IC Safety from Protective Insurance Company
August 2015 An exclusive publication for Protective's independent contractors
Avoiding collisions while parking and moving from a parked position
Most collisions occur in an uncontrolled and potentially chaotic area, and it's not the highway—it's the parking lot. Collisions in parking lots are usually minor and property damage is the most likely result. However, these minor collisions can add up to large costs because they can be more frequent, are often below insurance deductibles and can hurt relations with customers.
Truck pulling through parking space to avoid backing
If you are parking in marked spaces, pull through to the next space so you can pull forward to leave. Back only as a last resort.
Informing your drivers of the following procedures can help reduce parking-related collisions:
General parking guidelines
Make sure your mirrors are properly adjusted throughout the day
Scan the area as you approach
Note any fixed objects like poles, signs or trash cans, which may be hard to see with your mirrors
Look up for low hanging signs, tree branches or awnings
Back only as a last resort and back into the most controlled area
Honk your horn a few times prior to and during backing
Plan your exit before you park
• If you are delivering to a new customer and you are unsure of where to park, call ahead and ask for specific instructions
Parking on streets or in residential areas
Pull out of the lane of traffic as far as you can and put on your four-way hazards
Do not block or pull into driveways
• Once parked, tuck in your mirrors on the traffic side of narrow streets
Look around your vehicle when you return and make note of children or pets in the area
Parking in lots or along buildings
• If parking in marked spaces, pull through to the next space so you can pull forward to leave
• If you cannot pull through, back into position so you can pull forward to leave
Watch for pedestrians and fixed objects
Watch your tail swing around fixed objects and parked cars by using your mirrors
Moving from a parked position
• Take a moment to look around the vehicle for obstacles and double check your plan for leaving the area
• Check to make sure your mirrors are properly adjusted, put on your turn signal, check your mirrors, and look over your shoulder for approaching traffic
Check your tail swing on the side of your vehicle closest to the curb by looking in the mirror on that side of the vehicle
• If you are unsure of where your vehicle is going or if the area is clear, always get out and look
Download our safe parking article for additional tips to help avoid parking-related collisions.
Free download: Safe Parking for Commercial Drivers
This free resource contains tips to help drivers of commercial vehicles avoid collisions when parking in various risky environments. Download article >>