More than 20 percent of all collisions taking place in shopping mall parking lots during the holiday season, according to the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety. 

AAA warns motorists how to avoid unnecessary hazards and potential damage claims. 

“Steering clear of common parking lot dangers will help you avoid stress and damage to your vehicle,” said Cynthia Harris, AAA Northern California spokesperson. “By following basic common sense driving tips you can protect yourself and your car.”

Shopping mall driving tips:

· See and be seen. Use your headlights in parking garages, even in the daytime. You’ll be more visible to both other vehicles and pedestrians.

· Learn to play the outfield. Outlying areas have more spaces, lighter traffic and a lower risk of collision In some cases, however, those spaces may not be as secure, so be aware of the risks.

· Don’t put yourself in a tight spot. Avoid parking between a pair of tall SUV’s or minivans where it might be hard for you to back out of the space. If you can’t see well enough to back out safely, get help from one of your passengers.

· Refrain from reverse. If possible, avoid backing out of a space by either backing into it or pulling through two spaces that are open nose-to-nose. In some municipalities, however, backing into spaces amid moving traffic is illegal and, by impeding traffic, flow, can sometimes do more harm than good.

· Look out for little ones. Children can be hard to see in busy parking lots and often make quick, unpredictable movements. When walking to and from the car, hold their hands to keep them safe from traffic.

· Stay on track and alert on foot. Pedestrians should use walkways and crosswalks. If you must walk on traffic lanes, be alert for subtle cues, such as car exhaust or reverse lights. That signals a car is about to pull out. When behind the wheel, always be on the lookout for pedestrians, especially hard-to-see children.

· Buckle Up! Even a low-speed collision can result in injuries. Make sure everyone is strapped in a seat belt or child seat while the car is in motion, even if it’s just a short trip to another part of the parking lot.

· Head for the side door. Most malls have secondary entrances on the sides, and those entrances usually have less traffic and more convenient spaces.

· Protect your purchase. Place packages in the trunk so they won’t be visible to would-be thieves.  In only a few seconds, a thief can smash a window and steal your shopping loot.