Parking Lot Safety Tips

Most people can park their vehicles in a parking lot without any problems, but misfortunes are also known to occur that may jeopardize people’s safety along with the safety of their vehicles. Knowing the best parking lot safety tips can help keep people and their vehicles out of harm’s way. Here are a few smart parking lot safety tips that are important to know.

Park in Areas with Ample Lighting

Poorly lit parking lot areas can often be dangerous. Parking in a poorly lit area increases the chances of becoming a victim of car theft, mugging or assault. The dim lighting could also decrease visibility and make seeing objects or parking lot pavement damage that often creates dangerous conditions. It’s best to park in an area with ample lighting so that it’s easier to see the surroundings clearly.

Hide Belongings in Vehicle Out of Sight

Leaving objects on car seats or anywhere else where they’re easy to see by people passing by could tempt some less-scrupulous individuals to try to break into a vehicle. Electronics, jewelry, and money are always important to keep out of sight if left in a vehicle. Even shoes, jackets and other clothing items that are left inside a vehicle in an open view can be targets for theft. It’s best to hide items under seats, in glove compartments or in vehicle trunks to keep them out of sight.

Roll Windows Up Completely

Windows that aren’t rolled up completely or even slightly left cracked open could make it easier for thieves to get into a vehicle. In a vehicle with buttons that control the windows automatically, it’s best to push each button before exiting a vehicle to ensure that each window is rolled up completely. If the vehicle still has crank handles, they should be turned to make sure that each window is closed.

Avoid Driving Over Cracks and Potholes

Some parking lots are known to have large cracks and potholes that can damage tires when vehicles drive over them. Driving over these cracks and potholes could also cause a vehicle to become out of alignment. Property owners should make sure that their parking lots are free of pavement damage and receive any needed repairs from professional pavement contractors so that they won’t have to worry about drivers suing them to cover their damages that were caused by faulty parking lot pavement.

Use the Buddy System

The buddy system can be especially helpful when walking through a parking lot to get to a vehicle at night. Each person can assure that the other gets to their vehicle safely. Criminals often prey on people who are alone, and being together with someone else can ensure better safety. If no one is available to act as a buddy, a security guard who’s on premises may be willing to provide supervision.