Increasing Parking Lot Safety with LED Lighting

Ensuring parking lots are adequately illuminated is a crucial part of safety planning and overall security of commercial properties. Dark parking areas are prone to accidents, criminal activity, and injuries which can tarnish a business’s reputation. Having a lighting strategy in place for parking lots provides peace of mind for employees, visitors, and customers, plus offers additional security for the business. Learn a few of the key ways to create safe parking areas and the benefits.

The Hazards of Poorly Lit Parking Areas

Poor lighting in parking lots creates multiple safety and security risks. Here are the key hazards, explained in detail:

Increased Risk of Crime:

• Dark corners and shadowy areas provide cover for criminal activities such as theft, vandalism, and assaults.
• Auto burglaries are more common in dimly lit parking lots, as insufficient lighting makes it harder for security cameras and individuals to detect intruders.
• Kidnappers and robbers may exploit poor lighting to target individuals, especially in isolated areas.

Accidents and Injuries:

• Drivers struggle to see pedestrians and other vehicles clearly, increasing the likelihood of collisions.
• Pedestrians are at risk of tripping over uneven surfaces, curbs, or other obstacles that are not visible in low light.
• Tight corners and narrow lanes in parking garages become even more hazardous without proper illumination.

Reduced Visibility for Security Cameras:

• Poor lighting can compromise the quality of footage captured by surveillance cameras, making it difficult to identify faces, license plates, or events accurately.
• Inadequate visibility may hinder investigations or deter the presence of security personnel.

Lighting Strategies for Safer Parking Areas

Upgrade to LED Lighting

LED lighting has the best performance on the market, making it a popular choice for illuminating parking lots. Not only do they provide superior brightness and uniform illumination, but they also have a long lifespan and conserve more energy than alternative lighting options. A long lifespan is an important feature because they will require less replacements over time. LEDs are even more durable than their counterparts, helping them withstand the outdoors and weather conditions. Their high CRI (color rendering index) allows for better visibility due to the accurate color representation. All these traits make them the best choice for parking lot lighting.

Install Motion Sensors

Motion sensors add an extra layer of security by illuminating specific areas only when movement is detected. This helps conserve energy throughout the nighttime, so lighting is only used when necessary. It even improves security measures by drawing attention to anything moving in the dark. This helps deter criminal activity like vandals, robberies and trespassing. Motion sensors are commonly used for exterior lighting strategies and are compatible with LEDs.

Optimize Pole Placement

Strategically placing light poles ensures even coverage throughout the parking lot, eliminating shadows and minimizing blind spots. Poles should be positioned near high-traffic areas, such as entrances, exits, and pedestrian pathways, to enhance visibility. Efficient placement also reduces the total number of poles needed, particularly with LED lights, which offer wider coverage and brighter illumination. Thoughtful pole placement not only improves safety but also optimizes space usage within the parking lot.

Consider Lighting Metrics

Lighting metrics should always be considered when planning your lighting strategy because it sets the tone for the parking spaces. Parking lots should have a white or cooler-toned temperature (4,000K to 5,000K) to mimic daylight for drivers and pedestrians. An average illuminance of 10-20 foot candles should be used to meet safety regulations and provide clear lighting across the parking lot. A CRI (color rendering index) of 70 or higher is optimal for a parking lot to help drivers differentiate colors and avoid accidents. These metrics contribute to a well-lit, secure environment while maintaining energy efficiency.

Overview of LED Lighting Fixtures for Parking Areas

When selecting LED lighting for parking areas, choosing the right fixtures is as important as the placement. Here are the most effective options:

• Wall Packs: Mounted on building walls, these fixtures provide bright, uniform lighting for adjacent parking spaces, enhancing visibility near structures and pathways.
• Canopy Lighting: Ideal for parking garages and covered areas, canopy lights offer evenly distributed brightness and are rated for wet locations, ensuring durability in various weather conditions.
• Flood Lighting: Designed to illuminate large open spaces, floodlights provide broad, high-intensity lighting that reduces shadows and improves visibility across extensive parking areas.
• Area Lights: Versatile and energy-efficient, LED lights are excellent for replacing traditional HID shoebox fixtures. They provide consistent illumination for various parking lot configurations and are often mounted on poles for maximum coverage.

Benefits of LED Lighting for Parking Lots

Upgrading to LED lighting offers significant advantages, including:

1. Enhanced Safety: Bright and uniform illumination reduces the risk of accidents and deters criminal activity, creating a safer environment for all.
2. Energy Efficiency: LEDs consume less power and last longer than traditional lighting, lowering operational costs.
3. Reduced Maintenance: The long lifespan of LED fixtures minimizes the need for frequent replacements, cutting down on maintenance efforts.
4. Improved Aesthetics: A well-lit parking lot not only enhances safety but also boosts the overall appeal and professional image of the property.

Safely Light Parking Lots with Action Services Group

The safety of employees and customers is every business’s number one priority. By creating a thorough outdoor lighting strategy, drivers and pedestrians can be safe from accidents and crimes. By taking LEDs and lighting controls into consideration, businesses will not only notice reduced crime and accidents, but also lower energy usage and maintenance costs.

Action Services Group is well-versed in creating the perfect lighting environment for any space. Reach out to our experts to learn how you can upgrade your parking lot lighting to keep you free from vulnerabilities. To speak with one of our lighting specialists, call 610-558-9773, email [email protected], or schedule a call that fits your needs by clicking the button below.