Parking lots continue to evolve, with parking lot line stripe designs changing along with driving habits. According to the National Safety Council, driving through parking lots while talking on the phone is something that 66% of respondents report doing. Behaviors like this make the need for clear striping even more important. If you're looking for parking lot services, you may wonder how the parking lot stripe came to be. Read on to learn more about the history of parking lot striping.

Parking Lot Stripes Evolved From Road Markings

The evolution of the parking lot line stripe began with the road lane separation markings. According to Engineering Rome, there are some reports of Ancient Romans using different colors for their roads to mark the center of the road or different lanes. This practice disappeared for some time before reemerging in the United States.

Striping Began as a Way to Communicate With Drivers

As the automobile became more popular and a steady part of everyday life, towns and cities created convenient areas for them to park. Many of these first lots were a free-for-all, according to The American Yawp. Others had attendants that directed drivers where to park their cars, but the system was still haphazard. As the system became more organized, striping was used to keep the cars parked in an orderly fashion. Striped lots were better suited for self-service parking that didn't require an attendant. This was the beginning of the modern parking lot. Today, those same principles apply, but the striping has been refined in order to accommodate more vehicles in parking areas.

Drivers Are Attracted to Lots With Bright Striping

There's something about seeing a smoothly paved lot with bright white or yellow striping that attracts drivers. These lots signal that the area is safe and well-maintained. No one wants to have to leave their car in a gravel lot where they're not sure if their vehicle is safe. Striping also maximizes the number of vehicles that the lot can fit. Owners who are looking for ways to increase traffic at their business can benefit from a new striping job.

Is it time to repaint the parking lot line stripe configuration on your property? The right configuration can make your lot safer while accommodating more cars. Give us a call today to schedule an appointment at Precision Striping to review your striping needs.