D3 "Parking Tickets" are reminder to back in for safety

Editor's Note: Employees are encouraged not to back so far into a space that a trailer hitch or the rear of the vehicle hang over and impede walkways or create an obstruction.

Faced with a rash of near misses in the parking lot, District 3 Safety Compliance Officer Eric Copeland and district leadership came up with the idea of issuing parking tickets to employees driving state vehicles to encourage them to back in to parking spots.

Compared to traditional nose-in parking, backing in makes for a much cleaner exit at the end of the day when the driver may be worn down, tired or his/her senses dulled a bit by a full day at work. You can venture out into the unknown with more assurance in regard to other drivers and pedestrians.

Copeland said it has resulted in more compliance with personal vehicles, too.

"Most of the ITD vehicles in the D3 yard are backed at any given time, and I would say that most personal vehicles are backed in as well."

In addition to boosting safety, Copeland estimates the practice will eliminate about $5,000 per district in repair costs.

Published 01-18-19