Speed bumps and other parking lot supplies are essential to keep control of parking lots

Studies show parking areas can be dangerous places. But the right combination of speed bumps, traffic control devices, signs and other parking lot supplies can put a dent in potential injuries and crashes.

The statistics are scary. According to a study conducted by the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety, they found that 14% of all car crashes occurred in parking lots. That's nearly two crashes out of ten in a place where people are supposed to be safe and cars crawl by at low speeds.

What's even more frightening is the injuries to pedestrians. In research conducted by the National Highway Transportation Safety Administration, they estimate about 9,000 people are either injured or killed walking through parking lots every year. It doesn't have to be a store, work or school parking lot. The same danger is present in parking areas for apartment complexes or residential side streets.

Here's one problem. While parking lots or side streets are not interstates, some motorists seem to think they can still drive through them at a high rate of speed. Or, when motorists enter a parking lot, they are more concerned about grabbing a parking space than striking a human being walking in front of it.

Another problem is the "Omigod I'm gonna be late" driver. This is the motorist who woke up late, got caught in a traffic jam or made the wrong turn somewhere. Now they are trying to catch up for work, for an appointment or for dinner. Some drivers think they can make up the time in a parking lot. Wrong!

This is where traffic control devices such as speed bumps can play a critical role. Sure, most people drive cautiously when there are pedestrians nearby or they are cruising through a parking lot. But it only takes a few irresponsible people to cause a car crash or serious injuries.

Site managers are responsible for Speed Bumps and other parking lot supplies

The challenge for the site manager in charge of a parking lot is that they are also responsible for the safety of users. If drivers entering the parking area have a history of driving in too fast, they need to do something. If the parking lot frequently has hazardous weather which causes ice or snow, they need to do something. If drivers in the parking lot are running into each other, they need to do something. Adding traffic control devices shows a site manager is making an effort to keep the area safe.

Car slows for speed bumps on busy street

Speed bumps make drivers slow down. Pay attention. To some, they might be irritating. But, if the driver is coasting along at the proper speed anyway, they should not be an annoyance. Speed bumps are designed for 5 mph traffic. If driving over speed bumps is bothersome to an individual, then the simple explanation is that person is driving too fast for the area or conditions.

Barriers, bollards, traffic cones and traffic panels can also steer drivers in the proper direction. Or, force them to slow down. Plastic parking stops let's them know precisely where to park. Not past this point. Keeps all cars in alignment to keep roadways clear.

Signage helps as well. Stop signs need to be highly visible. Slow speed signs too. Oftentimes drivers think that because they are in a parking lot area, they won't see any police. And for the most part, they are right. In that case, perhaps you need to figuratively hit them over the head by installing speed bumps to force them to slow down or flashing lights with signage to force them to pay attention. (FYI - ironically in England, speed bumps are referred to as "the sleeping policemen." Not a bad analogy).

The danger can be exacerbated depending on the demographics of the pedestrians using the facilities. Perhaps the folks are older, and can't get out of the way quickly. Or maybe people in the parking lot are younger and smaller and can't adequately see over or around vehicles. Doesn't matter. A site manager needs to take control of the parking areas, the side streets, the entryways, and the exits to ensure the well-being of users.

When it comes to automobiles colliding with people, it's certainly better to be safe than sorry. The Park Catalog has a full array of speed bumps for sale, traffic signs, parking stops, parking lot bumpers, wheel chocks and other parking lot supplies to help with safety in parking lots, streets or anywhere for that matter. As studies show, these spaces can be dangerous. Put traffic control devices in place so they are not.