Parking lots are hazardous places, and in certain ways, SUVs (and pickup trucks and minivans) make them more dangerous. Let's find out how to handle that.
As I mentioned in a previous diary, a critical part of driving is analyzing, processing, and acting on all the information in front of you properly. But sometimes the critical information isn't there. This can be the case in parking lots where larger vehicles, like SUVs, pickup trucks and minivans can block important lines of sight.
Consider two scenarios:
1. You're parked next to an SUV, and you start to back out. Of course, the SUV next to you is blocking you from seeing oncoming cars, pedestrians, kids, etc. Driving where you can't see where you're going is inherently dangerous, no matter how slowly you're going. If you have a passenger, they can act as your eyes to let you know if it's safe to back out. Unfortunately, however, there's no way (by yourself) to remedy the situation, except to go slowly. I usually back out a foot or so, pause, back out another foot, pause, and repeat until I can see what's going on. That gives oncoming drivers and pedestrians a chance to decide what to do (and a way to avoid them if they decide to keep going).
2. You're driving around the parking lot looking for a space. Here, you need to be aware of where the larger vehicles are, and be especially wary of smaller vehicles behind them. They could launch out in front of you. I usually drive around parking lots with my right foot on the accelerator but "ready" to tap the brakes if need be, and I don't go fast past parked cars (10mph is plenty fast). Looking for a parking space can be frustrating at times, but patience is key.
Do these two things, and parking lots become significantly safer. And that's another way to be a better driver.