You might be surprised to learn that parking lots are dangerous places. Between 14 percent and 20 percent of all collisions reported to insurance companies each year happen in parking lots, and research conducted by the National Safety Council found that more than 2,050 work-related fatalities happened in employer parking lots during the decade ending in 2003. We believe parking lot maintenance & safety for drivers, pedestrians, and workers is extremely important.
Parking Lot Maintenance & Safety – Avoid Areas of the Parking Lot that Are Closed
Whether they are applying new pavement markings, repairing cracks or applying sealcoating, asphalt contractors will place cones, barriers or other obstacles to indicate that the area is closed to traffic. Never try to drive through or around the obstructions, and do not walk through the area. This is for your own safety as well as the safety of the contractor’s crew.
Be Vigilant
Whether you are on foot or behind the wheel, remain aware of your surroundings. For some reason, many people relax their vigilance as soon as they turn into a parking lot, lulled into a false sense of security when they reduce the speed at which their vehicles are traveling. Drivers become preoccupied with finding the best parking space, while pedestrians are often rushing between their cars and the building’s entrance. Pedestrians could walk in front of a vehicle, or drivers may fail to see a pedestrian. Be especially wary when backing out of a parking space, and whether you are driving or walking, watch out for cars that are backing out of a parking space.
Watch Out for Damaged Patches
Even a well-maintained parking lot can develop a crack or pothole. These can pose a tripping hazard, but if a vehicle is traveling at a sufficient rate of speed, the line of travel can be affected.
Be Courteous of Others
Especially around the holidays or during inclement weather, some people forget the need for proper parking lot etiquette. Park in the center of the space, and never take more than one space. Obey the arrows indicating the direction in which traffic should flow, yield to pedestrians even if they are not at a crosswalk and never race to claim a parking space before some other driver “steals” it. As a pedestrian, never assume that a driver will stop for you or even see you. Do not walk behind a car that is backing up, look both ways before you cross a traffic lane and do not walk down the middle of the traffic lane.
Parking Lot Maintenance & Safety Makes Lots Safer
If you own or manage a property, you can help improve safety by making sure that your parking lot is in good repair. Good parking lot maintenance includes repairing pot holes, installing appropriate signage, and making sure that your striping is highly visible and appropriate pavement markings.
A Special Message from Alpha Paving
As the year draws to a close, we would like to thank our customers for their business throughout the year. We are committed to delivering exceptional quality at affordable rates. Whether you need sealcoating, asphalt repair, asphalt paving or asphalt resurfacing in Austin, you can trust us to handle the job correctly, safely and efficiently. Call (512) 677-9001 or complete the online form to receive a free quote.
