According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, over 50,000 accidents occur in parking lots and garages every year. That’s an average of one every three minutes! And while many of these accidents are minor fender-benders, a significant number result in serious injuries or even fatalities.
As a business owner, you have a responsibility to ensure the safety of your employees, customers, and visitors. Here are some tips on how to ensure their safety in your parking lot.
Install Bright Lighting
One of the best ways to deter crime and increase safety in your parking lot is to install bright lighting and ensure that they are functioning at all times. This will not only make it more difficult for would-be criminals to operate undetected, but it will also make it easier for people to see where they’re going, which will help reduce the number of accidents.
Improve Visibility
If you have trees or other obstacles blocking the view of your parking lot from the street or neighboring businesses, trim them back so that they no longer obscure the view. This will help deter crime as well as improve visibility for drivers so that they can avoid potential hazards.
Use Signs and Pavement Markings
Proper signage and pavement markings are essential for ensuring the safe flow of traffic in your parking lot. Be sure to use signs and markings to indicate things like handicap parking, fire lanes, speed limits, one-way traffic, and stop signs. These will help drivers navigate your parking lot safely and avoid accidents.
Hire Security Personnel
If you have a large parking lot or if crime is a serious problem in your area, you may want to consider hiring security personnel to patrol your property. This extra set of eyes can help deter crime and report any suspicious activity to the police.
Implement a “See Something, Say Something” Policy
Encourage everyone who uses your parking lot – employees, customers, and visitors – to report any suspicious activity they see. Consider implementing an anonymous tip line or providing an incentive for people who report suspicious activity. This policy can help deter crime and keep everyone who uses your parking lot safe.
Keep your employees, customers, and visitors safe by following these tips to increase parking lot safety for business owners! If you have any questions about how you can improve safety at your business, contact us today! We’re always happy to help!