Even at a crowded mall, you could potentially be targeted while walking to or from your car. Here are a few parking lot safety tips as you finish your Christmas shopping this season.
Safety Tip #1
If you're alone or with kids, shop during the day and park close to the store and around other people.
We've heard crazy stories. Just recently, a mother who was putting her groceries away at Costco was approached by a man asking for directions. He then ran up to her, grabbed her neck, threw her to the ground, and took her purse. She was still in the Costco parking lot but just far enough away from the entrance where no one saw what happened. Luckily her kids weren't with her.
Always park as close to the store as possible and around as many people as possible. If it's dark or the parking lot is empty, be aware of your surroundings. If something doesn't feel right or you notice anyone suspicious, either drive around until you locate security or just bolt and come back another time.
Always park as close to the store as possible and around as many people as possible. If it's dark or the parking lot is empty, be aware of your surroundings. If something doesn't feel right or you notice anyone suspicious, either drive around until you locate security or just bolt and come back another time.
Safety Tip #2
Be urgent and intuitive to and from your car.
If you're with kids, hold their hands, keep them close, and walk to and from the car as quickly as possible. There are many stories of parents who notice suspicious vehicles that seem to scout parking lots. Just use your gut and scan the area. Don't procrastinate when leaving the parking lot. Get in the car, lock the doors, and get on your way.
If you have a baby, it's smart to get in the passenger seat, close and lock the door, and then buckle your child. Then look around and make sure there's no one suspicious. Get out, hop in the driver's seat, lock the door again, and pull away. This might sound excessive, but it's the safest approach if you're at all worried.
If you have a baby, it's smart to get in the passenger seat, close and lock the door, and then buckle your child. Then look around and make sure there's no one suspicious. Get out, hop in the driver's seat, lock the door again, and pull away. This might sound excessive, but it's the safest approach if you're at all worried.
Safety Tip #3
Be prepared for the worst.
Seriously, carry a can of pepper spray and a security alarm. Also have your car keys in hand so you can press the emergency button, which sets off your car's alarm. Whether someone is hiding and waiting for you to approach or acting friendly and waiting for the right time to switch faces and attack, it's less likely they will succeed if you're prepared and vigilant. Some parents keep pepper spray on a wrist strap, so if they're busy loading the car or buckling their children, they can easily reach and spray if attacked from behind.
Also always keep your car locked, even if you're making a quick stop. It isn't unheard of for a person to get back in their car only to find someone in their backseat.
Also always keep your car locked, even if you're making a quick stop. It isn't unheard of for a person to get back in their car only to find someone in their backseat.
The parking lot is also a prime environment for bad driving. If you get in an accident from someone backing up, speeding through, or running a stop sign, call Wilkes & Mee. Our Jacksonville car accident lawyers will deal with the stress while you enjoy the holidays.