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Start the Holidays Off with a Bang Not a Dent

7 December 1998

Start the Holidays Off with a Bang Not a Dent

    SAN FRANCISCO--Dec. 4, 1998--The halls are decked, the tree is trimmed, and shopping malls are filled with holiday shoppers rushing to get those last-minute gifts.
    Parking spaces are scarce, tempers are short, and patience is running low. A parking lot fender bender would put a dampener on the holiday cheer, and possibly your holiday budget.
    "Expect parking lots to be busy," said Bronwyn Hogan, spokeswoman for AAA in Northern california, Nevada and Utah. "The crowded lots, bad weather and bustling people combine to make holiday parking lots prime locations for accidents."
    AAA offers these tips to avoid becoming a holiday parking lot accident victim:

--   Be prepared for parking lot gridlock. Allow extra time to find a
     parking spot in a calm, patient manner.
--   Shop during "off" hours, when stores first open, or later on in
     the evening.
--   Remember that the parking spots that are close will always be in
     demand. Park further away, in a well lit area, and walk to the
     shops.
--   Be aware of your surroundings, especially when backing out of
     your parking space. The car directly across from you might be
     doing the same thing, at the same time.
--   Wait until windshields and windows are defogged before backing
     out of your space.
--   In the event of an accident, it would be your word against the
     other party's. Be sure to get witness names, addresses and phone
     numbers.
--   Be aware that if you are found to be at fault in a parking lot
     accident, you might have to pay your collision deductible, and
     the accident could count as a point on your motor vehicle record.
--   Move any shopping carts that might get pushed into your car.
     These losses are considered collision losses, and your collision
     deductible would have to be paid -- by you.
--   Use your headlights (not parking lights) as daytime running
     lamps. Being seen by other drivers will help avoid accidents.
--   Use public transportation, shop by catalog or over the Internet 
     to avoid holiday parking lot headaches.

    "Let your holiday goodwill extend to your fellow drivers in and out of their vehicles," said Hogan.
    Established more than 90 years ago, the Northern California, Nevada and Utah AAA affiliate offers a wide variety of automotive, insurance, travel and financial services. It is the second largest regional affiliate of the national AAA organization.