Stay Safe When Parking
As drivers, we take to the road carefully, stay alert and look for improved safety features in our vehicles. But a frequently overlooked safety issue can be one of the most dangerous parts of driving: using parking lots and garages.
Robberies, carjacking’s, kidnapping and assaults in parking facilities are increasingly common. According to the latest FBI Uniform Crime Report, parking lots and garages are the third most common site of violent crimes.
Whether you work late nights or simply shop in a mall’s parking garage, getting back to your vehicle safely can be worrisome or even dangerous.
Taking some simple precautions going to and from your vehicle is good practice. Delco Alarm Systems has a few tips to help you stay safe in doing so.
Know Your Surroundings
Parking lots and garages can be poorly lit, are often isolated and are generally open to the public. Be mindful where you park and pay attention to your surroundings. Park closer to the entrance or
exit and try to stay in well-lit and monitored areas. Not all parking facilities are monitored. It’s a good idea to know where all exits, stairs and elevators are located and if security is on location.
Simply being aware of these potential dangers is a good first step.
Don’t Be An Easy Target
Phones are a major distraction. If you are talking, texting or listening to music on your phone you are an easy mark. Stay safe by keeping your eyes and ears open, your keys in your hand and scan your surroundings. With so many places for an attacker to hide, walking through a parking facility requires your full attention.
When you reach your vehicle, look inside before entering. Lock the doors immediately once inside.
There is safety in numbers. If you are able, walk to your vehicle with a friend, co-worker or security guard. If that’s not possible, have someone to check in with once you are safely behind the wheel in your locked vehicle.
Have A Plan
In some instances, worst case scenario of course, it is clever to walk with a cell phone in hand. Keep your finger on the dialer to 911, or a family member or friend who knows you are working or out late. As with children, you can also create a safety or code word to yell out without an attacker knowing you have dialed anyone or alerted them to distress. This friend will stay on the line with you, while calling authorities and filling them in with your information and location. Again, this is worse case scenario planning but will help immensely in a daunting situation.