Traveling on Easter: Safety Edition

Here at U.S. Park, your safety means the world to us. Whether you are parking in our facility, traveling in our complementary shuttles, or just going about your day-to-day life, we hope that you remain safe and healthy. As a result, we have complied a list of safe driving tips so that you can arrive at your Easter gathering in once piece:

1. Don't drive too fast or too slow. "Just Right" is the perfect speed when traveling during busy holidays. What we mean is, stick to going the speed limit, or just a bit over or under, but don't rush through construction zones or speed 20mph faster than you should be. A traffic ticket or unexpected accident will surely ruin your day.

2. Don't hog the left lane. You are being a model driver and proceeding along your route at barely over the legal speed limit. If you are driving in the left lane and a long line of cars starts to form behind you, move over! Obviously someone is in a rush and drivers often get very upset when they cannot speed by as fast as possible. Who knows, you may see that adrenaline junky down the road with a ticket. Proceed with caution and respect for other drivers.

3. Keep your headlights on at all times. Yes, headlights should be on, even in the daytime! This little trick helps you to be more visible to other drivers and could even help you avoid an accident.

4. Check your vehicle before you go. This includes a simple self performed oil check, battery check, tire pressure check, windshield wiper check etc. Make sure that you have enough wiper fluid in case of the inevitable downpour. It is always better to be safe and prepared!

5. Sharing is caring! Traveling more than a few hours? Have a few safe drivers going along with you? Perfect! Rotating the driving duty is a great way to ensure that no one gets burnt out and everyone has a chance to rest.

No matter where you are traveling for Easter weekend, U.S. Park wishes you a safe and stress free holiday! Driving to Detroit Metro Airport and then flying to your destination? Don't forget to make your free online reservation so that you can save money on Detroit Airport parking!

How to NOT Look like a Tourist in Top American Cities

Do you often strive to "look like a local" when you are traveling? Maybe you don't want to be targeted by pickpockets who prey on tourists. Maybe you just. cant. stand. to be seen as one of "those people." Whatever your reason for wanting to dress like a local, our friends from the Orbitz Travel Blog have created this hilarious little graphic:

That was funny, wasn't it? Before you pack your suitcase for your adventure as a "not tourist," remember to make your Detroit Metro Parking reservation with U.S. Park! 

5 Ways to Protect Your Parked Car

From expensive electronics to empty candy wrappers, we keep pretty much everything and anything in our cars. Since your vehicle is essentially your miniature home away from home, you are going to want to take precautions to safeguard your vehicle when you fly out of Detroit Metro Airport. Although U.S. Park boasts a secure, well lit parking lot, you still have to do your part to ensure the safety of your vehicle. Read on to find out how you can help us protect your car while you are traveling:

1    It is best not to leave valuables inside, but if you must, hide them, and hide them well. Conceal them at home in your own driveway, away from the prying eyes of airport criminals. Don’t park your car at the airport and then hide your laptop; the risk of being seen is too great.

 

2   For maximum security, leave your car near high traffic areas such as the entrance and exit or the shuttle pickup kiosk. The increased foot traffic will add to the number of eyes on your car and will discourage potential thieves.

 

3    Your next best bet is to leave your car in a well-lit area, something U.S. Park certainly has to offer. Our entire lot is well-lit for maximum safety. Shining lights discourage intruders who don’t want to be caught.

 

4  A neat car is less likely to get robbed. If a thief looks in and sees wires poking out from under the seat or a large object seemingly covered up by a towel or hat, this is sure to attract his or her curiosity. If a potential crook sees nothing but car upholstery, it is less likely that he or she will break in to the vehicle.

 

5    Keep your car doors locked at all times. Although this sounds like common sense, many people honestly forget to lock their cars or are lured into a false sense of security by their surroundings. An unlocked car is the easiest way for a thief to slip into your vehicle.

Surviving Airport Security

 Getting through security at Detroit Metro Airport can be one of the more stressful parts of air travel. However, a lot can be done to streamline the process, if you know what you’re doing. To make your excursion through the airport as efficient and comfortable as possible, keep in mind the following advice:

·         Plan ahead. Pack your bag of liquids and your electronics in an easy to access exterior pocket. A good TSA experience starts at home.

·         Dress for success. Security is going to make you take your shoes off. You know this. Avoid wearing knee-high lace up combat boots! Wear shoes that are easy to slip off and a belt that won’t set off the metal detector.

·         Stash your stuff early. It is pretty likely that you will have a bag or purse on your person during your journey through the airport. Avoid fumbling at the checkpoint by sticking your personal items in one of these convenient bags well before you get in line.

·         Order your items. For example, put your shoes on the conveyer belt first, then your laptop, followed by your bag of liquids, and finally your coat. This way you can put your shoes on first, pick up each item as it is scanned, and finally put on your coat and make your way to your gate.

·         When in doubt, leave it out! Unsure if an item is prohibited or not? Put questionable items in your checked luggage or leave them at home.

Don’t forget to make a reservation with U.S. Park to ensure a stress free trip.