Parking lots may look safe, but they can be risky for pedestrians & drivers. According to the National Safety Council, in 10 years, 2057 deaths happened in parking lots. It means that there were around 205 deaths every year. This is why you should treat parking lots like streets and intersections.
In this article, we will share parking lot safety tips with you. You will learn 10 most common parking lot dangers & their solutions as well.
What is Parking Lot Safety?
Safety of the parking lot means you make a parking area secure from accidents, harassment, theft & injuries. This is only possible in case of smart design and proper check and balance. Actually, a safe parking lot needs proper resources like lights, signages, infrastructure and security.
Parking Lot Dangers & Parking Solutions
Parking Layout
Sometimes your parking layout creates an unsafe environment. For example, you did not set clear boundaries and dimensions for cars & pedestrians.
You want to make your parking lot safe. You must design layout according to the perfect angle that complements your parking. For example, you can choose perpendicular 90° parking in case of two way traffic. On the other side, you should select an angle of 60° in case of one-way traffic.
Poor Lighting in Parking Area
Many parking lots do not have proper lights or lights are broken. Basically, this thing can cause a large number of accidents. Because of the non clear view, the driver did not see walkers & vehicles on time.
This is why you need to repair or maintain the parking lights if they are broken or damaged. Always remember that the visibility of your parking zone must range to 150 meters away.
Parking Pavement Markings
An unmarked parking lot is also a hazard for you and your clients. The reason is poor identification of the exact spot to park the vehicle.
A parking area requires proper making of multiple colors that inform the driver about the standing position. Therefore, you must mark the standard parking spots with white color. And blue paint for disabled parking. Green for a short term parking area. At last, you must use yellow or red to show that this is the loading area no one can park here.
Parking Lot Signage
If your parking lot does not have signage or faded & damaged boards, your parking area is at risk. Basically, sign boards work as a guide for the drivers.
This is why you need to install clear signs inside your parking area or outside of the parking lot as well. Furthermore, these signs must deliver all needed information to drivers. For example, speed limit, working hours, permit need and prohibited area.
Parking Lot Drainage
A bad drainage system can damage the ground surface of parking lots and signages are damaged.
So you have to make a proper drainage system in your parking area. Mainly, it includes catch basins that will catch the rainwater. And pipes that move the water away from the lot. In addition, you can build permeable pavements to pass through water easily.
Parking Lot Debris
The parking lot and path that comes toward the parking lot should be cleaned on a daily basis. Because road debris, broken branches, pieces of glass, naked and loose wires create inconvenience for your customers.
Congestion Parking
Well, congestion parking means there are more vehicles than the capacity of your parking area. This scenario creates traffic jams & collisions.
You can handle this situation by increasing your parking rate. You may also charge the driver extra during peak hours. In addition, you can use smart apps that provide real time information. A modern way to tackle this situation is online booking of parking spots in advance.
Blind Spot Parking
A blind spot in a parking area is a place that you can’t see clearly. It stays hidden from your view. Actually, pillars, walls, already parked cars or sharp turns create these spots.
So, in this case you must arrange convex blind spot mirrors in parking lots. Always ensure that there is a guard or helper available to guide drivers. Plus, you can use built-in blind spot monitoring systems on your parking zones.
Parking Security System & Guard
The parking area is such a spot where theft & harassment is the most common issue in busy areas. So, drivers feel uneasy to park their car at such spots.
You can solve this issue by the installation of CCTV cameras, LPR (license plate recognition) or ANPR (automatic number plate recognition) systems. In addition, guards & access control gates are also good options. You need to place safety alarms in case of a big parking lot to fastly identify the place of crime.
Distracted Driving in Parking Lots
This is the most common & dangerous issue on the roads and even in parking areas. Usually, road walkers are injured due to this distraction. This happens when the driver uses a mobile phone, searches for the parking spot & tries to snag a spot from another vehicle.
So, you must install prohibition sign boards for this. And if someone is caught for distracted driving you should charge a big amount of penalty or fee from him. You can even call the police to make your parking lot safe and secure for others.
Parking Lot Safety Standards & Rules
There are some rules and regulations that are enforced by government transportation corporations to make your parking lots safe & secure.
- If your parking area is designed in 30 or 90 degrees angle then your lot must have vehicle impact protection devices.
- A standard parking space for each vehicle needs to be 9 feet wide and 18 feet long for safe movement.
- In case of a compact parking lot you can create some space in 9 feet wide and 16 feet long dimensions. But in that case you have to arrange a sign of compact space to guide drivers.
- A parking lot must separate the pedestrian way with barriers or bollards.
- In outdoor parking areas you have to grow plants and trees to make the environment safe and beautiful.
