11 Parking Lot Safety Tips

Many drivers inadvertently let their guard down while in a parking lot compared to being out on the road. The sow speeds make parking lots feel safer, but that is not always the case. Follow the tips below to stay safe at all times.

How To Stay Safe In A Parking Lot

Use the following tips to ensure your safety and the safety of others while in a parking lot.

1. Look Both Ways

Just as you would do as a pedestrian crossing the road, you’ll want to look both ways when driving in a parking lot. Many lots will have intersections without any crosswalks or stop signs.

You should always be on high alert for drivers going too fast, pedestrians, and even loose shopping carts when look for a parking space.

2. No Distractions

One of the biggest safety concerns in a lot is distracted driving. Protect yourself and others by never using your cell phone while navigating through a parking area.

In fact, cell phone use while driving can result in traffic tickets or citations.

3. Drive Slowly

Your car’s speed should automatically be reduced when driving through a paring lot. Going more than 15 mph in a lot can increase the risk of an accident, injury, or worse.

Even low rates of speed can result in catastrophic injuries, so always drive cautiously.

4. Always Lock Your Car

Locking your car whenever you leave it is a simple tip to prevent any possible threat. Take the time to roll up your windows and ensure you have your keys before leaving the vehicle.

Locking the doors as soon as you get back in your vehicle is also suggested.

5. Know Your Surroundings

You need to be aware of your surroundings whenever you are behind the wheel. This is especially true when driving through a crowded parking lot.

Always keep an eye out for pedestrians, cars, stop signs, and even lights.

6. Stay Within The Lanes

Utilize the aisles of the lot or parking garage as you find your preferred parking space. Refrain from cutting across lanes or through small spaces to save time. If you and another driver are using shortcuts, this only increases your chances of an accident.

Always hold your lane whenever possible. Remain cautious of any pedestrians that could be walking in or near the lanes.

7. Pull Through When Possible

Backing out of a parking space properly can be a challenge for some drivers. This can leave you with blind spots, making it tough to see other cars and pedestrians.

If possible, pull through to the space in front to avoid the need to back out. Just ensure you are safe to pull through before doing so.

8. Use Your Mirrors Or Backup Camera

When in a parking lot, there can be many more surrounding hazards than your average street. Shopping carts and debris can create obstacles.

Always use your mirrors and/or backup cameras to make sure the area is clear prior to backing your vehicle out.

9. Hide Valuables

Make sure to put all your valuables in an unseen area of your vehicle or in the trunk, if possible. SUV, van, or pickup-truck drivers can make use of under-seat storage, as well.

You can always use blankets to cover any valuables that must stay in your vehicle while parked. Of course, it’s always safest to remove anything you can’t afford to lose.

10. Always Keep An Eye Out For Pedestrians

Parking lots are often full of pedestrians making their way to the store or back to their vehicles. Always keep an eye out for them as you are looking for a space.

Stay alert and maintain a slow and steady speed while driving through the parking lot.

11. Invest In Parking Lot Sweeping Services To Keep It Clean And Safe

When you want to keep your parking lot free of debris, hiring a parking lot sweeping company is the way to go. A parking lot sweep is the process of removing all debris and other objects from a parking lot.

These services will utilize state-of-the-art machinery and other manual removal techniques. Contact the team at Sunstate Sweeping for more information today!