Most people find that parking lots are unavoidable these days - you're always going to need a place to park when you go to work or go shopping.
That's why it is important to know how to take care of yourself in parking lots.
These can be dangerous places, because criminals target this area due to low lighting, low levels of security, and the fact that many people walk to their car alone after dark.
These factors combine to form a perfect places for criminals to attack you and your property.
Parking Lot Safety Tips Here are a few things you can do to greatly reduce the chances that you fall victim to one of these criminals.

1. When you walk through a parking lot at night (any time really, but especially at night) keep your keys in your hand.
   This makes it easier to get in your car as soon as possible, and your keys can be used as a weapon if you are attacked.
   
2. If you can, travel to work with friends or co-workers.
   An attacker is most likely to target people who are alone, so if you arrive to work with a group of people and walk to your car with a group of people, an attacker will wait for an easier target.
   
3. If you park in a parking garage that has multiple levels, try not using the stairs.
   The stairs make for an easy place for an attacker to hide, and there is a good chance you will be alone in the stair well - making you an easy target.
   Take the elevator instead.
   
4. Most people these days unlock their car with the buttons on their keychain.
   This is a great thing to have, but do not use it until you are right next to your car.
   Using it when you are far away from your car shows a potential attacker exactly where you are going, and they can get there in time to hide by your car for an easy attack.
   
5. Keep your hands free.
   If you need to carry papers with you from work, use a back pack so you have your hands free.
   If your hands are full, you look like an easier target because you can't protect yourself as easily.
   

Self Defense Items You Can Use If you are unfortunate enough to find yourself being attacked in a parking lot, there are several effective, affordable self defense items you can use.
Here are two of them:

• Stun Guns - If you send thousands of volts of electricity through your attacker, they won't feel like attacking you any longer.
  In fact, they'll probably be laying on the ground in a great deal of pain.
  Stun guns can be disguised as many common items - cell phones, and lipstick for starters - and can easily be carried in your hand, pocket, purse, or even on your keychain.
  
• Pepper Spray - this is a great way to stop your attacker in their tracks.
  Pepper spray will render them unable to see for a period of time, giving you plenty of time to get away or alert the police.
  Like stun guns, pepper spray comes in many forms, and can easily be carried with you.
  

If you find yourself needing to use parking lots on a regular basis, it is important to know how to defend yourself.
I hope these parking lot safety tips are useful, and you'll take them into consideration next time you park in a parking lot.