Taking Steps to Keep Parking Lots Risk-Free for Pedestrians

Here is a startling fact: 22% of the pedestrian-related collisions in Montgomery County occur in parking lots. That figure adds up to 324 parking lot collisions involving pedestrians over the past three and one-half years. Clearly, parking lots are danger zones.

Here’s what we’re doing:

• Montgomery County Executive Isiah Leggett launched a public education campaign in October 2009 to improve pedestrian safety in parking lots. (press release)
• Distributed posters (pdf) to libraries; senior, recreation, and community centers; property managers; retailers and others.
• Created a tip sheet (pdf) with safety tips for drivers and pedestrians.
• Placed Ads (pdf) on Ride On buses and in some movie theaters.
   

Here’s what you can do:

• Give a short presentation on parking lot safety at a meeting of your neighborhood association, faith-based community, or service group (Lions, Kiwanis, Rotary, etc.). To make it easy, we’ve created a downloadable PowerPoint presentation.
• Send an article (pdf) to your neighborhood or residents’ association newsletter or listserv.
• Check the Get Involved Guide (pdf) for other ideas.
• Send a message (pdf) to family, friends and others in your e-mail address book, or post a message on your Facebook page.
• If you see a near miss in a parking lot, or some bad driver or pedestrian behavior, use Twitter to tell others about it. If you see, good behavior from drivers or pedestrians, send a Tweet about it, too.

What can drivers and pedestrians do to reduce the risk of parking lot collisions? Here are a few tips:

When You are a Pedestrian

• Always stay alert for vehicles.
• Don’t assume drivers see you.
• Watch for vehicles pulling out of parking spaces.
• Don’t walk behind a vehicle that is backing out.
• Be cautious and look around before walking out between parked vehicles.
• Treat the parking lot as you would a road – be aware and constantly look around for vehicles.

When You Are a Driver

• Parking lots are not speedways – slow down!
• Always stay alert for pedestrians.
• Don’t assume pedestrians see you.
• Be especially cautious backing out of a space.
• Never cut across parking space lanes.

Remember: Safety is your responsibility!