Is Your Business Parking Lot Safe?
Talk to your independent agent today to discuss your business risks and how the extra coverage can help you live assured.
Each year, more than 50,000 accidents occur in parking lots and garage structures. Business owners may potentially be held legally liable if an accident occurs on a company-owned parking lot! Read on for tips on how to protect your customers and your bottom line.
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.
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 and out of the lot.
Parking areas should have sufficient lighting and proper lane markings. The 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 National Safety Council, 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 is better; 5 – 10mph is sufficient in mot parking areas. In some areas, local authorities can enforce the laws on your property, but depending upon location, they may require your permission.
Speed limits should be posted in clear view and strictly enforced either by the local authorities writing speeding citations, company disciplinary actions or both. Speeding should be considered a major safety violation and handled as such.
Use Necessary Signage
Signs help to enforce basic defensive driving, but reminds people to keep off electronic devices, stay buckled-in, to look out for pedestrian traffic, and to be aware of other appropriate warnings to avoid accidents.
In otherwise confusing parking lots, arrows should denote proper traffic flow patterns. Standard roadway signage, such as stop and yield signs, should also be used.
Other signs that prove useful are pedestrian-related; such as the warning of possible slip, trip and fall hazards.
Live Assured With Preferred Mutual
From the customers who visit your premises to the products you sell, you face enough risks as a business owner. And while there is limited liability coverage provided in most business owner’s policies, you won’t want to wait until you’re faced with a lawsuit to determine if you have enough. Talk to your independent agent today to discuss your business risks and how the extra coverage can help you live assured.
This information is intended for educational purposes only and is not legal advice and/or an authoritative guide.