The National Safety Council (NSC) recently issued a reminder to drivers about distracted driving in parking lots. The NSC cited a survey showing 66 percent of drivers make phone calls and more than 50 percent text while driving through parking lots.
The poll also found 63 percent of drivers program GPS devices, 52 percent use social media, 50 percent send or receive emails, and 49 percent watch or take videos.
Researchers also compared teenage drivers to adults and found teenagers were more likely to groom themselves while driving in parking lots. However, adults were more likely to talk on the phone while driving through parking lots compared to teenagers.
All of these activities increase the risk of parking lot accidents, which are more common than people may realize. Each year, there are more than 50,000 parking lot and parking garage accidents resulting in more than 60,000 injuries and more than 500 deaths.
There is a higher risk of these accidents during holiday shopping season as parking lot traffic increases dramatically.
Drivers should not assume they are safe simply because they are traveling at slower speeds, says NSC President Deborah A.P. Hersman.
Drivers need to avoid distracted driving and be “hyper-vigilant” to potential risks, including distracted pedestrians. Between 2001 and 2011, more than 11,000 pedestrians suffered serious injuries because they were distracted by their cellphones.
The NSC also recommends drivers use advanced safety features such as backup cameras to avoid hitting pedestrians and other vehicles when backing up. Each year, drivers cause 51 deaths when backing up in parking lots or parking garages.
Drivers are still responsible for their carelessness in parking lots and parking garages. If you or a loved one has been involved in a parking lot accident, contact our auto collision attorneys in Fort Worth to discuss your legal options. A personal injury lawyer from our team can help to take a look at your incident and determine if you have a case.
Call a personal injury lawyer at (817) 920-9000 or complete our Free Case Evaluation form.