With U.S. holiday sales expected to surpass $1 trillion for the first time ever, according to the National Retail Federation, AAA is urging shoppers to keep safety top of mind as Black Friday kicks off the busiest retail stretch of the year.

Although many Americans have already begun their holiday shopping, the day after Thanksgiving remains a symbolic start to the season. And with packed parking lots and heavy foot traffic, AAA warns that the excitement of bargain-hunting shouldn’t come at the expense of personal safety.

“Whether it’s the thrill of the hustle and bustle or the search for bargains and the perfect gift, ‘Black Friday’ shopping is a time-honored tradition for many, but AAA reminds shoppers to not let the fun compromise safety,” said Tracy Noble, spokesperson for AAA Club Alliance. “Be aware of your surroundings, be patient while searching for a parking space, and avoid distractions while out and about.”

Parking Lot & Personal Safety Tips

AAA highlighted several key reminders for shoppers:

• Stay alert in parking lots; park in well-lit areas and keep bags, purses, and valuables secured and out of sight.

• Have keys ready when returning to your vehicle, check the back seat, and lock doors immediately.

• Avoid leaving purchases visible in the car; store them in the trunk or place them on the floorboards.

• Remember where you parked to avoid wandering through lots with full shopping bags.

• Consider side entrances at malls, which may have less congestion and easier parking.

• Use headlights in parking garages and avoid parking between tall vehicles if it impedes visibility.

• Slow down, obey traffic laws, buckle up, and avoid distractions like texting or phone calls.

• Whenever possible, back into parking spaces or pull through to reduce the need to reverse.

• Watch for children and distracted pedestrians.

AAA also urges pedestrians to stick to walkways and crosswalks, stay alert for vehicles pulling out, and avoid walking while distracted by phones or wearing headphones in both ears.

Warning About Aggressive Driving

AAA notes that not everyone feels cheerful at this time of year. Increased stress, financial strain, and heavy schedules can lead to frustration behind the wheel—particularly in crowded retail areas.

Drivers are urged to stay calm, avoid confrontations, and not react to discourteous behavior from other motorists. “You never know how the other driver might react,” Noble said. “Maintain a cool head and focus on driving your own vehicle safely.”

Key reminders include:

• Don’t offend: yield appropriately, obey traffic signals, and avoid forcing other drivers to brake abruptly.

• Be tolerant and assume mistakes aren’t personal.

• Do not respond to aggressive behavior; avoid eye contact and gestures.

• Never speed, tailgate, or weave through traffic in an attempt to get ahead.

• Give pedestrians the right-of-way and drive slowly through parking lots.

Pedestrian Safety

The National Safety Council reports tens of thousands of crashes occur annually in parking lots and garages, causing hundreds of deaths and thousands of injuries. With Black Friday crowds expected to be heavy, AAA says both drivers and pedestrians share responsibility for keeping retail areas safe.

Pedestrians should remain alert, cross only at safe locations, and avoid impairment from drugs or alcohol.