Many collisions involving pedestrians occur because drivers don’t actively watch for them. Therefore, people on foot might assume they are safest in areas where drivers know there are likely to be pedestrians. That’s why safety experts recommend that people cross the street at marked locations to ensure that drivers notice them.
Parking lots are typically full of pedestrians, which may give people a false sense of security. Drivers should be aware of the risk of pedestrians nearby anywhere in a parking lot, but they may fail to notice them anyway.
Serious parking lot collisions have been on the rise in recent years. People who understand why can better protect themselves and more effectively respond if a crash occurs.
Parking lot distraction is a safety issue
Researchers have found that more drivers admit to using cellphones in parking lots than on the road. People not only text and email, but they also scroll through social media and even watch videos while driving in parking lots.
The low traffic density and reduced speeds in parking lots give drivers the impression that they can multitask without risk. Regardless of how fast they drive, they can overlook people nearby, knocking them down and causing serious injuries. Distraction can lead to devastating crashes that cause brain injuries, broken bones and other serious medical issues for the injured pedestrian.
Understanding the root cause of a pedestrian crash can potentially help injured people seek compensation. An insurance claim or a personal injury lawsuit can help injured pedestrians recoup their medical expenses and other losses caused by a collision with a negligent or reckless driver.