A parking lot accident that injured a woman in Central New York has ramped up the importance of traffic safety.

State police are reminding both drivers and pedestrians that parking lots are more dangerous than one may think.

It's where at least 500 deaths and 60,000 injuries occur each year, according to the National Safety Council.

Authorities say there is usually a spike in these types of accidents around the holidays.

They're advising both drivers and pedestrians to obey signage and always pay attention.

"Parking lots can be a very dangerous place to be in if you're not alert and if you're not careful because of the distractions and because of the poor visibility. People are distracted as they come out of the store. They're carrying bags. Some of them are on the phones. Some of them are texting. They have headphones going on. They need to be alert. They need to pay attention," said Jeff Raub, NYSP captain.

Officers say drivers should always drive slowly through parking lots and give pedestrians the right of way.