The holidays can be a dangerous time for pedestrians, particularly for those walking in store parking lots.

“Cars are everywhere, so drivers and pedestrians need to be aware of their surroundings,” said Carrollton police Capt. Chris Dobbs.

Auto and foot traffic increase significantly because of Christmas shopping.

A 29-year-old Tallapoosa woman fell to the ground clutching her 1-month-old baby after a car struck her right side Saturday in the McIntosh Plaza parking lot in Carrollton.

Amanda Garrett was walking from the sidewalk in front of Hibbett Sports to her car around lunchtime when a 2003 Chevrolet Impala failed to come to a complete stop before turning right, according to an accident report.

The Impala’s driver, a 42-year-old Tallapoosa woman, reportedly looked to the left instead of to the right when she made the turn, striking Garrett.

Garrett immediately fell to the ground, still clutching her baby, Elijah.

After Garrett fell, the Impala continued forward, running over Garrett’s right leg, which fractured just above the ankle, said Dobbs.

Both Garrett and her baby were taken to Tanner Medical Center/Carrollton for treatment.

“There were not any visible injuries to the baby, but he was still taken to Tanner,” Dobbs said.

The Carrollton Police Department along with the Carrollton Fire Department responded to the emergency.

“The potential danger associated with this situation is huge,” Dobbs said. “I’m just glad there weren’t more extensive injuries to the mother of the child.”

Garrett reportedly saw the Impala turning toward her, but she did not have time to react, according to Dobbs.

“The pedestrian saw the vehicle but she couldn’t move out of the way fast enough,” Dobbs said.

Garrett was discharged from Tanner after receiving medical treatment, according hospital personnel.

While in a parking lot, Dobbs said drivers need to be careful when they are backing out of a parking space. Likewise, pedestrians need to be cautious of cars backing out.

“Kids could be walking between cars or could easily run in front of a car backing up,” Dobbs said.

The encourages pedestrians to look for cars that could be backing up while they walk down the aisles. However, the safest place to walk, according to Dobbs, is next to the trunks of the parked vehicles.

“It’s safest to walk as close to the trunks as possible,” Dobbs said. “That way pedestrians will be out of the way of oncoming traffic.”

Dobbs said one pedestrian incident during the holiday season was too many so drivers and pedestrians need to be careful.

“Pedestrians need to be aware and watch where they are going when they are crossing,” Dobbs said. “Drivers need to pay attention, don’t be on the cell phone while walking or driving.”