At least 500 people die in parking lots every year. This is because of the increased traffic and distracted drivers who are either texting or talking on their phones and checking their car’s GPS systems.
After all, parking lots are great driving locations that require both the drivers and pedestrians to pay close attention to road signs and directions. One of the best ways to give proper instructions is by implementing a transparent parking lot striping.
A parking lot striping, which is also known as traffic markings, is essential in directing the flow of traffic, showing available parking areas, and alerting drivers of pedestrian crossings. This helps minimize deaths and injuries, which could otherwise bring catastrophic financial effects to your establishment.
They also let you maximize areas to increase the overall capacity of your parking lot. Usually, insufficient striping leads to drivers parking in the spatially inefficient areas.
Not only that, it could lead to accidents, but it will also make space look congested, which may prove detrimental, especially if you are meeting prospective clients. With adequately planned parking lot striping, businesses can capitalize every foot and boost their curb appeal for a great first impression.
How to Find the Best Parking Lot Striping?
Parking lot striping comes in several types of traffic paints, which include alkyd resin paints, water-based acrylics, and rubber paints, made of chlorine.
Opt for companies that use water-based acrylic in creating traffic markings on the parking lot. This is because water-based acrylic is geared with essential elements that provide high brightness, excellent visibility, and industry-grade durability.
They are commonly used in roads and highways because of its ability to withstand harsh weather conditions. You can also choose to use a contrast of yellow lines and white paints against black asphalt to increase your curb appeal.
While painting a line on the garage can be done by anyone, opting for professional contractors will reduce liability and improve the spot. Contractors also provide regular maintenance to assure that your parking lot will stay in tip-top condition.
They also ensure that your parking lots are up-to-date with the American Disabilities Act (ADA) Design Guidelines for compliance purposes.
What are ADA Design Guidelines?
ADA Design Guidelines refer to regulations adhered to by establishments when constructing, repaving, restriping, or altering their parking lots. This law was approved by the U.S. Congress in the 1990s to ensure the safety of disabled individuals in public places.
ADA-compliant parking space should have at least one handicapped space for every 25 parking spaces. Parking spaces should also be labeled with markings to guarantee that it adheres to the minimum of eight feet in width and 15 to 18 inches in height.
While the ADA does not require any given color, the law stated that the colors should be transparent and are seen at least five meters away from the parking space. Colors and images may be painted into the pavement to inform everyone that the occupant of the spot is disabled.
Choosing the right colors for your traffic markings is tricky, especially if you have no prior experience of running a parking lot.