ICBC is urging drivers to be cautious when navigating shopping mall parking lots this holiday season.
Finding the perfect spot so you can search for the perfect gift may not be worth it, according to the insurance company, which suggested it may be easier to find a spot that is further away from high-traffic areas closer to the front door of a shop or mall. Motorists should also pay attention to arrows and stop signs, and be patient during busy shopping days.
"While some may believe that driving in parking lots is safer than highway driving, parking lots present drivers with other challenges, such as increased congestion and heavy pedestrian activity," ICBC said in a press release. "The holiday season could add a layer of distraction with people apt to be more preoccupied with their shopping list or finding a parking spot."
Close to 96,000 crashes occurred in parking lots in 2019, with 480 pedestrians injured.
ICBC will be talking to customers about driver safety and handing out a limited quantity of reusable shopping bags at Coquitlam Centre mall on Saturday, Dec. 6, between noon and 3 p.m. ICBC reps and members of the Coquitlam RCMP will be handing out the bags near the food court.
