Holiday shopping: How to avoid crashes, crime in busy parking lots

AUSTIN, Texas - AAA Texas is sharing tips and advice for shoppers to avoid hazards, lockouts and crime while out getting holiday gifts this year.

AAA Texas says that insurance data shows that the period between Thanksgiving and Christmas has the highest number of auto insurance claims, meaning the highest number of crashes.

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Heather Massey with the Better Business Bureau joins Amanda Salinas to share tips for one of the biggest shopping days of the year.

"Stay focused, pay attention and be aware of all the hazards in crowded parking lots this holiday season," said AAA Texas spokesperson Daniel Armbruster in a release. "A moment of distraction or poor judgment by shoppers in a rush can lead to unfortunate situations during what should be a festive time of year."

To avoid a parking lot collision, drivers are recommended to:

Be aware of the hazards around you in a parking lot, including pedestrians and moving vehicles
Don’t Drive Intexticated. While searching for a parking spot, don’t make or take phone calls, read or send texts and emails, use social media or take photos or videos
Drive slowly and obey all traffic and directional signs
Avoid shortcuts such as cutting across parking lanes and rows of parking spots
Watch for pedestrians and other vehicles when slowly backing up
Be extra alert for small children, pets, and parents pushing baby strollers in parking lots
Turn on your headlights, even in the daylight and especially when driving through dark parking garages

To avoid being locked out of vehicles, drivers should:

Never leave car keys or key fob inside the vehicle’s passenger compartment even when helping a passenger or child into the vehicle
Stay focused. Don’t become distracted while getting in or out of your vehicle in the parking lot
Exit your vehicle with your car keys or key fob in hand and use the key fob security system to lock doors
Place car keys or key fob in your pocket or purse when stowing or unloading packages in the trunk
Always double-check you have keys in your hand, pocket or purse before exiting the vehicle or before closing the trunk

To prevent auto crimes of opportunity, vehicle owners should:

Always lock your vehicle with the windows closed. Even if you park your vehicle in a garage, this simple measure is added security.
Never leave belongings or purchases out in the open of your car since they could tempt thieves. Even empty shopping bags, sunglasses, coins or a change of clothes might look interesting to a thief.
Never leave your keys in your vehicle or leave your vehicle running any time you are not in it
Park in populated, well-lit areas
Never hide a spare ignition key on the vehicle. Thieves look for keys in popular hiding places like inside a car bumper or wheel well.
Store your key fobs in a metal container when at home. The metal provides a barrier that interrupts radio signals to/from the smart fob, preventing potential hackers from opening your vehicle.

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