How To Stay Safe When Walking Into A Shopping Center

While you likely hear about motor vehicle accidents routinely, some collisions are shocking. On August 23rd, a car crashed into a place of business in New Haven. When emergency responders arrived at the scene, they found two pedestrians pinned between the car and the building. Unfortunately, both lost their lives in the collision.

Few things can ruin a day of shopping faster than an accident involving a car and a pedestrian. Still, you have groceries and other items you must buy. Here are some tips for staying safe when walking into a shopping center:

 Avoid Surprises 

If you want to stay safe when walking near a business, try to be as predictable as possible. That is, drivers tend to expect pedestrians to behave in a certain way. By walking in designated areas, you decrease your chances of colliding with a moving vehicle.

Use Sidewalks 

While it may be more convenient to walk across parking lots, sticking to sidewalks is a better strategy for staying safe. Accordingly, when you leave your car, look for the nearest sidewalk. If one does not exist, walk where other shoppers are walking. Also, watch for vehicles backing out of parking spaces.

Watch For Tripping and Slipping Hazards 

As you likely know, you do not have to have a collision with a motor vehicle to sustain an injury when shopping. If you trip, slip or fall, you may face a long road to recovery. Therefore, always watch for tripping hazards. Further, if you can, walk in well-lit areas.

Stash Your Smartphone 

By now, you probably realize that distracted driving is a bad idea. Distracted walking, though, may also put your life in jeopardy. Rather than looking at your smartphone when walking into a store, stash it until you are in a safe place.

Accidents involving pedestrians and motor vehicles often do not turn out well for the pedestrian. Fortunately, with a bit of diligence, you can likely arrive at your destination without sustaining a serious injury.