Roads are meant for motor vehicles, while sidewalks are meant for pedestrians. Unlike roads and sidewalks, parking lots are unique because they are meant for both. Unfortunately when cars and pedestrians are mixed together, pedestrians often get hurt. Parking lots are also chaotic places with cars in a hurry to get a spot, pedestrians not looking where they're going and runaway shopping baskets blown around by the wind. Given all this, it's not surprising that parking lot accidents are the most common reasons for filing an auto insurance claim. Here are seven tips for to help you avoid parking lot accidents.

Drive Slow

Unlike the road, parking lot traffic isn't controlled by traffic lights and the visibility is poor. This is especially true for cars backing out of their spaces where they often see only what's directly behind them. This means they can't see you approaching. You will have to drive slowly enough so that you can stop on a dime should a car back out in front of you. Also slow down and be alert when approaching a cross lane. A fast car may round the corner and hit you.

Look Over Your Shoulder When Backing Out

Turn your head around and look over your shoulder when backing out of a parking space. Don't rely on mirrors or cameras because they have a limited field of view. Pedestrians are commonly injured in parking lots from cars backing into them. This is caused by drivers who either rely on mirrors, don't look at all or back out too quickly.

Avoid Parking at the End of the Aisle

Cars turning in from a crossway can't see you backing out until they round the corner. Cars on these crossways also tend to drive fast.

Park Where There are Fewer Cars

Most cars park next to the store entrance to minimize walking. Try using the opposite strategy and park further from the entrance where there are fewer parked cars. Visibility is better in these locations and the traffic is lighter. In addition, the walk is good for you.

Take Advantage of Pull-Through Spots

You won't have to back out of the spot when you leave, resulting in a safer exit.

Watch Out for Abandoned Carts

On windy days, avoid parking downhill or downwind from clumps of abandoned carts. They can roll into your car at a speed fair enough to do damage.

Assume Pedestrians Aren't Looking Where They're Going

Pedestrians often have a false sense of security in parking lots and aren't much concerned about car traffic. Many are engrossed with their purchases or are shepherding small children. So it falls to you to be responsible enough to avoid collisions with pedestrians.

Use these tips to avoid parking lot mishaps, along with the inconveniences of auto insurance claims and auto body work.