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10 Smart Tactics to Keep Your Car from Getting Nicked and Dinged by www.SixWise.com The holiday shopping season is here, and while you're bumping
arms with other shoppers while reaching for the perfect gift,
your car may be getting a few bumps of its own out in the
parking lot.
Nicks, dings and scratches are common casualties to cars
caused primarily in parking lots; beyond just looking unsightly,
when it comes time to sell your vehicle or trade it in, those
"little" nicks and dings can significantly reduce
the value. The good news is, with just a little foresight
on your part, they can largely be avoided.
The runaway shopping cart is every car's nemesis.
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Parking lots are actually quite risky, and for more than
just the little dings. "People know to be concerned about
safety on highways and neighborhood streets, but they forget
to be on alert in parking lots," said Bella Dinh-Zarr,
Ph.D., AAA's Director of Traffic Safety Policy. "Crashes
happen frequently in parking lots and have the potential to
be quite dangerous, particularly for pedestrians."
They can be so risky, in fact, that the Insurance Institute
for Highway Safety reports that 20 percent of all collisions
resulting in damage claims occur in parking lots. To prevent
the crashes, bumps, thuds, nicks and dings, follow these top
ten parking lot driving tactics:
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Don't park too close to the shopping cart bin.
Though you may be tempted (after all, then only one car
can park next to you), don't give in. Many people launch
shopping carts at the bin with one hand behind their back,
without stopping to look where the cart ends up (or what
it ricochets off of). Also, if it's windy, carts can easily
blow out of the bin and into your car.
-
If the spot's small, keep going. You know the
spot. It's the first in the lane or the closest one by
half a block. You hesitate for a moment, then forge ahead,
determined to wedge your car into it, no matter how tight
a squeeze. This is a surefire way for your car to get
bruised as the people parked next to you try to squeeze
into their cars. You'll probably get a few bruises yourself
when you try squeezing in and out. Remember, just because
you can fit "in the yellow lines" doesn't mean
you should take the spot.
-
Park as far out as (safely) possible. As long
as it's safe to do so, parking at the far end of the parking
lot means lighter traffic, less congestion and lower risk
of collision. Plus, a little extra walking could do most
all of us some good, particularly during the holidays
when you'll be sipping cocoa and savoring sweets more
often than usual.
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Use side entrances. The main entryways of stores
are the most crowded. Look for doors on the sides of the
building; there will be fewer cars in the parking lot
and more accessible parking spaces.
-
Look behind you. When backing out of a parking
spot, we're used to looking left and right, but don't
forget to look directly behind you. A vehicle across the
way may be backing out at the same time, or shoppers may
be rushing by.
-
Don't get sandwiched. Going back to the tight
spot, avoid parking between two large SUVs, truck or minivans.
If you are driving a large car, the space will be too
tight. If you are driving a small car, you won't be able
to see around the other vehicles while you're backing
out.
-
Use your headlights. Studies show that having
your headlights on--even during the day--reduces your
risk of a collision. And in certain regions, during the
holidays many days are gray and cloudy, so turning on
your lights will make your car easier to see for other
drivers.
Being the "odd one out" is a good thing
when it comes to parking spaces.
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Head to the top. If you're in a parking garage,
many cars will be circling, looking for the "premium"
close spots. You can avoid this frustration, and reduce
your risk of collision, by simply heading directly to
the top floors. There's likely to be much more space and
less traffic, so even if you end up walking a bit farther,
you'll be able to park quickly and safely.
-
Slow down and be choosy. If you're finding that
the holidays have you trying to travel at the speed of
light, slow down; avoid risky driving just to get to a
parking spot first. Just as with your shopping, you should
be choosy about where you park: Is there enough space
between your vehicle and the ones nearby? Could shopping
carts or other debris blow into your vehicle? Is it well-lit
and safe? Will you be able to back out of the spot without
difficulty? "In general, don't allow the holiday
rush to affect your driving, drive slowly, use your turn
signal, park in safe areas and practice defensive driving
skills at all times," said Sebastian Giordano, chief
operating officer of the Top Driver driver education company.
"By anticipating the actions of other drivers and
pedestrians, you may avoid senseless accidents."
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Take public transportation ... or walk. By
far, the best way to ensure that your car remains dent-
and fender-bender-free is to not drive it at all! If it's
available in your area, public transportation is a great
choice. If you can, walking is the best choice, as you
will also get excersie. Alternatively, some larger shopping
areas offer shuttles between stores. This way, you can
park your car in an outlying (safe) area, then shuttle
between stores without having to worry about finding another
parking spot.
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Sources
Woman
Motorist
Parking
Lot Safe Driver Tips
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