Shopping Mall Parking Lots are Filling Up, Don't Become a Theft or Crash Victim, Says the Auto Club

    LOS ANGELES--Dec. 9, 2002--With six fewer shopping days available before Christmas this year, shopping centers and mall parking lots are filling up with frantic gift-buyers.
    "The closer we get to the holidays, the tougher it is for people to be patient. This is especially true in mall parking lots and streets near the malls," said Arline Dillman, the Auto Club's traffic safety expert. "As the holidays approach, it's also wise for people to be more aware of their surroundings to avoid becoming a crime victim."
    As the holiday countdown continues, and mall parking lots and surrounding roads become more congested, the Automobile Club of Southern California offers these tips to avoid becoming a crash or theft victim:

    While Shopping

--	Be prepared. Anticipate that the malls will become busier with last-minute holiday shoppers. Allow more time to find a parking space and don't be naughty. Be nice and remember it may be easier to park further away than closer to shops. If it's nighttime, park in a well-lit area.
--	Time your trips to the mall. Try to shop in the evenings or when stores open early in the morning.
--	Stash it. Don't set yourself up for a vehicle break-in by leaving your purse or wallet or packages or other valuables in view while your car is parked or while you're driving. Put packages in the trunk.
--	Don't argue. If someone approaches you in the parking lot with a weapon and demands your wallet, purse or car, comply. The loss of these items isn't worth your health, safety or possibly your life.

    While Driving

-- See and be seen. Use your headlights during the daytime so that
    other drivers will see you and avoid crashes in parking lots and
    on the streets.

-- Exercise caution. Be aware of your surroundings and pay extra
    attention to the cars around you, especially when you back out of
    your parking space.

-- Check your vehicle's equipment. Make sure your defroster or
    defogger is working properly. Make sure your windows are clear
    before backing out of your parking spot.

-- Move it. Remove any shopping carts that might accidentally get
    pushed into your car. These losses are considered insurance losses
    and your insurance deductible would have to be paid -- by you.

-- Be careful. Be aware that if you're found to be at fault in a
    parking lot crash, you might have to pay your collision deductible
    and the crash could count as a point on your motor vehicle record.

-- Get the vital statistics. In the event of a crash, be sure to
    obtain the names, addresses, telephone numbers, insurance carriers
    and policy numbers of the other motorists.

    Try Alternatives

-- Go high-tech. Use public transportation, shop by catalog or use
    the Internet to avoid the shopping mall parking lots completely.

    "The bottom line is, don't let parking lot chaos or a thief ruin your holiday season," said Dillman.
    The Automobile Club of Southern California, the largest AAA affiliate, has served members since 1900. Today, Auto Club members benefit by the organization's roadside assistance, financial products, travel agency and trip planning services, highway and transportation safety programs, insurance products and services and automotive pricing, buying and financing programs.
    Information about these products and services is available at www.aaa-calif.com.