident. It's essential to identify locations where the risk of a car crash is elevated to potentially avoid serious injuries.