Drive safely by driving slowly and using your turn signal; by obeying traffic signs such as Stop and Yield; by obeying traffic lanes and avoiding cutting diagonally across the lot; by watching for other motorists who are cutting diagonally across the lot; by staying off your cell phone until you are safely parked; by looking around when you are backing out. Watch for: waiting cars, others beside and behind who are backing out at the same time; pedestrians behind your car; motorists speeding through the lanes; by watching out for “runaway" shopping carts and people pushing baby carriages and strollers. If possible, to avoid having to back up, choose a "pull-through" parking spot so that you can face your drive-away direction.

Be courteous by being non-provocative: by not racing for the parking space about to be vacated by the person approaching with keys in hand; by respecting drop-off zones and no-standing areas—parking in them will increase general inconvenience; by not using a disabled parking space unless you are permitted to do so; by allowing pedestrians to cross in front of your vehicle. Pedestrians always have the right of way in a parking lot. …By watching for small children; by making sure your car takes up only one parking space; by taking care when opening your door to avoid bumping the car next to you; by knowing how to turn off the anti-theft alarm on any vehicle you are driving. Purchase an alarm that turns off automatically after a short time.

 

Consider that you are just as likely to encounter an aggressive driver while parking as while driving. Parking lot confrontations can result in violence. Avoid confrontation by remembering that obscene or offensive gestures are extremely confrontational. Another driver may misinterpret any gesture you make. …By remembering that car-phone users are perceived as poor drivers who are traffic hazards, especially in high traffic areas where extra alertness is required. Data shows that aggressive drivers are particularly irritated by fender-benders with drivers who were talking on the phone. …By avoiding eye contact if another driver tries to pick a fight. Get out of the way without acknowledging the angry driver. If he or she follows you, do not go home. Drive to a police station or other safe location where you can get help and there will be witnesses..

Protect yourself by always rolling up your car windows and locking your car doors; by making note of your location when you leave your car so that you can return directly to it; by always having your keys ready when approaching your car; by checking the back seat and around and under the car before getting in. If you are late night shopping, protect yourself by parking only in well-lit areas. If the lot is inadequately lit, tell the mall managers. Retailers and parking lot owners have been held liable for personal injury in these cases. If you don’t feel safe, ask mall security to walk you to your car.

Protect your car by never leaving it running and unattended, even just to “dash in” somewhere; by never leaving your keys in the car or ignition, even inside a locked garage. Always roll up your windows and lock your parked car, even if it’s in front of your home. Section 191 of the British Columbia Motor Vehicle Act requires that all parked cars be locked, common sense dictates likewise. …By never leaving valuables in plain view, even if your car is locked. Hide all contents in the trunk or tuck them under the seats. If you shop and live in a high-theft area or drive a theft-prone vehicle, consider installing a mechanical device—commonly called a club, collar, or J-bar—that locks to the steering wheel, column, or brake to prevent the wheel from being turned more than a few degrees. These devices act as visible physical deterrents if installed properly. Also consider installing a car security system and display the alarm decal near the door handle. If you park in a fee garage, take the pay-ticket with you so it can’t become the thief’s ticket out too. If you use valet parking, leave just the ignition key with the attendant.  Make sure no identifying information is attached to the key. Don't leave personal identification documents or credit cards in your vehicle. Carry your driver’s license, registration, and insurance card with you. Copy your license plate and vehicle identification (VIN) numbers on a card and keep them with your driver's license. If your vehicle is stolen, the police will need this information promptly.