Close X
Monday, November 25, 2024
ADVT 
National

ICBC Provides Drive Smart Tips For Holiday Shopping Season

Darpan News Desk, 28 Nov, 2019 08:44 PM

    As the holiday shopping season officially kicks off this week, ICBC is asking drivers to prioritize safety over finding the perfect parking spot. Last year, there were about 96,000 crashes that happened in parking lots.*

     

    ICBC receives hundreds of thousands of claims every year, with vehicle damage costs totaling $1.33 billion in 2018 alone.


    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. 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.


    Drivers are encouraged to apply a bit of holiday cheer, be courteous and have a bit more patience during this time of year with these Drive Smart tips from ICBC:


    The rules of the road still apply, even on private property where the public is invited to park. Don't use your phone while driving, even in parking lots. Program your navigation or holiday tunes before you put your car in gear.


    Have your car facing out in your parking spot: This position is safest for drivers because it helps you avoid the risk of reversing into a lane with potential blind spots when leaving.


    Park further away, if you can: Instead of circling endlessly to get a spot that's closest to the mall entrance, pick a spot that's further away. You'll avoid a high-traffic area where you're more likely to crash with another vehicle or hit a pedestrian.


    Slow down and be on alert: Drivers should drive slowly in parking lots to have enough time to react to an unexpected vehicle backing out of their parking spot or an unanticipated pedestrian, especially young children, who may be harder to see.


    Pay attention to the arrows and stop signs: Many parking lots are quite narrow, restricting certain lanes to a single direction. Pay attention to the signs and markings on the road to avoid getting into a crash.


    Don't block traffic: Deciding to follow a shopper, then waiting for them to load their car, buckle up and leave, jams up traffic behind you and likely takes you much longer than if you had just found a spot further away. Sitting idle in a lane can leave you vulnerable to a collision, and you could be blocking other drivers who are trying to leave.


    Let it go: No sense in having a showdown with another driver for a parking spot. Move along, and maybe that good karma will net you something really nice this season.


    Statistics


    About 96,000 crashes occurred in parking lots in 2018. About 4,300 resulted in casualties and 92,000 resulted in damages only.

     

    480 pedestrians were injured in parking lot collisions last year.

     

    There were 4,000 reported instances of theft from a vehicle in a parking lot last year


    Shopping bag giveaway


    As always, ICBC reminds all shoppers to keep their belongings with them or out of sight in their vehicle.


    ICBC will be talking to customers about driving safely and handing out a limited quantity of large, reusable shopping bags at the following locations:


    Highstreet Mall, Abbotsford: Friday, November 29th from 3:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m. ICBC and Police will be handing out bags in the Central Plaza.


    Pacific Centre, Vancouver: Saturday, November 30th from 9:30 a.m. to 11:00 a.m. or until supplies last. Look for volunteers from West End Coal Harbour Community Policing and Granville Community Policing Centres with ICBC, handing out bags at the Easy Park Parking Lot.


    Coquitlam Centre Mall, Coquitlam: Saturday, December 6th from 12:00 p.m. to 3:00 p.m. ICBC and RCMP will be handing out bags near the food court.


    Pine Centre Mall, Prince George: Thursday, December 12 from 1:00 p.m. to 2:30 p.m. ICBC and Operation Red Nose's mascot, Rudy the reindeer, will be handing out bags at the main entrance.

    MORE National ARTICLES

    The Talk of the Town: Meet Telkwa’s $20-Million Lotto Max Winners- KEN AND SUSAN SALTER

    A break from tradition and a play of the usual numbers was all it took for Telkwa’s Ken and Susan Salter to win the $20-million jackpot from the October 29, 2019 Lotto Max draw.  

    The Talk of the Town: Meet Telkwa’s $20-Million Lotto Max Winners- KEN AND SUSAN SALTER

    More Canadians Plan To Attend Remembrance Day Ceremonies This Year: Poll

    A new survey suggests more Canadians are planning to mark Remembrance Day this year, perhaps in a salute to the few remaining veterans of the Second World War.

    More Canadians Plan To Attend Remembrance Day Ceremonies This Year: Poll

    Vancouver Transit Dispute Ramps Up As Premier John Horgan Warns Against Lengthy Disruption

    British Columbia Premier John Horgan has put union and management in the Metro Vancouver transit dispute on notice that he will not allow disruptions in service to go on much longer.

    Vancouver Transit Dispute Ramps Up As Premier John Horgan Warns Against Lengthy Disruption

    Ontario's Memorial To Veterans Of Afghanistan War Ready For Next Remembrance Day

    A memorial to honour veterans of the war in Afghanistan that is being built on the grounds of the Ontario legislature will include a stone from an Inukshuk that stood at Kandahar Airfield as a tribute to fallen soldiers.

    Ontario's Memorial To Veterans Of Afghanistan War Ready For Next Remembrance Day

    Alberta Alters Rules On Oil Production Limits To Spur More Conventional Drilling

    Alberta Alters Rules On Oil Production Limits To Spur More Conventional Drilling
    Alberta's energy minister says the government is adjusting its rules on oil production limits to give producers incentive to drill more conventional wells.

    Alberta Alters Rules On Oil Production Limits To Spur More Conventional Drilling

    Kevin O'Leary Legal Challenge Of Leadership Finance Rules Set For April

    Celebrity businessman and former Conservative leadership contender Kevin O'Leary has an April court date to challenge the constitutionality of campaign finance law.

    Kevin O'Leary Legal Challenge Of Leadership Finance Rules Set For April