As the owner or operator of any commercial facility that contains its own parking lot, safety within this lot is of paramount importance. From preventing liability issues to ensuring clients, customers and anyone else on the property is safe and unharmed at all times, there are several reasons why maintaining safety in your parking lot is vital.
At Asphalt Masters, we’re here to help. We offer parking lot striping and asphalt repair services to clients throughout Ogden, ensuring that your parking lot is always safe, properly marked and available for regular usage. What are some of the key areas to cover while confirming full safety of your parking lot at all times, including some our team will assist you with? Here’s a primer.
Quality Asphalt Paving and Repairs
First and foremost, it’s important that your parking lot is made of high-quality asphalt that has been properly installed and cared for over time. This means working with an experienced, reputable company like Asphalt Masters.
Over time, even the best-quality asphalt will start to break down and show wear and tear. That’s why it’s important to have regular repairs and maintenance performed, such as sealcoating, crack filling and patching. These services will help to extend the lifespan of your parking lot while also making it look its best – another key component of a safe parking lot.
Proper Line Striping and Markings
Drivers use the markings on the asphalt within your parking lot to dictate where they should and shouldn’t be driving. That’s why it’s so important that these lines are always visible, properly marked and in excellent condition.
For instance, if drivers in your parking lot can’t see the lines delineating parking spots, they may park too close to other vehicles or in handicapped spots without realizing it. This puts both themselves and others at risk.
At Asphalt Masters, we use only the highest quality paints and line-marking equipment to ensure that your parking lot lines are always bright, visible and accurate. We also offer handicap stall and crosswalk markings, fire lane markings and more.
Quality Lighting
Another key component of a safe parking lot is quality lighting. If your parking lot is poorly lit, it becomes more difficult for drivers to see where they’re going, which can lead to accidents.
It’s important to have bright, even lighting throughout your entire parking lot so that drivers can see clearly at all times. This means having fixtures that are in good condition and placed strategically throughout the lot.
Sidewalk Condition
Within any parking lot, it’s not just the actual driving surfaces that need to be well-maintained – the sidewalks and pedestrian walkways are just as important. After all, these are the areas where people will be walking, so they need to be smooth, level and free of any trip hazards.
If you’re the owner of a given facility and someone injures themselves on one of the sidewalks or walkways leading to your building, you could be held liable. That’s why it’s so important to have these areas regularly inspected and repaired as needed.
Proper Signage
In addition to markings on the actual pavement, your parking lot should also have adequate signage to help direct traffic and ensure safety. This includes stop signs, yield signs, handicap parking signs and more. These signs should be placed in strategic locations throughout the lot so that drivers can see them and know where to go at all times.
For many larger lots, these signs will play an important role in directing traffic flow and preventing congestion and accidents. Signage needs to be specific, legible and placed in a location where it can be seen by drivers.
Convex Mirrors
Required in certain areas, and simply recommended in others, convex mirrors are often used in parking lots to help drivers see around corners and into tight spaces. These mirrors can be placed in strategic locations throughout the lot to give drivers a better view of their surroundings.
By giving drivers a clear view of what’s around them, convex mirrors can help to prevent accidents, improve traffic flow and more.
Speed Bumps or Humps
Another way to help control traffic flow and ensure safety in your parking lot is to install speed bumps or humps. These raised areas of pavement help to slow down drivers as they’re passing through the lot, which can prevent accidents and make it easier for people to cross the street or walk through the parking lot.
Speed bumps and humps are often used in areas where there’s a lot of pedestrian traffic, or in places where drivers tend to speed. By slowing down drivers, these raised areas can help to make your parking lot a safer place for everyone involved.
ADA Compliance Regulations
Most facilities will also need to be in compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) when it comes to their parking lots. This includes having a certain number of handicap-accessible parking spots, as well as having sidewalks and walkways that are wide enough to accommodate wheelchairs and other mobility devices.
If you’re not sure if your parking lot is in compliance with ADA regulations, it’s best to consult with an expert. This way, you can be sure that you’re meeting all of the required standards and keeping your facility safe for everyone involved.
Maintaining safety in your parking lot is vital for several reasons. From preventing liability issues to ensuring that your customers and clients are safe at all times, there are many reasons to keep your parking lot in good condition. By following the tips above, you can help to ensure that your parking lot is as safe as possible.
For more on how we can help with Ogden parking lot striping, asphalt repair and related services, speak to the team at Asphalt Masters today.