Concrete Parking Stops: Tripping Hazards and Safety Risks

Concrete parking stops are a common sight in parking lots across America, including throughout Florida. These low barriers help drivers know when to stop their cars and control the flow of traffic, but they also create risks for people walking in the parking lot.

Parking stops cause many trip and fall accidents because people attempt to walk over them and either aren’t used to stepping over obstacles, or they are distracted or simply don’t see the parking stop. Failure to see the parking stop is especially common at night or in bad weather.

These hazards exist in nearly every parking lot, from shopping centers to office buildings. While parking stops serve a purpose in controlling where cars stop, many safety experts now recommend using different methods to manage parking spaces. Painted lines, flexible barriers, and improved lot designs offer safer options for both drivers and pedestrians.

If you or a loved one was injured in a Florida trip and fall accident, the attorneys at Landau Law are here to help. Contact us today for a free case consultation. 

What are concrete parking stops?

Concrete parking stops are barriers placed at the front of parking spaces to help drivers position their vehicles correctly and prevent them from rolling too far forward. They protect buildings, walkways, and other vehicles while providing visual guidance for parking.

What are some other names for concrete parking blocks?

These common parking lot barriers go by several different names:

• Wheel stops
• Parking blocks
• Curb stops
• Parking stoppers
• Parking bumpers

The standard concrete parking stop measures 6 feet in length and sits centered at the front of a parking space. Most parking stops have a height of 4-6 inches and a width of 6-8 inches.

These barriers often feature reflective strips or bright paint markings to increase visibility, especially in low-light conditions. However, that isn’t always the case and the stops are often poorly maintained. 

Many property owners choose concrete parking stops because they are durable and can withstand repeated vehicle contact. They also cost less than other materials like rubber or plastic.

Why are concrete parking blocks dangerous?

Concrete parking blocks pose several risks to both pedestrians and vehicles in parking lots. These heavy concrete barriers can be hard to spot, especially in dim lighting conditions or when they match the color of the parking lot surface.

Many people trip and fall over these blocks while walking through parking lots. The risk increases when the blocks are damaged, uneven, or poorly placed in pedestrian walkways.

The consequences of tripping over a parking block can be severe. The hard concrete surface often leads to serious injuries like:

• Broken bones
• Hip fractures
• Elbow injuries
• Head trauma
• Knee damage

Vehicle damage is another concern with concrete parking blocks. Cars that hit these barriers can suffer:

Common Vehicle Damage:

• Scratched bumpers
• Bent frame components
• Damaged undercarriage
• Cracked plastic trim pieces

The placement of parking blocks matters a lot for safety. Blocks that stick out too far or sit at odd angles create extra hazards for both cars and people walking by.

Poorly maintained blocks break down over time. Chunks of concrete can break off, creating loose pieces that become new trip hazards in the parking lot.

What are some ways to mitigate the risk of concrete parking barriers?

Installing rubber parking stops instead of concrete ones can reduce injury risks. Rubber stops are more visible and softer if someone trips on them.

Paint concrete barriers with bright yellow or white stripes to make them stand out. Adding reflective tape increases visibility at night and in low-light conditions.

Check parking stops monthly for damage like cracks, chips, or loose sections. Fix or replace damaged barriers right away to prevent trip hazards.

Proper placement is crucial for safety:

• Center stops within parking spaces
• Keep 3 feet between stops for walking paths
• Don’t place stops near walkways
• Ensure stops are firmly anchored

Consider using bollards instead of parking stops in areas with heavy foot traffic. Bollards that are at least 3.5 feet tall can prevent vehicle encroachment while eliminating trip hazards.

Remove unnecessary parking stops, especially near building entrances or pedestrian paths. Many parking lots function safely without them when proper curbs are in place.

Improve lighting around parking barriers to help people see them better at night. LED lights aimed at the parking stops work well for this purpose.

Injured in a concrete parking stop trip and fall accident? Contact Landau Law

Concrete parking stops can cause serious injuries when people trip and fall. Many victims suffer broken bones, head trauma, and other severe injuries that require medical care.

Property owners must maintain safe parking areas. When damaged or improperly placed parking stops lead to accidents, the owner may be responsible for injury costs.

We help injured people get compensation after parking lot accidents. Our experienced legal team knows how to investigate these cases and prove property owner negligence.

When you contact our trip and fall attorneys, you’ll receive a free case evaluation. We’ll review the details of your accident and explain your legal options with no obligation.

Don’t wait to seek legal help after a parking stop injury. Medical bills can pile up quickly, and there are strict deadlines for filing injury claims.

Our law firm handles all communication with insurance companies. We fight to get fair payment for medical expenses, lost wages, and pain and suffering.

You pay no legal fees unless we win your case. Let us handle the legal work while you focus on recovery.

Contact us today for your free case review.

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