A toddler recently died after a Nashville pedestrian accident that took place in a parking lot. According to the police report, the driver was backing out of a parking space when the SUV struck a 21-month-old and her mother who were nearby. The driver pulled forward, unaware he had hit the two, but finally stopped after seeing the mother frantically waving from the ground. Both were taken to the hospital, where the child would later be pronounced dead.
ARE PARKING LOTS SAFE?
When it comes to patience in a parking lot, neither drivers or pedestrians have much of it to spare. Pedestrians are hurrying to their cars with arms full of bags, just trying to get home. Drivers, on the other hand, are often angling for the quickest, nearest parking spot. This makes for a potentially dangerous situation. However, there are steps pedestrians should take in order to stay safe, including:
- Don’t dart between cars. Instead, try and remain in view of drivers
- Stay alert and off your phone
- Try to shop in daylight hours
- Keep an eye out for illuminated brake lights for cars that are backing up
On the other hand, drivers must remain equally cautious when driving through a parking lot. Drivers can do the following to help keep pedestrians safe and avoid an accident.
- Be patient
- Reduce speed (by a lot!)
- Give pedestrians the right of way (they’re not the ones protected in a 3,000-pound metal car)
- Just because you’re driving at reduced speeds does not mean it’s safe to be on your phone. Do not engage in distracted driving
- Avoid zipping into an available spot as there may be pedestrians weaving through the cars
- Slowly and cautiously back out of a parking space. Make sure to check all your mirrors and blind spots
Experts estimate more than two-thirds of all parking lot accidents are the drivers’ fault. That said, some people recommend backing into parking spaces when you can so that there’s maximum visibility when you’re pulling out to leave.
Stanley A. Davis is a Nashville pedestrian accident lawyer who helps those injured in both parking lots and Nashville streets. We believe in treating our clients the way we would treat our neighbors, friends and family.
“For we are His creation, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God Prepared ahead of time so that we should walk in them.” Ephesians 2:10