- If you proved parking for bicycles as well then the recommended space for each bicycle is 2.5 width and 6 feet length. Furthermore, you should separate this block from car parking lanes.
- All parking areas have to provide accessible parking spots. This spot needs to have a shortest route from the entrance.
- Your parking lot should have an outdoor seating area. And you install all the safety features in that area. Like barriers, CCTV cameras & signages.
OSHA Parking Lot Safety
Parking Lot Lighting Requirements OSHA
If you run a small parking lot the lights are needed to place on large poles. The suggested height of the pole is 15 to 20 feet. And the brightness of the bulb is 12,000-18,000 lumens. You can place each pole at a distance of 20 to 30 feet.
For a large or commercial parking lot the height has to be 20 – 25 feet. The brightness level is 20,000 to 30,000 lumens. Along with this, you should prefer LED lights with a temp of 4000K to 5000K. Because this temperature creates a natural white color. Always remember, you are not allowed to place high intensity lights near the street and walkways.
Private Parking Lot Rules and Regulations
As a private parking owner you have to follow many rules & regulations that are enforced for your safety.
- If your parking lot has a boundary wall of less than 2 feet in height you have to place strong metal barriers.
- These barriers should be connected with pipes or chains to avoid wrong entries. Additionally, place each barrier 5 feet apart.
- If your parking lot covers 2500 square feet or more area then the surface needs to be properly paved. You can prefer the material that spreads out dirt, dust plus mud.
- As a responsible owner, you can allow any vehicle to be parked in a nearby street or in front of a house.
- In winters, you are not allowed to sweep snow on the streets and roads. Because they cause inconvenience for other road users.
- All the security devices like security cameras, alarms, guards, signages and mirrors should be available.
- You must install proper lights for a clear night view.
Parking Lot Inspection Checklist
| Items | Parking Lot Safety Checklist |
| Pavement | Check for potholes, debris, broken glass, material |
| Drainage | Inspect for clogged pipes and standing water |
| Lightning | All the lights are functional |
| Security | Cameras are functional, guards on duty, emergency alarms |
| Markings | Clear parking lines, directional arrows, pedestrian crossings, accessible spots |
| Safety equipments | Fire extinguishers, cones, speed bumps, bollards, mirrors, and signs |
| Staff behavior | Staff guides traffic safely & assists customers |
| Documents | Parking permits, inspection certificate, previous record |
| ADA compliance | Parking lot should compliance with ADA standards |
| Seasonal | In winter check for the blockage of snow |
Parking Lot Safety Tips By JACKWIN
- When you enter a parking lot, drive at a speed of 5 to 10 mph. Because the parking areas have tight and unclear spaces.
- Try to park your car in a well-lit area that is covered with wall protectors. And under the surveillance of security cameras.
- Do not leave any valuable item in your car or use a parking locker to secure your products.
- Pedestrian parking lot safety is very important in a parking lot so keep an eye on pedestrians near crosswalks.
- Ensure that your car is locked. Plus, do not store the extra key under your car. It is risky.
- Use an anti theft device such as wheel locks for extra safety.
- You should turn on lights in dark or dim areas to improve visibility.
- Wheel stoppers are also a good option for you. Because they keep drivers in lane and avoid car rollings & collisions.
- Ensure that you leave enough space between your car and others for safety.
- In busy hours, wait your turn and avoid aggressive driving.
- When you load or unload something from your vehicle you have to place a wheel chock under the wheels. This small device protects your car from rolling back.
- Winter parking lot safety is needed so be careful on wet, icy or slippery surfaces.
Final Thoughts
We can say you are now able to ensure safety of your parking lot. When you want to check or build a new parking lot you can open our checklist and then inspect each item that is mentioned in the table.
If you want safety products for your parking space, contact us now! We can supply all required items at a very affordable price.
FAQs
How Technology Can Update Parking Lot Safety?
Technology improves parking lots by making them safer. Because, AI cameras detect unusual behavior & license plate recognition tracks vehicles. Moreover, remote monitoring and high quality imaging help prevent theft and accidents. Automated gates and access also manage traffic flow.
What to Do if You Hit Someone’s Car in a Parking Lot?
If you bump another car in a parking lot, stop right away. Check if anyone is hurt. Then take photos of the damage. Wait for the owner or leave a note on their windshield with your name & contact. Always report the incident to your insurance to avoid a hit and run case.
What Should You Do If Someone Hits You in a Parking Area?
If someone hits your car in a parking lot, first stay safe and check for injuries. Ask him to pay for the damage. In case when he runs off from the site or does not agree to pay, call the police or the manager of the parking area.
See also:
The Ultimate Guide to Stopping Parking Space Theft With Parking Locks
