Asphalt is everywhere. It makes up our roads, our parks and playgrounds, our business’ parking lots, you name it. Asphalt professionals spend hours training and learning how to keep safe throughout asphalt paving projects.
How can adults, children, and pets stay safe daily on asphalt paved surfaces in their communities? Let’s take a refresher course on how we all can keep safe on paved surfaces.
Walking and Biking Trails
Many walking and biking trails are paved with asphalt. Asphalt is an excellent choice for trails as it has a softer surface than concrete and smoother than woodchips.
The top safety tip for asphalt-paved walking and biking trails is to be aware of your surroundings. Some parks/trails will mark “lanes” for walkers and runners versus bikers. Follow the trail rules, and if you are biking, call out where you are when you pass walkers and joggers to avoid an accident.
If the trail passes through a dangerous area, it’s essential for those using it to look out ahead of and behind them for other people or wild animals. Take a flashlight or use the light on your phone when walking at night. Even though the asphalt is smooth, you never know when a tripping hazard could occur.
Pets on Asphalt Safety
Everyone wants to keep their furry companions safe. Asphalt surfaces can get hot in the summer, especially in direct sunlight. It’s difficult to give one specific temperature that will be too hot for your dog’s paws to walk on because many factors are in play.
A general rule of thumb is to lay your hand flat on the asphalt pavement and see if you can hold it for more than 5 to 10 seconds. It’s likely too hot for your dog if it’s too hot for you. If you aren’t sure, try walking your dog on the grass whenever possible or walking them in the early morning or later at night during the summer when temperatures are lower. Some dogs can even wear little dog shoes/boots to protect their paws (good luck getting the shoes on!).
Parking Lot Safety
Walking
It’s no surprise that accidents are common in parking lots. The biggest safety tip for pedestrians is to stay aware. Watch out for potholes or tripping hazards entering and exiting the building.
As a pedestrian, following any arrows or signs and using the crosswalks to ensure you are visible to drivers is essential. Parents can work with younger children to remind them not to run in the parking lot and to keep their heads on a swivel.
Driving and Parking
Driver safety in parking lots all comes back to slowing down and being patient. Many drivers whip in and out of parking lots and spaces so quickly that there is bound to be an accident. Like pedestrians, drivers should watch out for potholes or problems in the asphalt pavement and keep their vehicles safe.
It’s also essential for drivers to take the time to park correctly. We’ve all been there – you’re in a hurry, park slightly crooked, or over the line because you’re in a bind. Even taking an extra thirty seconds to a minute to straighten out your car can make all the difference in avoiding an accident and ensuring the utilization of all parking spots.
Municipal Road Safety
Municipal roads are the heartbeat of our towns. Rather than the state or federal government, municipal ownership is responsible for maintaining these streets. Many municipal roads are paved with asphalt and should be regularly maintained. Staying safe on these roads involves following the same road rules for all drivers.
Pedestrians and bikers should also take particular caution on municipal roads. Hopefully, the municipality will have sidewalks for pedestrians and those with wheelchairs to use safely. In cases where there isn’t a sidewalk, extra vigilance is critical. Bikers should check the rules of their municipality to see if they should bike alongside cars on the road or if they are allowed to bike on the sidewalk.
Asphalt Safety for Children
Many parks incorporate asphalt surfaces around the playground, basketball court, or areas with four square and hopscotch activities. Getting kids outside and playing with their friends is important. However, parents can instill safety rules for their kids and encourage playmates to follow them.
Teach kids that too much roughhousing on asphalt surfaces can lead to someone getting hurt. Encourage your kids to watch out if someone gets hurt at the park and get help from a parent or trusted adult.
Again, since asphalt surfaces can get extremely hot, parents can encourage kids to be extra safe on hot summer days. Don’t sit on asphalt if it’s too hot for your hands; always wear sun protection and stay hydrated.
Work With Leritz Busy Bee
Our Leritz Busy Bee Paving team is here to help with your commercial, municipal, and community asphalt needs (please note that we do not do residential driveways). When you trust Leritz Busy Bee Paving with your commercial asphalt projects, you can trust that you will get the best materials and service.
Schedule a consultation with our team of pavement experts today to get started.