The Buzz: Holiday parking lot safety & pet peeves

(WPRI) — The hectic holiday season means hustle and bustle, and lots of busy parking lots! So, to help you keep your sanity AAA is offering some helpful tips!

-Eliminate distractions. Turn off and stow cell phones. Set up navigation and GPS devices before starting to drive.

-Watch for pedestrians. Remain cautious of pedestrians on crosswalks and moving in-between and behind cars. Be alert especially for children who are not always paying attention.

-Learn to play the outfield. Outlying areas have more spaces, lighter traffic and a lower risk of collision.

-Don’t put yourself in a tight spot. Avoid parking between a pair of tall SUVs, minivans or pickups where it might be hard to back out of the space. If you can’t see well enough to back out safely, get help from one of your passengers.

-Buckle up. Even a low-speed collision can result in injuries. Make sure that everyone is strapped in a seat belt or child car seat while the car is in motion, even if it’s just a short trip to another part of the parking lot.