AAA: Stay Alert on Black Friday

According to estimates from the National Retail Foundation, 152 million people are expected to shop over the upcoming Black Friday weekend, and AAA Mid-Atlantic would prefer that none of them get hit by vehicles.

That was the main message from AAA this week, who reminded shoppers to exercise caution, particularly in parking lots and garages, while out deal hunting.

“Whether it’s the thrill of holiday shopping hustle and bustle or the hunt for the ultimate gift deal, holiday shopping should not come at the expense of safety,” said Jenny M. Robinson, Manager of Public and Government Affairs for AAA Mid-Atlantic. “This year more retailers are opening earlier than ever before, after dark on Thanksgiving night, and others will open before daybreak on Black Friday. AAA advises shoppers to be aware of their surroundings, especially in dark parking lots, and stay alert while out and about.”

Things could even get busier than expected, as last year NRF estimated there would be 138 million shoppers, and 212 million actually turned out.

However, it's not just pedestrians that should be on the lookout, according to the release.

"Careless and inattentive driving in these tight areas could result in additional holiday expenses, including fender-benders, personal injuries and a general Grinch-like attitude," said the release, adding that 20 percent of all billable vehicle claims occur in parking lots.

AAA offers the following tips for staying safe and spending your money on presents, not car repairs:

1. Stay on guard in parking lots. Pay attention to where you park, note parking lot signs and markers. Choose a well-lit area to park during early morning hours and at night. When returning to your vehicle, have keys ready in hand and check the car’s interior before entering, using a penlight at night. Report suspicious people or cars.
2. See and be seen. Use your headlights when scouring parking garages for spaces, even during the day. Avoid parking between a pair of tall SUVs or minivans where it might be hard for you to back out of the space. If you can’t see well enough to back out safely, get help from one of your passengers.
3. Stay on track and alert. Pedestrians should use walkways and crosswalks, if available. If walking in traffic lanes is unavoidable, be alert for cues – including exhaust or reverse lights – that signal a vehicle is about to pull out. When behind the wheel, always be on the lookout for pedestrians, especially small children. It can be difficult to see small children in busy parking lots, who may make quick, unpredictable movements.
4. Thieves like to window shop. Place all shopping bags and valuables in the trunk, including the GPS units and their mounts.  It takes a thief just seconds to smash a window and steal your shopping loot.
5. Wait until Cyber Monday. Avoid the crowds and take advantage of special online promotions. Shoppers looking for discounts should check out www.AAA.com/shopping and shop with great member values everyday.