Avoid Parking Lot Accidents

Julie Akin • January 16, 2023

Avoid Parking Lot Accidents

A man and a woman are looking at a damaged car. 5 Ways to Avoid Parking Lot Fender Benders in Arizona

Parking lots in Tucson, AZ– we love the convenience but hate the frustrations, especially when people are driving too fast, backing out of spots without looking and otherwise modeling bad parking lot behavior.

That behavior just so happens to be the cause of many a door ding and irritated driver. Even worse, careless behavior can cause a collision or injury. So, let’s all slow down and follow these five tips to make parking lots safer for everyone:

  1. Don’t Speed
    Speeding decreases the amount of time you have to react when a child runs out in front of you, another driver stops suddenly or a car begins backing out unexpectedly. Is a collision – or even a fatality – really worth the price of getting to your destination just a bit sooner?
  2. Use Your Eyes – and Mirrors and Cameras
    Keep a lookout for perils at all times, even if the lot seems empty. When you’re pulling into a spot, watch for doors being opened. When backing out, look all around, in your mirrors and in your rear-view camera and proceed slowly.
  3. Give Yourself – and Others – Some Space
    Parking in between the lines and in a spot sized for your vehicle may help to minimize dings and scratches. Better yet, park in a less-crowded area and enjoy the stroll into the store – just don’t park where you feel unsafe. And, always park away from stray carts.
  4. Expect the Unexpected
    Assume things will happen. That someone will dart out in front of you, that a cart will come rolling toward you, that someone backing out of his/her spot won’t see you backing out of yours. When you’re on guard, you’re better prepared for those who aren’t.
  5. Be Respectful
    A little kindness goes a long way in a parking lot or parking garage. So stop for pedestrians, don’t cause traffic jams waiting for a spot and, above all, don’t lose your cool.

Remember, when you’re watching for dangers, you have a better chance of avoiding them and this helps to keep your car insurance rates low. If an incident does occur, we here at Budget Insurance & Tucson Insurance Solutions are ready to help.

Contact Us!

Our knowledgeable agents, can work with you to make sure you've got the coverage you need, while at the same time using all possible credits and discounts to make that coverage affordable. Just give one of our 3 Tucson insurance agency locations a call to start saving on car, home and travel insurance.  We want to help you meet your goals, and make sure what's important to you is protected!
May 9, 2025
To update you on what is happening at the Lukeville/Sonoyta border crossing for our insureds traveling to Rocky Point: Depending on the officer, Mexican authorities (Guardia Nacional) are enforcing the FMM and passport requirements, but not consistently. Some travelers have reported crossing as usual without passports, and officers simply waived them through. Others have reported obtaining FMMs at the border, with all travelers carrying passports. If travelers are transparent and declare any alcohol they’re bringing into Mexico, they are being charged a 114% tax. However, some people reported having alcohol but were waived through by officers and did not pay the tax. It appears enforcement depends on the officer, and tourists are currently taking their chances. It comes down to each traveler’s level of confidence and risk tolerance, as enforcement is not yet consistent. Our company’s recommendation is to follow the law: Process the FMM online Print the form Stop at the INM (Immigration) office at the border to get it stamped Reminder: The FMM tourist permit is only for foreign citizens, not for individuals with dual citizenship. Here is the link to obtain the FMM online (in case travelers ask where to process it before crossing the border): https://www.inm.gob.mx/fmme/publico/en/solicitud.html The INM Immigration Office is located in the Aduana building. For your reference, the Gastrak/Sanborn’s location in Lukeville and the Aduana building (just to the left after crossing the border) are highlighted. Additional reminders for this border crossing: All vehicles must have a current, original, valid registration OR the original title/notarized copy. Digital copies or images are not accepted. If the vehicle is not owned by the driver (e.g., a company vehicle, borrowed from family or friends), a notarized letter of permission from the owner is required to take the vehicle into Mexico. Border Hours: U.S. and Mexican authorities have agreed that the Lukeville–Sonoyta border crossing to Rocky Point (Puerto Peñasco) is open daily from 6 a.m. to 8 p.m., with extended hours on Fridays (6 a.m. to 10 p.m.) from March 7 to October 10, 2025.
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