Thousands of crashes reported from parking lots in December: ICBC

As drivers head to stores to do their Christmas shopping, ICBC is warning everyone to be particularly cautious in parking lots – where a whopping number of crashes occur.

The insurance corporation reported that 7,500 collisions happened in parking lots last December, that's 31 per cent of all crashes for the month.

A corporation study, conducted by Ipsos, found 51 per cent of people surveyed, felt more stressed in busy parking lots than on the road. Twenty-five per cent reported feeling very or extremely nervous.

"I think it's just the congestion in parking lots, the busyness of the holiday season," said Jerry Boal, ICBC driver licensing office manager.

ICBC recommends that drivers back-in to spots, so that they have a better view when leaving.

"Also, you want to keep your eyes busy. You want to be looking for pedestrians. You want to be looking for cars exiting the parking stall, because there's so much going on," said Boal

He also suggested avoiding the front door, where everyone else parks.

"There's probably a lot of spots that are further away, less busy, less congested, you're going to feel a lot less stress," he said.