Public parking lots in Philadelphia and New Jersey are known to be dangerous areas for both vehicle owners and pedestrians. The reason for this is because crimes frequently happen in parking lots, especially when they are dark, empty, and lack security personnel or cameras. However, many people cannot avoid parking lots as they are often placed directly in front of their jobs, grocery stores, schools, or even their doctor’s offices for drivers to park and enter the building. Therefore, whether you are a vehicle owner or a pedestrian, it is crucial that you follow these eight tips to stay safe when in a public parking lot:
1. Try to park or walk in well-lit areas where other people are
When you park or walk in a parking lot, make sure the area is well-lit and well-populated. Parking or walking in dark, dim, or empty areas puts you at higher risk of becoming a target of a crime. This is because criminals may think that they are less likely to be seen or caught if you are alone and in the dark.
2. If you feel nervous or uneasy or suspect that someone is following you, press the panic button on your car key fob
Anytime that you feel nervous or uneasy or suspect that someone may be following you, you can press the panic button on your key fob to frighten the person or to put the attention on you. Pressing the panic button on your key fob will make your car alarm go off, which is usually loud. Therefore, when you press this button, others in the parking lot will likely look at you and your vehicle to see what is happening. This can quickly deter a potential criminal from hurting or coming near you.
3. If you notice someone near your vehicle or breaking into your vehicle, you should not engage or try to stop them
If you notice someone breaking into your vehicle, it is crucial that you do not engage or try to stop them. Instead, try to remain out of their sight and quietly call 9-1-1 and inform the police of the theft or robbery in progress. Even if a person comes up to you in a parking lot and demands that you give them your cash or belongings, you should hand the items over as quickly as possible. While this can be difficult to do, your stolen items and money can be potentially recovered by insurance. However, if you engage with or try to stop a robber, this will only provoke them and could cost you your life.
4. Try to park close to and use the main entrance doors and exits
When you park, you should choose a parking spot close to the main entrance and exit doors. This ensures that you do not have a far distance to walk and that you are close to the front desk or waiting area with people inside. Some buildings offer side entrances, but these are likely less frequented by customers, employees, or guests. Therefore, you should always opt to use the main entrances and exits as often as possible.
5. Be alert and aware of your surroundings
Pedestrians and vehicle owners should stay off their cell phones and refrain from listening to music while in public parking lots. Instead, you should make sure that you are alert and aware of your surroundings. If you are sending a text message, checking emails, or having a conversation on the phone while in a parking lot, you may not realize that someone is actually walking closely behind you, making you an easy target. In addition, if you are driving a vehicle, you should not sit and wait in your vehicle for a long period of time. When you do this, someone could be watching your every move and waiting for the perfect opportunity to approach you.
6. Scan the entire area for any signs of danger
When you are entering a parking lot, you should always scan the entire area. If you see anyone who looks like they are hiding, wearing dark clothes, or walking around vehicles, you should quickly go back inside the building or ask a security guard for assistance. As you get closer to or get inside your vehicle, it is important that you make sure no one is hiding underneath or in the backseat before you drive off.
7. If you think that you are in danger, use your smartphone’s emergency system
If you believe that you might be in danger and there is no one around to help you, you can use your smartphone’s emergency system. Both iPhone and Android have built-in emergency systems that individuals can use if they ever feel like their life is in danger. These systems immediately alert law enforcement of your emergency and location with the click of a button. To ensure that you know how to use this feature, you should look at your phone’s guide and learn which commands will activate this feature when you need it. You can also share your location with a family member or friend and let them know to call law enforcement if you have not told them within a certain time frame that you made it safely inside.
8. Use valet if possible
Although valet services are usually expensive, it could potentially save your life. Therefore, if valet parking is available, it may be beneficial for you to pay the extra fees instead of taking a risk and navigating a public parking lot alone. When you use valet services, a parking lot attendant will park your vehicle for you and bring it back out when you are ready to go. This ensures that you never have to step foot in the parking lot.
At Kwartler Manus, LLC, we know and understand how terrifying and life-changing an attack in a parking lot can be. Parking lot owners have a duty to keep everyone who uses their parking lots safe and harm-free. Therefore, if we determine that there was inadequate lighting, the security cameras were broken, or security personnel were improperly trained, you may be a victim of negligent security, which means that we may be able to hold the parking lot owner liable for your injuries and other losses. Please contact our negligent security lawyers to schedule a free case evaluation and learn more about your legal options in Philadelphia or Cherry Hill today.