10 tips for safe holiday shopping this year

ALBANY, N.Y. — With stores, malls, roads and parking lots at their busiest this time of year, there are some things you can do to stay safe while you are shopping and driving.

“The holidays are a wonderful time of the year, and we want people to enjoy them safely,” Terri Egan, the New York state Department of Motor Vehicles' deputy commissioner, said in a statement. “It only takes a few moments to make sure your property is safe and secure, and your car is not a hazard to yourself and others.”

Before you drive out to do some last-minute shopping, there are some important safety steps you should take first, officials said. 

Clear away snow from the roof of your car

While most drivers already know to remove the snow and ice from their windshields before driving, it's not as common for everyone to take the time to brush the snow off of their car roofs.

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Snow left on car roofs can easily slide down onto a car's windshield, quickly blocking the driver from seeing properly.

Roof snow also can fly back and hit cars driving behind your car, which can obstruct other drivers' vision or cause them to swerve out of the way, potentially causing accidents.

Know how to drive safely in bad weather

Even a small amount of snow or ice can increase the risk of vehicle accidents.

Follow speed limit signs, and drive slower when there is inclement weather.

Don’t decorate your car for the holidays

Decorating your car might seem like a fun, festive idea, but they could be a real safety hazard.

In some states, car decorations that block your mirrors, license plates or vision are illegal.

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Be careful driving with trees

There were more than 200,000 car crashes and 500 deaths caused by road debris over the last four years, according a study from the AAA Foundation for Traffic Safety.

Two-thirds of those were from improperly secured items, like Christmas trees, falling off of vehicles, according to AAA.

An estimated 20 million people did not properly secure Christmas over the last three years, AAA reported last month.

Trees should be properly secured, with the trunk facing the front of your vehicle in case it does come loose.

Plan a safe way home

If you plan to go out and drink, have a designated driver.

You also can call a cab or ride-share service to pick you up. 

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Park in well-lit areas

Even though you might have driven to the mall in daylight, it gets darker much earlier this time of year.

Parking as close to the building as possible means a shorter walk back to your vehicle when you are carrying all of your shopping bags.

Also, parking near light posts and in well-traveled areas means you’ll be better able to see and hear what’s going on around you.

Get a shopping buddy

Go shopping in a group or grab a friend to go with you.

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Pickpockets are more likely to come after shoppers who are by themselves.

You’ll also be safer walking back to your vehicle if you are with a friend. If you are shopping alone, you can ask a security guard to walk with you to your vehicle.

Secure your belongings

Don’t keep valuables in sight in your car.

If you're going shopping at several places in one day, don’t keep shopping bags where a passerby could see them.

Instead, put shopping bags or valuables in your trunk, or hidden under a blanket in your car.

Make sure your windows are rolled up and check to be sure you locked all your doors before leaving your vehicle.

Be careful with your wallet

Don’t carry a lot of cash: It’s easy to steal and being seen with a lot of cash can make you a possible target.

It's also important to keep your wallet in a front pocket where you are more likely to notice if someone tries to pick your pocket.

Anyone carrying a purse should make sure it's kept closed to avoid becoming an easy target for thefts.

If you think your credit or debit card has been stolen, call your bank immediately to cancel it before it can be used by someone else.

If you see something, say something

If something doesn’t look right you should tell someone.

Call 911 or go back into the store to get help.

It’s better to be especially cautious than to risk your safety when shopping or driving.

Natasha Vaughn writes for the Gannett Albany (N.Y.) Bureau. Follow Natasha Vaughn on Twitter: @_natasha_7