RAC is encouraging motorists to practice patience in car-parks to avoid a prang, with a new RAC survey finding Westfield Carousel and Bunbury Centrepoint top of the list of riskiest shopping centre car parks in Perth and regional WA, according to respondents.
The survey of over 6,000 people found the most dangerous shopping car parks for crash risk are:
| Perth | Regional WA |
|---|---|
| 1. Westfield Carousel | 1. Bunbury Centrepoint |
| 2. Karrinyup Shopping Centre | 2. Albany Plaza |
| 3. Coventry Markets | 3. Margaret River Central |
| 4. Cockburn Gateway Shopping Centre | 4. Northgate Shopping Centre |
| 5. Kardinya Shopping Centre | 5. Pinjarra Junction Shopping Centre |
Confusing layouts, sharp corners and abandoned trolleys were the top issues raised by respondents.
Thirty-six per cent of those surveyed said car parks in WA were risky, with 75 per cent avoiding certain car parks entirely due to issues that could lead to a bingle.
RAC spokesperson Glen Walker said shopping centre car parks were a common hotspot for crashes.
“In 2023, RAC received over 25,000 claims for car park prangs – an 8.5 per cent increase over the previous year,” Mr Walker said.
"Shopping centre car parks can be a maze of frustration — crowded, chaotic, and often a test of patience.
"These busy spaces demand extra attention, so it’s important to stay alert, be courteous and patient and ensure everyone's safety.
“Shoppers should allow extra time to find a park, check their mirrors and blind spots before reversing, and keep a look out for pedestrians, other cars, and runaway shopping trolleys.
“If you can, avoid driving altogether – take public transport, walk, or ride instead.”
RAC’s tips to reduce your risk of a carpark crash:
- Consider catching public transport, walking or cycling if possible
- Slow down and follow car park speed limits
- Choose a parking bay away from an entrance and exit where there is high pedestrian activity, shopping trolleys and congestion
- Take extra care when reversing and don’t rely solely on your mirrors
- Use your indicators to signal your intentions to other drivers and pedestrians
- Turn on your headlights in dark and underground carparks
- Return your trolley to a trolley bay to avoid inconveniencing other drivers
ENDS
Media contact: Lauren Cherry, 0401 703 719 or media@rac.com.au
