In an effort to reduce the risk of an avoidable accident happening in your parking lot, here are three helpful things to keep in mind:
Parking Lot Design
Safe parking lots begin with good designs that can accommodate both vehicles and pedestrians safely. According to the National Safety Council, parking areas should be fully enclosed by either a curb or fence. Entrances and exits should be clearly marked and, when possible, oriented so that they encourage right turns both in an out of the lot.
Parking areas should have sufficient lighting and proper lane markings. This means solid or dashed yellow lines to denote traffic flowing in opposite directions and white dashed lines to signify more than one lane traveling in the same direction.
If possible, sidewalks and walkways should be installed to help channel foot traffic. Pedestrians are most at risk in an accident and, according to the NSC, least likely to be paying attention.
Slow Things Down
Parking lots have limited visibility due to parked vehicles and multiple turns encountered in them. Every location is different, but the slower speed limit the better; 5 to 10 mph is sufficient in most parking areas. In some areas, local authorities will be happy to enforce laws on your property, but depending on your location, they may require your permission.
Speed limits should be posted in clear view and strictly enforced either by the local authorities writing citations, company disciplinary actions or both. Speeding should be considered a major safety violation and handled as such.
Use the Necessary Signage
Signs that enforce important rules can make all the difference in a parking lot. People must be reminded to keep off electronic devices, stay buckled-in, look out for pedestrian traffic and be aware of other appropriate warnings to avoid a problematic situation.
In parking areas that may be confusing, arrows should denote proper traffic flow patterns. Standard roadway signage, such as stop and yield signs, should also be used. Not all people choose to drive cars. Your parking lot should have a clearly marked zone reserved for bicycles and motorcycles. When possible, this area should be close to the entryway to minimize the time these smaller vehicles are exposed to heavier cars and trucks. Signage should be posted making it clear that all modes of transportation are expected follow the rules of the road.
Other signs that prove useful for pedestrians are those that warn of possible slip, trip and fall hazards. This is especially important during inclement weather conditions.
All signs should be simple and use familiar verbiage or symbols. One symbol or no more than two words is best.
As a business owner, you carry many responsibilities including the safety of the people on your property. With so many accidents occurring in parking areas each year, the likelihood that one will occur on your site is fairly high.
By taking these proper steps to minimize the risks faced in your parking area, you are not only protecting your employees and visitors, you are protecting your bottom line. When you work with Selective and your independent agent, our teams will work in partnership to help manage your businesses risks and provide coverage solutions to meet your unique needs.