Black Friday shopping and parking tips

Black Friday is approaching, and it’s one of the busiest times of year not only in the shops, but on the road too. If you’ve planned a shopping trip to make sure you grab all the best bargains from your favourite shops, we want to help you be prepared.

To help you stay safe and avoid the stress this Black Friday, follow these essential Black Friday shopping and parking tips.

Leave Early

Avoid the school and work traffic and take advantage of the quieter roads by leaving earlier in the morning. If you leave earlier, you’ll also be more likely to snap up the best deals first before they fly off the shelves, and secure a good parking spot.

You can also always consider buying online early, and then driving to pick up your item(s) later if you’re nervous about traffic and finding a parking spot.

Plan your route

Determine which stores you want to visit, as well as their opening and closing times, and plan your route accordingly. While travelling, use an app like Waze to notify you of any roadworks along your route and to show you the quickest route to your destination.
 

Stay Alert

This may seem like an obvious one, but according to information from The National Safety Council,  66% of drivers nationwide said they would make phone calls while driving through parking lots, 63% would be on their GPS system and 56% would be texting.

Most drivers are in a hurry on Black Friday, so to make sure you avoid an accident, do the following to stay alert:

-Keep to the lanes and avoid cutting across parking lots.

-Slow down and use directional signals.

-Anticipate the actions of other drivers.

-Follow all stop signs and no-parking signs.

-When backing out, keep vehicles and pedestrians in mind.

-Keep an eye out for small children and parents pushing baby strollers.

-Don’t look at your phone, concentrate on the road ahead for any pedestrians that may walk out in front of you.

-Leave extra room between you and the car in front.
 

Park further away

Parking further away from the shops may mean an extra bit of walking, but it can also mean you avoid the frustrated drivers, slow moving pedestrians, congestion, and the risk of damaging your car. 

Use your headlights

During November, visibility can be low, and it’s important to make sure you’re visible to other drivers, as well as pedestrians, by keeping your headlights switched on. Most modern cars will have daytime running lights which will switch on automatically, but if you don’t have this feature, just remember to switch them on manually.

Buy Online

Shopping on Black Friday doesn't have to be stressful or anxiety-inducing, and you can avoid all of that by shopping online.

If you're looking for a new car in Derby or the surrounding area this Black Friday, you can save up to £1000 on selected vehicles with Hilton Garage, and buy your car entirely online.

Ready to start shopping? Browse through our used cars now.