The National Safety Council’s (NSC) new survey reveals distracted driving is a big problem in our nation’s parking lots. This is particularly concerning during the holiday season, when parking lots at retail stores and shopping malls are filled with motorists.
If you are injured in a parking lot accident, our car accident lawyers in South Bend may be able to help. You may be entitled to compensation for medical bills, lost wages, and more. Contact us today to learn more.
Causes of Parking Lot Accidents
The NSC survey found many drivers do the following things when driving through parking lots:
- Make phone calls (66 percent)
- Text (56 percent)
- Email (50 percent)
- Post to social media (52 percent)
- Take pictures or watch videos (49 percent)
- Use smartwatches (43 percent)
- Surf the internet (43 percent)
- Video chat (42 percent)
Researchers also compared parents’ distracted driving behaviors to teenagers’ behaviors. They found teenagers were less likely to make phone calls, while adults were less likely to do personal grooming while behind the wheel in a parking lot.
All of these distracted driving behaviors increase the risk of an accident, particularly in a high-traffic environment like a parking lot.
There are approximately 50,000 parking lot and parking garage car accidents each year. These crashes cause approximately 500 deaths and 60,000 injuries.
President and CEO of the NSC, Deborah A.P. Hersman, advises drivers to pay close attention when they are traveling through parking lots. You should not assume traveling at a slower speed lowers the risk of an accident.
Also, be cautious when backing up, as 51 people die every year in parking lot accidents in which a car was backing up. The NSC advises drivers to use backup cameras if they have them.
Have you been injured in a distracted driving car accident in a parking lot? Contact our South Bend personal injury attorneys to review your claim in a free consultation and learn your legal rights. We may be able to file a personal injury claim to recover compensation for your injuries.
Contact our skilled attorneys today at (574) 444-0741 or live chat with a representative.
