Entering and Exiting Parking Lots Steer Clear | State Farm® (Music plays) (IMAGE) An animated car drives along a simply drawn roadway. Next, we see from above multiple cartoon cars parked in a parking lot. Another vehicle enters the lot, and then another. One of the previously parked cars exits its parking space, and then the scene shifts to show a vehicle from an adjacent roadway entering the lot. Next, we see the lot from above again. A vehicle enters as a parked vehicle begins to back up. A drawing of a foot on a brake pedal appears. (Announcer: Male voice) It's important to manage the transitions in and out of parking lots while being aware of road users in the area. Remember, a car going into a parking lot has the right of way before a car going out. When exiting the lot, cars already on the road have the right of way. In parking lots, keep in mind that cars backing out of spaces may not be able to see your vehicle. Slow down and cover your brake when you see a car backing out. (IMAGE) Next, we see a parking lot and an adjacent roadway. The car leaving the lot waits as cars pass. The need to look left, right, left is demonstrated. Then the car signals its left turn. When there is a break in traffic, the car turns left onto the roadway. (Text on screen) Parking Lot – Backing Up (IMAGE) A vehicle is seen driving down a roadway. A bicycle appears behind it. The car begins to back up, with an indication of the need to look behind. Then the scene disappears. (Announcer: Male voice) When leaving the lot, increase your line of sight by inching forward and checking for oncoming traffic, and use the left-right-left rule to scan for cars before entering the main road. Be sure to indicate your intentions with a turn signal. Enter the traffic when there is sufficient space between cars and no cars have to slow down or swerve to avoid your car. (Announcer: Male voice) Parking lot, backing up. Backing up is riskier than going forward, because it's much harder to see obstacles in your path. Also, your car requires more space to maneuver in reverse because your back tires don't turn. The most common error new drivers make when backing up is failing to look back and around during the whole maneuver until the vehicle is completely stopped. (IMAGE) An animated view of what the driver would see is shown. The car’s backup camera is enlarged. Next, the driver’s rear view is seen, with a lamp post and some landscaping, and then pedestrians and another vehicle. After that, a car jolts as it hits something. (Announcer: Male voice) If your car has a backup camera, don't rely on it to catch the entire scene behind you. You'll still need to look back to double check. Be sure to check your blind spots, and yield to all pedestrians and vehicles. Find a fixed visual target to focus on, such as a tree, light post, or building to reference to back into a straight line. Obviously, many experienced drivers fail to do this, which is why so many fender benders occur in parking lots. You can practice by backing up in a straight line in an empty parking lot, away from obstacles and other cars. (IMAGE) A car is seen practicing entering and exiting parking spaces in an empty lot. Then, we see a car near another car with an adult and child by it. The pedestrians enter their car and then the need to make a 360-degree observance for hazards is represented. A foot on a brake pedal is illustrated, and the observation from behind the vehicle is represented. The car slowly backs up, and then the need to make a 360-degree observance for hazards is again shown. The foot on brake illustration is shown again. (Announcer: Male voice) Before you back out of a spot, notice the activity around the car. Are there families with small children? If so, let them get in their car first. Small children are extremely difficult to see while you're backing out, even if you have a backup camera. Be sure to make a 360 degree scan for hazards. When there are no pedestrians or other vehicles approaching, look through the rear window and gently release the brake pedal so the car is only moving at a walking pace. In an automatic car, you shouldn't need to use the gas pedal at all. Continue looking out their rear window while scanning for hazards over both shoulders and all around the car. To stop, simply press down on the brake. (IMAGE) The car is shown on a roadway. Then it drives off. (Announcer: Male voice) Remember to get in the habit of constantly scanning all around the car for pedestrians, other cars, and other hazards. Be sure to look in the direction the car is going until completely stopped. Parking takes practice, but you'll get the hang of it quickly if you continuously check your surroundings and use slow movements.