Traffic Mirrors for Blind Spots in Parking Garages: Improving Vehicle Navigation
Driving in and out of parking garages can be daunting, especially when you're wedged between two large SUVs and make a sharp turn in a small, narrow space while peering around a large pillar that suddenly appears in your field of vision. It can be dangerous for drivers because they have blind spots that can make them unaware of pedestrian traffic, vehicles, or buildings. That's where one of the most effective and simplest ways to improve potential traffic risks, very simply to increase the safety and driving experience in parking garages, is the use of traffic mirrors in blind spots.
Why Blind Spots Are a Serious Problem in Parking Garages
Parking garages are built to include as much space as possible, which creates tighter layouts, a lot of pillars and winding ramps. While the structure of the building creates blind areas of vision, drivers have limited ability to see well in these areas regardless of safety technology like modern vehicle sensors or cameras, there are still blind areas at various angles that cannot be seen, which increases the chance of minor collisions and near misses.
Having a small bump or scratch could be considered inconsequential, but in tight parking environments, either can open up the risk of vehicle damage, vehicle claims through insurance, or can even injure a pedestrian. Therefore, improvement of visibility in areas that provide limited sight triaged by both driver and facility manager is essential.
How Traffic Mirrors Help Improve Navigation
Traffic mirrors for blind spots have been manufactured to provide a safe and wide view around corners and tight turns. Ideal placement includes areas around intersections, exits, and ramps. The unique aspect of traffic mirrors is that before making one's move such as driving, the mirror permits viewing for approaching vehicle traffic or pedestrians.
The traffic mirror surface should be from a hard surface such as polycarbonate or acrylic for added resistance to impact and elements. The mirror surface features the ability to provide a view for safety without distortion. Whether it is a convex mirror or a dome, both designs provide an enhancement to peripheral vision allowing the driver to make safer, better informed, and quicker decisions.
Installaing a couple traffic mirrors allow the parking garage to significantly improve pedestrian and vehicle safety and increase vehicular flow.
Combining Traffic Mirrors with Lighting Solutions
Mirrors increase visibility. Lighting also plays a large role in safe travel. Frequently, when garages are not well-lit, drivers may struggle to see pedestrians or see mirrors reflecting. As such, many facilities are now utilizing traffic cones with lights to use alongside mirrors.
Lighted cones are visibility/transitory cautions or guides for poor lighting or outdated construction. Their brightly colored LEDs increase visibility for pedestrian and driver visibility, especially with altitude or dark creeping in.
In summary, traffic mirrors serve as a fantastic solution for blind spots, and lighted traffic cones, with some use of triangular cones, are another safety system to better understand and navigate.
Key Benefits of Installing Traffic Mirrors
- Increased safety: Drivers are able to see clearly around blind corners to avoid potential collisions.
- Cost effective: Mirrors can be purchased cheaply, low maintenance and easy to install.
- Improved visibility: The wide angle mirrors offered allow for nice visibility of surroundings in tight situations.
- Reduced Traffic: Easier sight will lead to smoother traffic and movement in the garage or tight situations.
- Peace of Mind: Drivers/Pedestrians feel safer about the safety when sight is improved.
Tips for Installing Traffic Mirrors
- Install mirrors at various locations such as crossroads, entrance and exit areas, and limited visibility environments such as elevator or ramp locations.
- Install outdoor-rated mirrors for open exposure parking areas.
- Equip mirrors with sufficient lighting, or reflective signage for maximum effec
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Maintain the mirrors by regularly cleaning and inspecting to obtain visibility at all times.
Conclusion
Parking garages are a hazard risk because of visibility concerns, but the implementation of some small actions can significantly improve the situation. The addition of traffic mirrors to blind spots and the addition of traffic cones with lights can change a difficult parking area into a safer, more organized parking area.
Whether you are managing a commercial parking garage or residential facility, purchasing visibility tools for your parking area is a worthwhile investment for everyone's safety.
Visit our website, and check out all of our traffic safety initiatives to help keep your parking areas well lit, visible, and safe.