Driving in a parking garage sounds simple enough, until you find yourself in a cramped space with hundreds (or thousands) of other vehicles.
If you’re concerned about maintaining your safety when driving in a parking garage, here are five tips you can follow:
- Slow down: Just the same as roadways, most parking garages have posted speed limits. Generally speaking, you never want to drive any faster than five or 10 miles per hour in a parking garage. And depending on the circumstances, you may want to drive even slower.
- Keep an eye out for signs: Most parking garages have signs everywhere. For example, there are “do not enter” signs, exit signs, speed limit signs, yield signs and traffic flow signs. Following these will help keep you safe.
- Beware of pedestrians: In addition to other vehicles, pedestrians have the potential to cause trouble. For example, as you’re making your way out of the parking garage, a pedestrian crosses in front of your vehicle without notice. This may cause you to make a sudden move, which can result in an accident.
- Be careful when backing out: Backing out of a parking space in a garage can be difficult, as you’re in a tight spot in close proximity to both parked and moving vehicles. Take extra caution by moving slowly and using your back-up camera, if available, to assist you.
- Take your turn: Depending on when you’re navigating a parking garage, you may find yourself stuck in stop-and-go traffic. As frustrating as it may be, it’s critical to remain patient and take your turn. Becoming impatient will lead you to make uncharacteristic mistakes.
Even if you follow these parking garage driving safety tips, it doesn’t mean that other drivers will do the same. It’s not out of the question for you to come across someone speeding through a parking garage or driving the wrong way.
If another driver causes a parking garage accident, do your best to move to an empty parking spot. You can then call for help, examine yourself for injuries and exchange information.
Visit our website and read our blog for more information on motor vehicle accidents, your legal rights in Colorado and how to obtain compensation for your injuries and other damages.
