Pedestrians are at risk in any space where they are close to moving vehicles. Many intersections have crosswalks and lights to ensure that drivers share the road with pedestrians appropriately. Parking lots may be full of stationary vehicles, but there are also many people on foot and moving vehicles present. Everyone who parks has to get into the nearby building or business and then later return to their vehicle.
In theory, every driver in a parking lot should be on high alert and actively watching for pedestrians. Unfortunately, federal safety data indicates the opposite may be happening.
Parking lot distraction is a serious issue
Motorists cannot handle mobile devices while operating vehicles. Doing so is highly unsafe and a violation of traffic statutes. When looking at self-reported distracted driving data, only a small portion of adults admit to texting while driving on public roads.
However, more than half of the drivers polled by the National Safety Council (NSC) admit to reading and responding to text messages in parking lots. They may watch videos or scroll social media while moving through a parking lot slowly in a vehicle. Teens report higher rates of distraction in parking lots than older drivers.
Even at low speeds, distracted drivers can cause serious injuries to pedestrians. Especially if they drive particularly large vehicles with vertical front ends, drivers can cause severe or fatal injuries in parking lot crashes.
Pedestrians hurt by distracted drivers may need help holding a motorist at fault accountable. Working with a personal injury attorney can help injured pedestrians or families who have lost a loved one hold irresponsible and distracted drivers accountable for medical expenses and other losses.