1. Customer Training Topic Ryder Fleet Risk Services
Parking Lot Awareness
Customer Training Topic
Ryder Fleet Risk Services

2. Introduction
Whether you are making a delivery or stopping by a shopping center to pick up lunch, you may encounter dangerous conditions while driving into, out of and through parking lots.
Most drivers exercise care when traveling on the roads, but often become distracted once they enter a parking lot busy looking for parking spots or searching for a specific store.
When drivers are in a hurry or distracted they may stop looking for cross traffic and/or assume others will automatically stop when they see them coming.

3. Facts and Statistics
Striking a parked car or stationary object is one of the most common/frequent vehicle collisions.
According to a study conducted by the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety, parking lot accidents account for more than 14% of all automobile collision claims and 80% of bumper scratches occur while parking
According to the Independent Insurance Agents of America (IIAA), Parking-lot collisions account for as many as one in five automobile insurance claims yearly.
Other sources note, an estimated 80% of all criminal acts committed at shopping facilities occur in parking lots.

4. Parking Lot Hazards
Some of the most common parking lot hazards include pedestrians, inadequate lighting, tight spaces, potholes, debris/objects, faded traffic/parking stripes, lack of signage, shrubbery, etc.
Pedestrians (especially children) may be difficult to see while backing and may run out into traffic unexpectedly
Poor lighting may inhibit a persons ability to see at night
Tight spaces may limit your ability to back and turn around corners
Potholes and debris or objects (such as shopping carts may cause other drivers to swerve or stop suddenly
Faded parking lines and lack of signage may inhibit proper traffic flow
Overgrown shrubbery may obscure sight lines (especially at night) at intersections where pedestrians or other cars may appear suddenly.

5. Parking Lot Awareness Safety tips while driving through parking lots:
Always Wear your seatbelt – Even low speed collisions can throw you around the cabin of your vehicle
Obey parking lot signage and traffic lanes – Watch out for vehicles cutting diagonally through the lot
Drive slowly – Always obey the posted speed limit at stay under 10mph if one is not posted
Use your turn signals and headlights – Make sure your vehicle can been seen
Watch for distracted motorists – Watch out for drivers that are on the “hunt” for an ideal parking spot. They are not watching you.

6. Parking Lot Awareness Safety tips while driving through parking lots:
Watch carefully for pedestrians – Be especially careful in lots that contain post offices, package stores, convenient stores and other locations where people may be in a hurry
Be extra careful during peak times (morning, lunch time, evening) when reckless drivers may speed through lanes
Be extra careful at entrances, exits and intersections – Motorists may stop suddenly or erratically change direction for no apparent reason

7. Parking Lot Awareness Safety tips while parking:
Be conscious of where you park – Look at all objects around the vehicle that may become a difficult obstruction when you leave
Only park in designated areas for your type of vehicle – Do not park in a “compact cars only” with a 26 foot straight truck
Ensure your vehicle fits safely into a parking spot and is in between the parking lines

8. Parking Lot Awareness Safety tips while parking:
Be conscious of the people/other vehicles you park next to – Are you too close?
Double check to ensure you headlights are off and your keys are in hand before leaving your vehicle
Park in well-lit areas and notify property management if there are no adequately lit areas available.
At night, avoid secluded areas to reduce the risk of theft/ robbery

9. Parking Lot Awareness Safety tips for backing in a parking lot:
Look all around your vehicle before entering the vehicle, check for any obstructions above, below and around all sides of the vehicle that may be in your way
Be mindful of vehicles and pedestrians that may have obstructed your path since you began backing. Be conscious that the scene around your vehicle can change instantly.

10. Parking Lot Awareness Safety tips for backing in a parking lot:
Ensure your mirrors are in proper position to maximize your viewing area while seated in the vehicle.
Back slowly and gently sound your horn to let others know you are backing
If at all possible, back into a parking space before you park. It will make it easier to see cross traffic and pedestrians when you pull forward to leave

11. Parking Lot Awareness Other Safety Tips to Consider:
Be vigilant during seasonal holidays – Parking lots are crowded, space is limited and People tend to be less attentive.
Always use 3 points of contact while entering and exiting your truck/tractor
If you are unloading/loading your vehicle, ensure you are not in the path of traffic

12. Parking Lot Awareness Other Safety Tips to Consider:
Be extra cautious in inclement weather - watch out for puddles, ice, snow and other slippery surfaces
Avoid leaving any valuables (money, laptop, GPS) in the vehicle cab where people can see it

13. Quiz
When driving around a parking lot that does not have a posted speed limit, what speed should you maintain?
15 MPH
45 MPH
10 MPH
True or False? If your mirrors aren’t adjusted properly, its ok to stick your head out the window and begin backing.
When driving through a parking lot, extra care should be given when:
Police are around
Sundays
Driving through entrances, exits, and intersections
True or False? When parking a vehicle, always pull head first into the parking spot.
True or False? Always use your turn signal when parking a vehicle.

14. Quiz Answers C
False
True

15. Questions and Comments

16. Additional Information - Ryder Safety Services
Rydersafetyservices.com offers solutions to help you operate safely and remain in compliance, whether you run vehicles, manage warehouses, hire drivers, or maintain your own fleet.
Fleet safety equipment
Compliance support services
Driver Qualification Files
Drug and Alcohol Testing
Log Auditing
Safety Training Materials at a discounted price
JJ Keller
ProTread – On-line Driver Training
And Much More!

17. Additional Information on Rules and Regulations
This document is intended to be a guide on applicable rules and regulations. Although it may be used as a guide/reference for your training needs, this document is not intended to be used as the standard for FMCSA rules and regulations.
Additional information can be found on the FMCSA website.
The FMCSA website will contain the most accurate and up- to-date information on any and all applicable rules and regulations.