AAA: Tips to avoid crashes, crimes and lockouts

Nov. 27--AAA Texas Offers Tips to Avoid Crashes, Crimes, and Lockouts in Busy Parking Lots This Holiday Season AAA data shows the day before Thanksgiving as a time when some of the highest number of auto claims occur

More shoppers, early sunsets, distractions and crooks can make parking lots risky places to be during the holiday season. AAA Texas is warning consumers about the increased hazards in parking lots and reminding shoppers to prevent locking themselves out of vehicles or locking car keys inside vehicles.

"Stay focused, pay attention and be aware of all the hazards crowded parking lots this holiday season," said Daniel Armbruster, AAA Texas Corporate Spokesperson. "A moment of distraction or poor judgement by shoppers in a rush can lead to unfortunate situations during what should be a festive time of year."

Twenty percent of all collisions occur in parking lots and often lead to expensive insurance claims for vehicle damage or worse--injuries if you strike a pedestrian. Distractions lead to most crashes-- passengers, phones, the radio, or simply having tunnel vision looking for a parking spot--all contribute to the high crash rate in parking lots. AAA data shows that two of the days with the highest number of auto claims occur during this time of year--the day before Thanksgiving and the Friday before Christmas.

To avoid a parking lot collision, AAA Texas recommends drivers:

Be aware of the hazards around you in a parking lot, including pedestrians and moving vehicles

Don't Drive 'Intexticated'. While searching for a parking spot, don't make phone calls, read or send texts and emails, use social media or take photos or videos

Drive slowly and obey all traffic and directional signs

Avoid "short-cuts" such as cutting across parking lanes and rows of parking spots

Watch for pedestrians and other vehicles when slowly backing up

Be extra alert for small children, pets, and parents pushing baby strollers in parking lots

Turn on your headlights, even in the daylight and especially when driving through dark parking garages

To avoid being locked out of vehicles drivers should:

Never leave car keys or key fob inside the vehicle's passenger compartment even when helping a passenger or child into the vehicle

Stay focused. Don't become distracted while getting in-or-out of your vehicle in the parking lot

Exit your vehicle with your car keys or key fob in hand and use the key fob security system to lock doors

Place car keys or key fob in your pocket or purse when stowing or unloading packages in the trunk

Always double-check you have keys in your hand, pocket or purse before exiting vehicle or before closing trunk

To prevent auto crimes of opportunity this season vehicle owners should:

Always lock your vehicle with the windows closed. Even if you park your vehicle in a garage, this simple measure is added security.

Never leave belongings or purchases out in the open of your car as they could tempt thieves. Even empty shopping bags, sunglasses, coins or a change of clothes might look interesting to a thief.

Never leave your keys in your vehicle or leave your vehicle running any time you are not in it

Park in populated, well-lit areas

Never hide a spare ignition key on the vehicle. Thieves look for keys in popular hiding places like inside a car bumper or wheel well.

Store your key fobs in a metal container when at home. The metal provides a barrier that interrupts radio signals to/from the smart fob preventing potential hackers from opening your vehicle.

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