Parking Lot Signs To Increase Safety

The parking lot is often considered an unsafe place, especially during the evening and night hours. In addition to traffic control issues, which can often be solved using parking lot signs, there may be other frequent problems such as individuals involved in criminal activities. These individuals might be involved in the sale of illegal drugs, prostitution, or assault of pedestrians parking in the area. These risks make parking lot safety a concern for those who plan and provide security for the lots.
A recent study has revealed that owners of parking garages and lots are often targets of liability lawsuits when crimes occur on the property they own. Offenses precipitating lawsuits are often violent and may include rape, robbery, or murder. Proper posting of appropriate parking lot signs may reduce the chance of a lawsuit.
The locations where such crimes occur may vary widely. Parking areas associated with manufacturing facilities, office buildings, and shopping centers, as well as apartments and parking garages, can all become the target of the lawbreakers. In cases where management or owners are found as liable resulting judgments and pretrial settlements often exceed $1 million. In cases of homicide, families of the victims may be awarded multiple millions.
Other studies concerning the issue have resulted in general guidelines that can be used in order to make the parking area a safer place for anyone using them. Recommendations from these studies include:
- Monitoring the area through the use of closed circuit televisions. The fact of the use of CCTV should be displayed on parking lot signs displayed at multiple locations throughout the area. Color digital cameras offer better protection than analog or black and white cameras. They offer better image resolution and detail.
- Lighting can deter criminal activities. In interior parking areas, the lights should provide a minimum of 60 lux at pavement level. Aim for an average uniformity ratio of 4.1 or lower. Conduct luminosity tests at several times throughout a 24-hour period. The construction of garages often means natural light provides little aid as most of the sun's rays are blocked. Light levels need to be higher in areas of entries and exits and in driving lanes, elevator lobbies, and stairwells, with a minimum rating of 100 lux. Paint walls white using semi-glossy or glossy paints for greatest visibility. These measures can deter crimes and help in the prevention of accidents with both vehicles and pedestrians as these lighting procedures and color choices allow both drivers and pedestrians to see better.
- Stairwell walls should be avoided or made of transparent materials, such as Plexiglas. This allows users of the facility to have warning of trouble in the area and discourages criminals from lurking in the area.
- Cameras should be paired with panic alarms or emergency call boxes that are colored bright red to increase visibility. The recording device can record everything happening in the area if the alarm is used. In addition to discouraging crimes, this also provides evidence for use by officers if the incident requires investigation later.
- Open lots necessitate control of access points. If possible, a high chain link fence is ideal. In other cases, lower fences, rows of dense shrubbery, or addition of No Trespassing parking lot signs that remind individuals the property is private and provide a deterrent effect psychologically.
- Plantings of trees or high shrubs in the interior of the lot should be avoided as these tend to limit visibility. Lighting must be sufficient to allow users to see movement at night time at a distance of at least 75 feet and recognize features of the face from a distance of at least 30 feet. Overall illumination must be a minimum of 30 lux both day and night.
- Lot attendants need to patrol the area regularly instead of remaining in their booths for the entire shift. This practice is even more important after sunset. If armed security officers are employed to manage this task, the results are even better.
Businesses that adopt the measures discussed above for parking lot safety will find the areas for which they are responsible will be safer as well as more secure for everyone using them. Parking lot signs are an important part of the overall safety protocol.