If someone asked me where I pay the most attention whenever I'm out in public, they might expect me to say an airport.
Or a subway station.
Or a crowded sporting event.
They're usually surprised when I answer:
Parking lots.
I've spent more than thirty years in the personal safety industry, and parking lots have always interested me because they combine so many things criminals look for.
People are distracted.
Their hands are full.
They're focused on finding keys.
They're loading children.
They're loading groceries.
They're checking text messages.
They're thinking about getting home.
Very few people are thinking about personal safety.
That's what makes parking lots worth talking about.
I'm not suggesting you should become paranoid every time you leave a store.
I am suggesting you become more observant.
That small change can make a remarkable difference.
Mistake #1: Walking While Looking at Your Phone
I see this every day.
People leave a store and immediately look down at their phones.
Some are answering text messages.
Some are checking social media.
Some are trying to remember where they parked.
The problem isn't the phone.
The problem is your attention.
Your phone can wait thirty seconds.
Your awareness can't.
One habit I've developed is simple.
I don't touch my phone until I'm inside my locked vehicle.
It's not a hard rule.
It's just become a good habit.
Mistake #2: Digging for Your Keys at Your Car
Have you ever watched someone spend thirty seconds digging through a purse or backpack while standing beside their vehicle?
That thirty seconds feels much longer than people realize.
Whenever possible, have your keys ready before you reach your vehicle.
Unlock the door.
Get inside.
Lock the doors again.
The less time you spend standing outside your vehicle, the better.
Mistake #3: Parking Where It's Convenient Instead of Where It's Smart
I understand why people circle the parking lot looking for the closest space.
I do it sometimes myself.
But if the closest space is isolated, poorly lit, or hidden by large vehicles, I'll gladly park a little farther away if it means being in a more visible location.
Visibility matters.
Criminals generally prefer privacy.
You should prefer the opposite.
Mistake #4: Ignoring That Feeling Something Isn't Right
I can't tell you how many conversations I've had over the years that began with the same sentence.
"I had a bad feeling, but..."
But I didn't want to seem rude.
But I figured it was nothing.
But I didn't want to overreact.
I've reached the point in my life where I'm comfortable overreacting if it means staying safe.
If something feels wrong...
Walk back into the store.
Ask security to walk with you.
Wait a few minutes.
Call someone.
Move your vehicle later.
You don't owe anyone an explanation for protecting yourself.
Mistake #5: Thinking It Can't Happen Here
One of the biggest myths about crime is that it only happens in dangerous neighborhoods.
I've lived long enough to know better.
Crime happens in upscale shopping centers.
It happens in suburban grocery store parking lots.
It happens outside gyms.
It happens at shopping malls.
It happens because criminals go where opportunities exist.
That's why I don't pay much attention to labels like "good neighborhood" or "bad neighborhood."
I pay attention to what's happening around me.
Children Change Everything
Parents have a difficult job.
You're trying to buckle children into car seats while loading groceries and making sure nobody wanders into traffic.
That's a lot to manage.
One suggestion I often make is to load children before groceries.
Your children are secure.
You know where they are.
Then finish loading the vehicle while continuing to stay aware of your surroundings.
Every situation is different, but thinking through the order of your routine before you get to the parking lot can reduce stress when you're there.
Shopping at Night
Sometimes you don't have a choice.
Work runs late.
The grocery store is less crowded after dinner.
Life happens.
If you're shopping after dark, take a few extra seconds before leaving the store.
Look outside.
Have your keys ready.
Notice who is nearby.
If you feel uncomfortable, ask whether store personnel or security can assist you.
There is nothing embarrassing about asking for help.
One Habit I Wish More People Had
Look around before you unlock your vehicle.
Not after.
Before.
It takes five seconds.
You'd be surprised what you notice when you make that one habit part of your routine.
Parking Lots Aren't the Enemy
I don't want anyone reading this article to become fearful of parking lots.
I've probably walked through tens of thousands of them over my career.
Most are completely uneventful.
The point isn't that parking lots are dangerous.
The point is that they're transitional spaces where people naturally become distracted.
Understanding that makes you more prepared.
Prepared people usually make better decisions.
Better decisions often reduce risk.
That's really what personal safety has always been about.
Not fear.
Not gadgets.
Not living in constant suspicion.
Just paying enough attention to give yourself options.
I've believed that for most of my career.
I still do.
Printable Parking Lot Safety Checklist
Print or bookmark this checklist for future reference.
□ Put your phone away before leaving the store.
□ Have your keys in your hand before reaching your vehicle.
□ Park in visible, well-traveled areas whenever practical.
□ Look around before unlocking your vehicle.
□ Trust your instincts if something feels wrong.
□ Load children first, then groceries.
□ Lock your doors immediately after getting inside.
□ Don't linger beside your vehicle longer than necessary.
□ If you're uncomfortable, return to the store or ask for assistance.
Key Takeaways
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Most parking lot crimes depend on opportunity.
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Small habits can improve awareness without changing your lifestyle.
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Trust your instincts if something feels out of place.
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Preparation begins before you walk out the door.
Frequently Asked Questions
Should I always park close to the entrance?
Not necessarily. Choose a location that's well-lit and visible, even if it means walking a little farther.
Is it safe to use my phone while walking to my car?
Whenever possible, wait until you're inside your locked vehicle before checking messages or making calls.
What should I do if I think someone is following me?
Don't go directly to your vehicle if you feel unsafe. Return to the store, seek assistance from security or staff, or call 911 if you believe you're in immediate danger.
Footnotes
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U.S. Department of Justice, Bureau of Justice Statistics, crime victimization resources.
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National Crime Prevention Council, personal safety guidance.
Related Articles
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Why Criminals Choose Some Victims and Ignore Others
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The Biggest Lie About Self-Defense
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Why Situational Awareness Is Your Best Self-Defense Tool
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Why I Came Back
About the Author
David Happe has spent more than three decades in the personal safety industry. He has served as Executive Vice President of Mace Security International, President of Fox Labs Pepper Spray, and founded Vigilant Personal Protection Systems, creator of one of America's leading personal alarm product lines. Today, he manufactures pepper spray in the United States and writes Fight Back to help people make smarter, more informed decisions about personal safety.
Thank you for reading Fight Back.
I started Fight Back because I believe good information can make people safer. If something you read today helps you avoid becoming a victim, better protect your family, or simply think differently about personal safety, then I've accomplished exactly what I set out to do.
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Until next time...
Take Your Safety Into Your Own Hands™
David Happe
Founder, PepperSprayWarehouse.com
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