When thinking of parking lots, most people don’t normally think of the potential hazards associated them. Parking lots are designed for vehicles not pedestrians yet, there are generally a significant amount of pedestrians in a parking lot.

Pedestrian Safety in Parking Lots

As a pedestrian in a parking lot, you should be extremely cautious of vehicles backing in/out of parking spots and also vehicles speeding through the parking lot.

Some tips to follow:

• Always be aware of your surroundings-keep your head up and your eyes open. Stay off your phone and definitely DO NOT TEXT AND WALK.
• Look both ways as you cross lanes and always use the crosswalks and sidewalks if available.
• Avoid areas where drivers would not be able to see you.
• Be careful when wearing jackets with hoods and using umbrellas not to block your field of vision.

Driver Safety in Parking Lots

• Always choose a pull-through parking space when available.
• Motorcyclists and bicycle drivers are to follow the same rules as vehicles.
• SLOW DOWN! The speed is generally 10 MPH in parking lots. Any faster speeds may result in an accident. An accident with a pedestrian could be really serious or even fatal.
• Reduce speeds even more in bad weather. In wet weather, your vehicle has a higher chance of skidding.
• Be cautious in parking garages. The spaces are tight and the clearance is low. It is also harder to spot pedestrians so drive more cautiously.