With many people going back to work in person these days, remember to avoid parking lot accidents. While everybody is typically moving slowly in a parking lot, an accident can still cause a lot of damage. Avoid these accidents by knowing the most common ways they happen. Reversing accidents can happen when a car backs up into oncoming traffic. Two parked cars can also back up at the same time and collide with one another. Forward-facing accidents can happen when a car pulling out of a space collides with oncoming traffic. And finally, two cars fighting over a space might try to pull in at the same time and collide. All of these accidents are easily avoidable as long as you’re staying focused and paying attention.

Avoid Parking Lot Accidents at Work: Common Mistakes

Car Reversing and Hitting Oncoming Car

Parking lot accidents often happen when cars are reversing. One type of accident that is very common occurs when a car is backing up out of a parking space and is hit by oncoming traffic. This happens a lot when cars are parked next to very large vehicles that are blocking their view. To avoid this type of accident, always check very carefully before backing out of space. If you’re next to larger vehicles that you cannot see around, back up very slowly. This will give oncoming cars a chance to see the rear of your car and honk to let you know they’re there. If you are the oncoming car, avoid this type of accident by traveling slowly through the lot and always being on the lookout for reverse lights.

Two Reversing Cars Colliding

Another type of reversing parking lot accident occurs when two cars reverse out of spaces and hit each other. Typically drivers are on the lookout for oncoming cars but forget to watch out for other reversing cars. This can happen when two cars reverse from opposite spaces. It can also happen when adjacent cars back out because typically when you reverse, you cut your wheels in a turn. Avoid this type of accident by looking fully around before backing out. Look for cars oncoming but also other cars with their tail lights or reverse lights on.

Car Pulling Out of Space into Oncoming Traffic

Accidents in parking lots don’t always happen in reverse, though. You also need to avoid forward-facing accidents. One way that these can occur is when cars pull out into oncoming traffic. This often happens when drivers are distracted and not paying attention. If you are exiting a space, be very careful to look in both directions before pulling out. Never drive while distracted by your phone. And when driving in a parking lot, always go slowly while being very alert.

Two Cars Pulling Into the Same Space

One final type of accident that can occur is when two cars try pulling into the same space. This can happen when drivers fail to communicate properly with each other. Perhaps one driver incorrectly thinks the other motioned them into the space and both pull in at once. While this can happen inadvertently, it can also happen in instances of road rage. To avoid this type of accident, it’s best just to be the bigger person and let the other driver have the space. Having to walk a bit further to get into the office is never worth getting into a car accident. Avoiding parking lot accidents is easy if you stay alert and always are on the lookout for reverse lights. While you drive through a lot, just assume that all cars are about to pull out of their spaces. This will keep you very alert and help you avoid bump-ups. Avoid reversing accidents by backing out slowly from spaces to avoid colliding with oncoming traffic. Also, look fully around before backing up to avoid other cars in reverse. To avoid forward-facing accidents, never pull out into traffic without looking around carefully. And finally, never fight another driver over a space. Be the bigger person and let the space go. While parking lot accidents are often minor, they can still cause expensive damage or even injuries. Knowing when and how they take place will hopefully make you a more careful driver so you can avoid them in the future.