Pulling into a parking lot, your main goal is usually to find the closest, most convenient spot available. We often operate on autopilot, choosing a space without giving it a second thought. However, security experts warn that not all parking spots are created equal, and some of the ones we perceive as safe or desirable are actually preferred by criminals. By understanding how predators think, you can learn to identify these dangerous locations. Before you park, take a moment to assess your surroundings and avoid these six seemingly safe parking spots that could be traps.
1. The Spot Next to a Large Van
Parking next to a large utility or panel van, especially one with no side windows, is a significant risk. This creates a perfect visual block, shielding a potential attacker from view of security cameras or passersby. A criminal can force you into the van or assault you in the blind spot between your car and theirs, completely unseen. Even if their intentions aren’t violent, it provides cover for them to break into your vehicle undetected. Always opt for a spot next to a smaller, more visible car.
2. The Convenient End Spot
That coveted end spot next to a curb or grassy island seems great because it reduces the chance of door dings on one side. However, this isolation also makes it a more attractive target for criminals. It gives them a clear and quick escape route without having to navigate around other vehicles. This spot also provides a place for someone to hide and wait, using the landscaping or curb as cover. Choosing a well-lit spot in the middle of a row is often a safer bet than these seemingly safe parking spots.
3. Any Spot in a Poorly Lit Area
This may seem obvious, but many people will still choose a closer, darker spot over a more distant, well-lit one. Criminals thrive in the shadows, as darkness provides the perfect cover for theft, vandalism, or an assault. Always make it a priority to park directly under or as close as possible to a light source, even if it means a longer walk. Before you exit your car, take a look around to ensure all the lights in the area are actually working, as burned-out bulbs create dangerous pockets of darkness.
4. The Space by the Stairwell
In a multi-level parking garage, parking near the stairwell might seem like a smart move for a quick exit. Unfortunately, stairwells are often isolated, poorly monitored, and offer a place for attackers to hide and trap a potential victim. They provide an immediate escape route for criminals and are often out of sight of security cameras. It’s much safer to park near the elevators, which are typically more open, better lit, and have higher foot traffic, making them less appealing targets.
5. Spots Surrounded by Support Columns
Parking garages are full of large concrete support columns that create dangerous blind spots. Parking in a space that is boxed in by these pillars can severely limit your visibility as you enter or exit your vehicle. Someone could easily conceal themselves behind a column and you would have no idea they were there until it was too late. Try to find a space in a wide-open area of the garage, away from any obstructions that could hide a potential threat. Your line of sight is a critical safety tool.
6. The “Reserved” Spot in an Empty Lot
When you are in a nearly empty lot at night, you might be tempted to take a prime reserved spot close to the entrance, thinking no one will mind. However, this can actually make you a more predictable target. A criminal watching the lot will know exactly where you are likely to park and can wait for you there. Furthermore, if the person for whom the spot is reserved arrives, it could lead to an unnecessary and potentially hostile confrontation. These are not truly safe parking spots when the lot is deserted.
Parking With a Purposeful Plan
Your safety is more important than finding the most convenient parking space. By avoiding these seemingly safe parking spots, you significantly reduce your risk of becoming a target for criminals. The key is to prioritize visibility and awareness over convenience. Always choose well-lit, open areas with high foot traffic and good lines of sight and trust your instincts. If a spot feels wrong, it probably is—find another one.
What other parking safety tips do you follow? Share your advice in the comments below.
Read More:
7 Safety Tips You’ll Only Understand After Someone Tries to Break In
10 Common Safety Mistakes Women Make and How to Avoid Them
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