Parking Lot

Parking Lot Safety Tips

Parking lots are one of the most underestimated safety hazards for both pedestrians and vehicles. Whenever vehicles have to share space with people who are on foot, it calls for some special precautions. Here are some tips to help stay safe in any parking lot.

1. Choose your spot wisely.
Park in well-lit areas, and avoid parking between tall trucks, SUVs or vans, where it might be hard to back out safely and where muggers might hide. Keep your focus on your surroundings, not exclusively on finding a spot — watch for other drivers and pedestrians.

2. Secure your vehicle.
This may seem obvious. But surprisingly, 40–50% of vehicle thefts happen because of things like drivers leaving vehicle doors unlocked and leaving the keys in the ignition or on the seats. Keep your vehicle safe with these precautions:
• Make sure all the doors are locked and windows are rolled completely up.
• Place valuable items, such as any electronics, packages or holiday gifts you've bought in the trunk or out of sight.
• Hide any items displaying personal information including work, school items or papers.
• Always take your key with you.
• Never leave the area while your vehicle is running.

3. Be aware of your surroundings.
Keep an eye out while walking to and from your parked car:
• Have your keys out and ready.
• Look around and inside your vehicle before getting inside, and use caution if anyone nearby looks suspicious.
• Once you are in the car, don't linger. Lock your doors straight away and drive away.
In addition to watching out for suspicious people, be aware that many accidents happen in parking lots. Use walkways and crosswalks whenever you can. If you have to walk in the traffic lanes, be alert for cues that a vehicle might be ready to pull out — such as reverse lights and exhaust.
Almost half of all pedestrians struck by vehicles are hit in parking lots. Once your vehicle is in motion, drive carefully. A majority of vehicle collisions that result in damage happen in parking lots.

 

Parking Lot Safety Tips