How do you stay safe in a parking lot?

Just because you've reached the parking lot doesn't mean you should pull your phone out of your pocket before finding a spot. According to the National Safety Council, more than half of all drivers say they'd make a phone call or text while driving through a parking lot. But parking lots are full of moving cars and people, and you need to be aware of your surroundings.

The traffic speed in a parking lot or parking garage is much slower than on the road. You may be in a hurry to park your car to get where you're going, but if you're moving too fast, you increase the likelihood of causing an accident with another vehicle or a pedestrian. It's also important to take your time if you're driving in wintry conditions — parking lots may not be cleared of snow and ice, even if surrounding streets have been.

Follow any directional arrows you see in a parking lot to avoid causing confusion or an accident. Likewise, if you cut across parking spaces instead of following the flow of traffic, you risk colliding with a vehicle or pedestrian who isn't expecting you to be there.

Even if you're careful while driving in a parking garage or lot, you can't assume everyone else is exercising the same care. Be prepared for a vehicle to lurch or for a person, including children, to walk into your path. Don't make any assumptions when backing out of a spot — while a backup camera can help you see what's behind you, verify with mirror and head checks.

You won't always have the luxury of picking the perfect parking stall, especially when ramps and lots are busy. But when you have options, keep these considerations in mind:

• Choose a well-lit spot or one under a light. Ample lighting may deter car theft and vandalism.
• Pick a spot close to the main entrance of where you're going. A building's secondary or side doors might not have as much foot traffic and could be locked later in the day. Using the main entrance is usually more secure.
• Keep valuables out of sight. If you aren't taking something with you, don't make it a target of thieves — make sure to protect your car from theft. Place items in the trunk, under the seats, or under a blanket. And remember to lock the doors.

Maximize your visibility to drivers by using main walkways and not weaving between parked cars. Don't allow yourself to be distracted by your phone or music playing in your earbuds. And remember that you can't rely on hearing a car coming at you — electric vehicles are quiet and might surprise you if you're not paying attention.

Walk around your car before you pull out to check for any obstructions or items you might have dropped on your way inside. You can also do a quick inspection to check for door dings from neighboring vehicles. Learn about how car insurance covers scratches and dents.