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Parking Lot Safe Driving Tips From Driver Education Company

9 November 1999

Parking Lot Safe Driving Tips From Driver Education Company

    ENGLEWOOD CLIFFS, N.J., Nov. 9 -- In anticipation of
increasing holiday traffic found around shopping malls and parking lots, there
are precautionary measures drivers can take to ensure safety, according to
Sebastian Giordano of the nations' largest driver education company Top
Driver.

    -- Obey traffic lanes and avoid cutting diagonally across lots;
    -- Obey traffic signs such as Stop and Yield;
    -- When backing out of a parking space, be mindful of vehicles and
       pedestrians moving behind you;
    -- Be wary of "runaway" shopping carts;
    -- Watch out for parents pushing baby carriages and strollers; and
    -- Don't race for a parking space when seeing someone approach their car
       with keys in hand.

    "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
for Top Driver (see http://www.topdriver.com).  "By anticipating the actions
of other drivers and pedestrians, you may avoid senseless accidents."
    Giordano notes that the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety reports
that parking lot accidents account for more than 80 percent of automobile
crash claims.  However employing defensive driving techniques is only one way
to encourage a safe shopping experience, since your safety doesn't stop when
your car does.
    "Unfortunately an estimated 80 percent of shopping center crimes occur in
parking lots, including more than 750,000 violent crimes such as rape and
assault committed annually.  This is why drivers need to take additional
precautions once the car is parked," added Giordano:

    -- Park in well-lit, open areas;
    -- Try to avoid being alone;
    -- Always have your car keys ready when approaching your car
    -- Check the back seat, under and around the car before getting in; and
    -- Do not leave shopping bags exposed in your car while unattended.

    With 44 locations in Connecticut, New Jersey, Ohio and Indiana, Top Driver
is the first company to deliver standardized driver training curriculum with
automobile product and service information, MetLife auto insurance services,
driving accessories and Department of Motor Vehicle services.  For more
information, contact Top Driver at 1-800-DRIVER-ED or at
http://www.topdriver.com.