International Parking Institute Offers Black Friday Parking Tips
Posted on November 21, 2011
Finding marking at the mall or your favorite big box retailer can be difficult during peak Black Friday. Shawn Conrad, executive director of the International Parking Institute, the largest association of parking professionals, says, "While the throngs of shoppers bode well for retailers, the large, deal-hungry crowds create significant challenges - especially when it comes to parking."
Conrad and the IPI offer the following practical tips for people looking for spaces on Black Friday and during the holidays:
- Exercise Caution When Backing Out. 25 percent of parking-related accidents are caused by backing moves. Watch for other drivers and pedestrians.
- Obey the Law. Obey posted speed limits and stop signs, and reserve handicapped spots for disabled users. Drive slowly and remember to signal.
- Use your Headlights. Keeping your headlights on reduces your crash risk, even in the daytime.
- Get your Exercise. Choose a parking space farther away from the building. Fewer people want to park in distant spaces, so there is much less hassle.
- Follow Etiquette Basics. When waiting for a spot, do not block other parking space seekers. Once parked, center your vehicle and pull all the way into the space. Also, remember to return shopping carts to designated cart corral areas.
- Be a Mindful Pedestrian. Parking lot etiquette also applies to pedestrians. Do not walk in the middle of the lane, refrain from texting while walking, and avoid jaywalking-instead use marked pedestrian crosswalks.
- Watch for Small Children. Children can be hard to see in busy parking areas and often make quick, unpredictable moves. Keep a close eye on any children with you and look out for others as well.
- Buckle Up and Be Patient. Even low speed collisions can result in injuries. Resist the temptation to blow the horn (or worse). Showing grace instead of anger prevents reciprocal aggression.
- Stay Alert and Aware of Your Surroundings. Park in well-lit areas and always make sure you've rolled up your car windows and locked your doors. Have your keys out and ready when returning to your car.
- Time Yourself. If you park at a metered spot, note the expiration time and plan to return a few minutes early, setting an alarm as a reminder. Some on-street spaces now offer the ability to extend your parking time remotely through your mobile phone.
Note: The "Get your exercise" tip to park farther away is not as good of an idea this year if you are shopping the midnight sales, especially if you are in an unsafe area. Lots of Black Friday sales start at midnight this year, so shoppers will be shopping in the darkness when there are more thieves and predators lurking about. Yes, it means you may have to circle a few times but it is worth it if it makes you feel safer. On the subject of safety it is best shop in pairs or small groups if possible.
The IPI says there are estimated to be 100 million retail parking spaces available to shoppers. They will all be in high demand this holiday shopping season. Conrad says, "Allowing a little extra time to park during the holidays may be the best strategy of all."