Parking lot lighting

So there you were, pacing casually through the parking level toward your car. It's around 5pm, and still light outside, but you wouldn't know because the parking area is enclosed with cement walls. The florescent light above you buzzes, threatening to fizzle out. You jab your hand into your purse, rummaging quickly for the car keys and you pick up the pace. Your hand fumbles and they plummet to the pavement. You survey the parking lot with wide eyes, and swallow a lump in your throat. As you scoop up the keys, heavy footsteps come out of nowhere. But just as you turn to see, the parking lot lighting fails you. All is black.

The situation you just read is straight out of a crime drama or thriller, isn't it? We've all seen this before. It typically closes with the woman screaming in shear terror. Even though it's a redundant scene from Hollywood entertainment, it's totally plausible. There are woman and men across the country, who go through this routine each day after work. Hopefully the parking lot lighting is working well, but you get the point. In reality, this is a situation that could happen to virtually any of us. I can't count the number of times I've parked in a city parking level with wishy washy parking lot lighting. One thing is for certain, we all want to know our surroundings. The element of surprise can work against us. And if the area is dark, criminals and assailants can hide that much easier. Let's not give them the advantage if we can help it. One place you certainly get to decide on lighting is your home. Always have a well-lit front porch and driveway area. This way you can see all before you exit your vehicle and approach the front door. Leaving this area dark is simply asking for trouble. And thug or attacker could conceal himself nearby. That's the last thing you want.

When it comes to public parking lot lighting, it's totally up to the venue and city. They have to abide by laws. Certainly any business would want to keep their parking lot lighting up-to-par, or they face the possibility of losing customers. Just to add a tip for safety, I would like to encourage everyone to be cautious of their vehicle's surroundings when exiting and approaching it. Be certain no one is tucked away and waiting for you.

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