5 best safety tips for parking lots

You probably have a thorough business plan, but does it include a functional and aesthetic parking area or does it take into account the proximity and design of public parking lots and private garages? Most customers won’t queue to park, deciding instead to try their luck elsewhere. Without adequate parking capacity and efficiently designed lots, you risk hurting your business bottom line. To drive customers through your doors, Next Parking Lot shares the top 5 best tips for the parking lots.

1. Stay away from technology

It’s easy to get distracted by technology like your phone, GPS, or infotainment system when driving through a parking lot. It’s a good idea to plan your route to your next destination or listen to your favorite songs before hitting the road.

You might be tempted to roam the parking lot while scrolling your phone, but it causes you to lose focus on the area around you. Be sure to set up all your tech needs — like GPS directions or texting to let a friend know you’re on your way — before you start the car. This reduces your distractions and allows you to pay more attention to what’s going on around you in the parking lot.

2. Choose a well-lit area

When parking at night or in the evening, look for a well-lit parking area and space. The lights help deter criminals from trying to break into your car while you’re away. A well-lit area also supports keep you safe if somebody tries to hide nearby your car when you coming back.

However, lighting doesn’t just protect you from thieves. Lots of light from a street lamp or parking lights makes it easier to see objects or hazards around your car. If an object falls from another vehicle and lands behind your car, you are more likely to notice it in bright light.

3. Lock your car

Securing your car is one of the easiest methods to help stop theft when you’re parked in a lot. Take the time to roll up your windows and check that you have your keys before you leave your vehicle.

You should also consider locking your car when you return to it as you prepare to take off. Locking the doors, while you set up your technology, helps protect you from would-be car thieves or other criminals.

4. Look both ways

You know you have to look both ways before crossing a road as a pedestrian, and you have to follow the same rules as a driver in a parking lot. You may want to be extra careful when you’re in the driver’s seat in a parking lot. Many car parks have intersections without stop signs or crosswalks. This means you should be on high alert for oncoming traffic or pedestrians when navigating the terrain.

5. Stick to the back streets

Use the driveways in the parking lot or garage to navigate to your preferred parking spot. Do not cut aisles or spaces to shorten the path. It is much more difficult for other drivers or pedestrians to know where you are going if you do not stay in traffic areas.

Your risk of a crash is also higher if you and another driver cut lanes. If you’re both facing the wrong direction and going against the traffic lanes, you could end up colliding. Staying in designated traffic lanes reduces the risk of a crash or fender flare and keeps you safe.