Safe Driving Tips for Mall Holiday Shoppers

WASHINGTON, Dec. 11 -- Now that shopping malls are filling up with consumers eager to do the nation good with a splurge of holiday shopping, some timely reminders from GEICO (Government Employees Insurance Company) will help keep from spoiling the season of good will.

Shopping mall safety tips

According to the auto insurer's safety professionals, motorists in the malls are urged to be particularly watchful when they back out of parking spaces. Back out slowly and cautiously, and check both directions after you put the car in reverse, say the experts. Keep a third eye on the rear view mirror at all times.

When you're driving up and down the parking aisles, make sure you watch for pedestrians, too, especially the little ones. Shoppers may be very intent on getting into the mall or locating their cars and may not be concentrating on drivers.

Make sure you obey traffic lanes and avoid cutting diagonally across the parking lot, even if a parking space just opened up two lanes over.

Try not to let the holiday rush put on extra pressure. Drive smart. Drive slowly, Use your turn signal. Park in safe areas. Above all, drive defensively, and cut down on the odds of an auto accident.

After all, you want to get home safe and sound for all that wrapping.