Some Safety Tips when Parking in Wide Open Parking Spaces

I've seen a lot of people parking in wide open parking spaces just close the door and leave their car outright. Well, there are things that you can do to make it safer for you and your car whenever you park in open spaces. Let me share some of them.

The main priority is your own safety. Look around the area and check whether there are any suspicious persons loitering around. It's much easier to look around since it's an open space compared to carpark buildings or enclosed parking spaces. You really can't trust anyone these days. Even nice looking people may be accomplices, lookouts or the bad elements themselves. It's much better if you see security personnel walking around or patrolling the area.

If you have a chance, choose a good parking space. When I park my car in open parking spaces, I always try not to park beside huge vehicles such as SUVs or trucks. As much as possible, I want my car to be visible from all directions. If I have to park in an open space during the night, I try to park near or directly under the lamp posts. Or, I try to park near or beside the security outpost. Parking on dark parking spots may increase the risks of having something bad happen.

Try not to park on outer parking spaces where cars pass by. If you're parked at a corner, it is possible that another vehicle may hit your car while turning, especially if the parking lot has narrow pathways. Try to park between 2 cars. If you need to parallel park, give enough space for the cars in front of you and behind you. It makes it easier for all 3 of you to get out.

I also try to park in large parking spots. It's ideal to have an extra space as wide as half of your vehicle's width. It makes it easier to park the vehicle properly as well as get out of it when you need to leave. Also, if you can, try to choose a convenient parking space. If you're in a mall, park near the mall entrance. There are lots of people going in and out. It also lessens your effort to walk into and out of the mall. This is especially practical when the weather is bad. But again, if you have no choice but to park on that lone available parking space, then I guess there's no helping it.

Even if you have power locks and alarm systems, it is always best to make sure that you double check if your car is secure. This applies to all regardless of whether it's an open-space parking or not. Make sure all the doors are closed as well as your hood and your trunk. Make sure that your windows are also closed. It provides easy access into the vehicle if left open enough.

And of course, bring all your valuables with you. This is one of the most common reasons why burglars and thieves steal stuff inside cars. It is because they see something interesting and tempting. Bring your wallet, gadgets, jewelries or anything that can entice anyone to break into your car. If you can hide them then I think that's perfectly fine.

It is always imperative that you keep yourselves and your cars safe. Be aware of your surroundings and pick a space, if possible, where your car is visible. But if you don't have the choice if picking you own parking space, do the best you can to keep your car locked. I try to befriend the security personnel a lot of times. This will make them aware that your car is there and they know which one it is.