The roads aren't the only places where vehicle accidents and violations occur.
Parking lots can be home to problems as well. Gainesville Police Officer Larry Sanford said some people believe because most parking lots are private that citations won't be issued, but he said that's not the case.
Police patrol lots as well, and he said they see a number of violations.
"Some are reckless driving, lane drags, people basically doing donuts in their vehicles, impaired driving and also loitering," Sanford said.
He said loitering has become a big issue lately, with large numbers of people gathering in lots. He said those gatherings tend to lead to other offenses.
"They park and they're standing in those areas and rather than just socializing, they're causing damage," Sanford said. "Leaving tire marks on the ground, leaving their trash. We just had one not too long ago where a vehicle struck a curb."
When accidents between vehicles or even pedestrians occur, Sanford said it's usually simple mistakes like failure to yield. He said it's important for both drivers and pedestrians to look both ways before turning anywhere in a lot.
"We just want people to be mindful while they're in those lots. We want them to be safe," Sanford said.
To hear more from Gainesville Police Officer Larry Sanford about parking lot safety, click play on the video above.
http://accesswdun.com/article/2021/3/988690/the-fast-lane-parking-lot-safety-and-violations