Parking Safety Tips

If you are anything like the usual driver, you would most likely feel vulnerable when leaving or returning to your parked car in a strange or unfamiliar parking lot – especially at night.

The following are some general tips to save you the bout of worries you get when parking in unfamiliar parking spaces.

  • Remember to always remove the keys from your car and lock the doors
  • If you must leave your valuable items in the car, put them where they cannot be seen, and never leave you credit cards and personal I.D.s behind.
  • Be sure to carefully select your parking spot. You should always park in well-lit areas and as close to your destination as possible.
  • Be sure to rule out parking spots that are on garage levels that are rarely used or empty
  • If you are not familiar with the parking lot, and are worried about its safety, you can drive around the lot to ensure that everything appears normal before you park. Trust your instincts. If it does not feel right, and park somewhere else
  • Park your vehicle with the front facing out of the stall. This increases your visibility of the area and allows you to drive off quickly if you are ever approved by a stranger
  • Look around carefully before you leave your car. When you do leave, walk in an assertive and energetic manner towards the elevator or exit.
  • If you worry about becoming a target, switch up your routine. Park at various times, in different spots to avoid setting a foreseeable schedule.
  • If you are driving alone, you can join a car pool, rideshare or have someone meet you at your parking lot.
  • If you see that another car has been broken into, call the police immediately and do not go directly to your car. Remain in your location as you wait for the police to arrive
  • When returning to your car, have your keys ready in your hand. Avoid fumbling for them in your pockets, briefcase or purse in the middle of an empty lot.
  • Before you get into your car, inspect the inside – especially the back seats. When you get in, immediately lock the doors, and place your purse or other valuables out of sight.
  • Be aware of your nearest safe exit route.
  • If you witness any of the following, you can report them to the parking office or local police: abandoned vehicles or excess trash; broken doors or broken locks; broken or burned out lights; and, missing or damaged signs.

 

If you are looking for Ottawa parking for your car and monthly parking passes then give us a call to discuss the various Ottawa parking options and parking lots and parking spaces we have available. We have affordable monthly parking passes across the city so you can be close to work and avoid parking tickets in Ottawa with the peace of mind knowing that your car is safe while parked in your monthly parking space in Ottawa