5 Things to Consider When Choosing Handicap Parking Signs
Posted on: June 28, 2011
Handicap parking signs are a necessity for the sake of making buildings accessible to people living with disabilities. Signs are not only needed for your building to comply with set legal requirements, but also to give consideration to drivers with special needs. Below is a list of considerations that should be at the back of your mind when erecting parking signs for disabled people.
1. Distance Between The Parking Space And Entrance Of The Building
Your handicap parking space should be located within the shortest possible distance from your building's entrance. Your parking sign should indicate where this parking spot is, and make it practical for handicapped drivers to safely park their vehicles.
2. Adequate Space To Remove A Wheelchair From The Vehicle
Before installing the parking sign, you should also consider the amount of space needed by handicapped drivers and their vehicles. The parking space should allow for the average type of vehicle that handicapped drivers use. There is need to have enough room for the driver to get his or her wheelchair from the side or the back of the vehicle.
3. Abide By The Parking Regulations In Your Area
You should understand the regulations governing handicapped parking before choosing a parking sign. There are some essentials when it comes to the size, height and the symbol used for handicapped parking signs. These are in place to ensure the safety of the handicapped drivers, so you should learn them in order to choose the right sign.
4. Include A Van Accessibility Sign
According to the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), 1 out of 8 handicap parking spaces should be van accessible. Remember to allocate this type of parking space and the corresponding sign. This is to accommodate vans that have chair lifts. Such vans require additional space for the driver to get out of the vehicle with adequate ease.
5. Clear Visibility Of The Signs
Your sign should be clear and visible day and night, and this will demand that you choose good quality material and colors for the sign. Make sure that it can be seen from all possible directions in the building's parking lot. Both handicapped and able-bodied drivers need to know where the handicap parking is, so that the handicapped can use it and the able-bodied drivers and avoid it. it also helps when pulling out of the parking spot.
For the best quality handicap parking signs, visit www.signstoyou.com. You can view their wide selection and designs of handicap signs, or even design your own at no cost, to suit the needs of your particular building.