Tis the season for hunting down a parking spot at a local mall, and if the scramble feels more intense than the shopping itself, you’re not imagining it.
ICBC is reminding drivers to take it slow this holiday season as parking lots fill up across the province, including at major shopping hubs on Vancouver Island.
The insurer says the mix of crowds, tight spaces, last-minute shopping and winter conditions creates one of the most collision-prone environments of the year.
A recent ICBC survey found more than half of drivers feel more stressed navigating a packed parking lot than driving on the open road.
According to the report, seven out of 10 people said they’ve either witnessed or experienced a collision or close call in a lot.
Last December saw nearly 26,000 crashes across BC and close to 8,000 of them happened in parking lots. That accounts for roughly a third of all collisions during the month.
“Parking lots get especially hectic in December, but the good news is that small changes can have a big impact,” said Kathleen Nadalin, ICBC road safety manager.
She says drivers who slow down, stay alert and back into their stalls make the environment safer for everyone and help keep the holiday rush inside the mall instead of the parking lot.
ICBC encourages drivers to take simple steps that can prevent a stressful situation from becoming a costly one.
Backing into parking spaces gives better visibility when leaving, scanning regularly helps spot pedestrians and vehicles tucked between rows, and choosing a farther, quieter section of the lot can reduce unexpected hazards.
The insurer also reminds drivers to check that their lights and signals are working before heading out and to use them consistently so others can anticipate their next move.
For many Vancouver Islanders, holiday shopping means visits to busy spots like Uptown, Mayfair and Woodgrove centres. ICBC says a little patience and preparation can go a long way toward making sure the most challenging part of the trip is finding the perfect gift, not navigating the parking lot.
