New Orleans Personal Injury Attorneys

Parking lots have become more dangerous for a surprising reason

On Behalf of | Jan 20, 2025 | Motor Vehicle Accidents

When people talk about high-risk places to drive or walk, parking lots are unlikely to be the first location discussed. After all, people generally drive at relatively low speeds in parking lots. Even during busy times, everyone there is aware that there may be vehicles backing out or pedestrians walking nearby.

Contrary to what people might expect, parking lots have become increasingly perilous in recent years, especially for pedestrians. The underlying reason that parking lots have recently seen a concerning increase in crashes and pedestrian collisions may surprise some people.

Digital distraction is to blame

According to research performed by the National Safety Council, most drivers recognize that texting while driving is a dangerous behavior. Unfortunately, many people who do not admit to texting at the wheel on the open road admit that they handle their phones in parking lots.

Approximately 56% of drivers admit to texting while driving in parking lots. 50% of drivers admit to reading or sending emails, and 52% sometimes use social media while driving in parking lots. In fact, 49% admit to taking photos or watching videos despite being in control of a moving vehicle.

The lower speeds and reduced levels of traffic give people a false sense of security when they reach for their mobile devices in parking lots. That, combined with the ever-increasing size of vehicles, creates a very hazardous situation for pedestrians.

Taller, heavier vehicles can knock people down even at low speeds. If pedestrians don’t have time to react, they could potentially sustain dramatic brain injuries (TBIs). TBIs can have life-altering consequences. In more serious cases, they may even lead to people dying prematurely.

Drivers in parking lots may not monitor their surroundings as carefully as they should given the prevalence of pedestrians in those spaces. Pedestrians may need to make up for that safety deficit by being extra cautious and avoiding distractions on their way to their vehicles.

Learning more about the factors that contribute to pedestrian collision risk can help people limit their risk for one of the most devastating types of collisions possible. Pedestrians hurt by motor vehicles often have to pursue lawsuits in addition to insurance claims to cover the major expenses generated by their injuries. Seeking personalized legal guidance is a good way to get started with this process.

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