Parking Lot Hazards Business Owners Must Address

Parking lots are surprisingly one of the most dangerous places for drivers and pedestrians.

According to the National Safety Council (NSC), drivers are usually distracted with their phones or grooming habits which cause pedestrian accidents or car damage. Meanwhile, inadequate pavement striping, cracks, holes, and debris are also found in many parking lots, which can cause pedestrian injuries, like tripping and falling. Falls are the leading cause of death among older people.

Business owners may be liable for the accidents or damages in their parking lot, especially if poor conditions are proven. For the safety and convenience of drivers and pedestrians, the Military Surface Deployment and Distribution Command’s Transportation Engineering Agency (SDDCTEA) recommends that parking lots have a rectangular shape, with parking spaces on both sides of access aisles. Parking rows should be positioned perpendicular to buildings.

That is why it’s important to know the particular risks of your parking lot and take appropriate precautions to maintain the facility, account for seasonal weather hazards, consider previous incidents, and address non-standard working hours such as early mornings or late evenings.

Here are the common parking lot hazards that you can address to reduce the risk of accidents in your parking lot and protect your customers, employees, and business.

Most Common Hazards in Parking Lots

Pavement Hazards

Prioritizing laying down the pavement is very important, as this is the basic foundation of a parking lot. Cracks, potholes, and other pavement damage can lead to accidents and injuries among drivers, pedestrians, and bicyclists. It’s crucial for business owners to regularly inspect their parking lot pavement to identify any hazards and take action to repair them promptly. Cracks and potholes are common pavement hazards that can be caused by weather conditions, heavy traffic, or poor construction. They can cause damage to vehicles and create tripping hazards for pedestrians. Business owners should repair any pavement damage as soon as possible to prevent further deterioration. Aside from repairing pavement damage, business owners should also consider resurfacing their parking lot pavement periodically. Resurfacing can help improve the parking lot’s appearance and ensure a smooth surface for vehicles and pedestrians. It can also extend the life of the pavement and help to prevent future hazards from developing. All these can be done by a reputable parking lot paving company that will keep your parking lot pavement durable and long-lasting.

Lighting Hazards

Proper lighting is another responsibility that falls on the business owner. Poor lighting can make it difficult for customers to navigate the parking lot and increase the risk of accidents and crime. Business owners should ensure that their parking lot is well-lit to improve visibility and prevent criminal activity.

One of the most effective ways to improve lighting in a parking lot is to install LED lights. LED lights are energy-efficient and can last for many years, reducing the need for frequent bulb replacements. They also provide bright and even illumination, making it easier for customers to see and navigate the parking lot. Property owners should also ensure that their lighting is positioned correctly. Lighting should be placed strategically to ensure that all areas of the parking lot are well-lit, including entrances, exits, and corners. It should also be placed at a height that is effective for illuminating the entire parking lot and not just a small area.

Security Hazards

Most parking lots are designed to fit as many cars as possible without prioritizing crime prevention in design. Because of this, some parking lots can have structural columns and high walls that can provide cover for potential criminals to hide behind.They may also have blind spots, poor sightlines, shadowy and abandoned stairwells, dark areas, limited camera surveillance, overgrown vegetation, and other design elements that can make it easier for criminal activity to take place. It’s definitely not the safest environment for anyone. Criminal activity in parking lots can put customers and their vehicles at risk, as well as the business itself. Business owners should take steps to increase security in their parking lots to prevent crime and ensure the safety of their customers. One of the most effective ways to increase security in a parking lot is to install security cameras. Security cameras can help to discourage criminal activity and provide evidence in the event of a crime. They should be placed strategically throughout the parking lot, including entrances, exits, and high-traffic areas.Property owners should also consider hiring security personnel to patrol the parking lot during business hours. This will provide an additional layer of protection for customers and their vehicles. As mentioned earlier, business owners should also ensure that their parking lot is well-lit, which can increase visibility and make it more difficult for criminals to operate unnoticed.

A Safe Parking Lot Is a Crucial to Customer Satisfaction

Being a business owner means that you have a lot of responsibilities, and one of them is ensuring the safety of everyone who steps onto your property. Unfortunately, parking areas can be a common site for accidents to happen, with thousands occurring each year. So, it’s important to remember that the possibility of an accident in your parking lot is quite high.

By focusing on pavement, lighting, and security, you can identify and address hazards in their parking lots to protect their customers and their business. By regularly inspecting their pavement, installing LED lights, and increasing security measures, business owners can create a safe and secure parking lot environment for their customers.

Rely on a Reputable Parking Lot Pavement Company

Implementing the appropriate measures above will reduce potential hazards in your parking lot. Not only will you safeguard the well-being of your employees and visitors, but you will also protect your business’s financial stability.

At K&E Flatwork, we offer expert services that result in highly functional parking lots that are aesthetically pleasing, long-lasting, and, most importantly, safe and secure for your customers. This is why we are the trusted contractor for concrete-paved parking lots in Kansas City.

Contact us to discuss your specific concrete requirements by calling (816) 892-0139 or visiting our website.