Each week in October, sunset comes a little earlier. Soon, many people who arrive at work in daylight will be walking back to their cars in the dark. Garages and lots that feel comfortable at noon can feel different at six in the evening. A few simple habits make evening parking safer and less stressful.
Choose your spot with the evening in mind
When you park in the morning, think about how the location will look when you return. In surface lots, pick a space under or near a light pole. In garages, park closer to elevators, stairwells and exits when possible. Avoid spaces next to large vans or pillars that block sight lines. If the lot has security cameras or attendants, spaces within view of them are a good choice.
- Note your level, row or space number before you walk away.
- Back in or pull through where allowed so you can leave quickly.
- Keep the car locked and valuables out of sight.
Walking back to the car
Have your keys or phone key ready before you leave the building, so you are not searching in a dark lot. Stay aware of your surroundings and keep your head up rather than looking at your phone. If you feel uneasy, go back inside and ask for an escort; many campuses, hospitals and office buildings offer escort services. Walking with a coworker is another easy option.
As you approach the car, look around and under it, and check the back seat before getting in. Once inside, lock the doors right away and leave promptly.
See and be seen
Drivers leaving lots at the same time can have trouble spotting pedestrians in the dark. Wear something light or reflective if you walk through a large lot regularly. When driving out, turn on your headlights, go slowly and watch for people walking between cars. In fall, wet leaves and rain can reduce traction and visibility, so add a little extra stopping distance.
Keep your car ready for dark evenings
Before the season turns, take a few minutes to check your vehicle:
- Make sure headlights, taillights and brake lights all work.
- Clean headlight lenses and the inside of the windshield to reduce glare.
- Replace worn wiper blades.
- Keep a small flashlight and a phone charger in the car.
When daylight saving time ends in early November in most of the country, evenings get dark even earlier. Building these habits in October means you will be ready when it happens.
Report problems
If you notice burned-out lights, broken gates or areas of a garage that feel unsafe, tell the property manager or parking operator. Lighting and maintenance issues are often fixed quickly once they are reported. Good lighting helps everyone who uses the facility, not just you.
An Evening Parking Routine You Can Repeat Every Day
Safety habits work best when they are automatic. Here is a simple routine for the time of year when evenings come early.
In the morning
- Park in a space that will be well lit when you return, close to an exit, elevator or attendant.
- Take a photo of your level and row, or note it in your phone.
- Put bags, laptops and shopping in the trunk before you arrive, so no one sees you stowing them.
- Lock the car and confirm it is locked before walking away.
Before you leave the building
- Have your keys or phone key ready in your hand.
- Let someone know you are heading out if you are leaving late.
- If you would like company, ask a coworker to walk with you or request an escort where one is offered.
On the way to the car
- Walk in lit areas and the main aisles rather than between parked cars.
- Keep earbuds out or the volume low so you can hear what is around you.
- Glance around and into the car before unlocking it.
In the car
- Lock the doors as soon as you are inside.
- Skip lingering to check messages; drive out first and pull over later if needed.
- Turn on your headlights before you start moving.
Trust Your Instincts
If something about a garage or lot feels wrong, it is perfectly reasonable to act on that feeling. You do not need a reason that would satisfy anyone else.
- Go back inside. Return to the building, a store or a lobby where other people are present.
- Ask for help. Building security, garage staff and campus police are there to assist.
- Use the emergency call stations. Many garages and campuses have call boxes or help buttons, often marked with blue lights.
- Call 911 in an emergency. If you feel threatened, call right away and give your location, including the garage level and section.
Common Evening Parking Mistakes
- Parking for convenience in the morning without thinking about the evening. A spot that is fine at 8 a.m. may be dark and remote at 6 p.m.
- Searching for keys at the car door. Having them ready shortens the time you spend standing in the lot.
- Leaving valuables visible. Bags and electronics in plain view can draw unwanted attention.
- Driving out too fast. Pedestrians in dark clothing are hard to see, especially in rain.
- Ignoring broken lights. Reporting them helps the next person too.
Questions Commuters Ask
Is a garage safer than a surface lot?
It depends on the facility. Good lighting, visibility, activity, staff and cameras matter more than the type of structure.
Should I back into my space?
Where it is allowed, backing in or pulling through lets you leave quickly and gives you a clear view as you drive out. Some lots ask drivers to park nose-in so plates are visible, so read the signs.
What can employers do?
Employers can share information about escort services, encourage people to walk out together, report lighting problems and remind staff of resources as the season changes.
What about parking at night for errands?
The same habits apply at stores and restaurants. Park near the entrance, under lights, and keep purchases in the trunk.
What should I do if my car will not start in a dark lot?
Stay inside with the doors locked, call roadside assistance or a trusted contact, and let building or garage security know where you are. If you feel unsafe while waiting, call 911. A charged phone and a small flashlight in the glove box make this situation much easier to handle.
