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| Driving Safety |
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| DRIVING SAFETY TIPS
- Always start your travels with a full tank of gas, making sure your vehicle is in top working condition, and check that you have a good spare tire.
- Know where local, city and state police stations are located on your route.
- Keep an emergency kit in your car and make sure, at the minimum, it contains an emergency flashlight that does not require batteries, a reflector, jumper cables, tie down cords, a poncho, first aid kit, multi-purpose tool, emergency blanket, compass and water
- Also, make sure that you have an emergency escape hammer in your car that is within reach of the driver's seat. Tens of thousands of people are trapped in their vehicles every year from collisions or from being submerged in water. A seat belt can easily become jammed during an accident and you will be unable to release it in the normal way or your door may be jammed shut with your airbag pressed so tightly up against you that you are momentarily unable to move.
Now, imagine that your fuel tank has ruptured and your car is on fire or about to burst into flames. This is a scenario that is played out thousands of times a year. An escape tool can save your life if either of the above scenarios. You need to be able to get to it quickly, which is why you should plat it within easy reach. A good escape tool can cut a seat belt, deflate an airbag, and bust out the side window.
- Park in well lit areas with moderate pedestrian traffic and always remember where you parked.
- When possible, back your car into parking spaces because it is quicker if you have to get away.
- Always lock your car after entering it and leaving it.
- Never leave keys in the ignition, even for a momentary errand.
- Carry a spare set of keys.
- If you break down or have trouble with your car, pull off the road, if possible, activate your emergency flashers, and immediately call for help with your cell phone. Remain in the car with its windows up and doors locked until you are absolutely positive that it is safe to exit the vehicle, in which case you would leave your hood up and place an emergency reflector ten to fifteen feet behind your car and get back in it until help arrives.
- If you are being harassed by anyone in another vehicle or you feel you are being followed, use your cell phone to report the incident, and drive to the nearest populated service station, strip mall or police station, and honk your horn for help.
- Never pick up hitchhikers or give strangers a ride.
- You can become a victim of a carjacking nearly anywhere. Carjackers, however, are more likely to attack a motorist at common stopping points such as stop signs, traffic lights, parking lots, gas stations, rest areas, restaurants, and fast food drive-thrus. Most carjackings take place on weekends between 7 and 12 pm.
- One of the best defenses against a carjacking is to keep your windows up and doors locked. After getting into your car, lock the doors immediately. Should someone attempt to order you out of your vehicle, put it in gear and drive away as fast as possible.
- Should someone attempt to carjack your vehicle while you are getting in or out of it, throw your keys in one direction and run in the other direction. Just like money or valuables, if they come after you instead of the car, then you will know it was you they were really after to start with and you need to do whatever it takes to not be taken hostage.
- Should someone attempt to get into your car while you are in it and you cannot speed away, throw your keys out of the car, or in the back seat and climb out the opposite side they are trying to get in. Then, run like lighting while screaming at the top of your lungs.
- When leaving any area, make sure you are not being followed. Car bump lures and home invasions are one of the fastest growing crimes in this country and most involve being followed home from a shopping center after being targeted for your valuables or looks.
PARKING LOT SAFETY TIPS
- While parking your car and walking to and from the store, scan the area for suspicious persons. If you notice something out of the ordinary, choose a different area to park in and notify mall security.
- Avoid parking by large vans. If there is a van parked next to your car when you return, enter your car from the passenger side.
- Conceal all valuable items in your vehicle such as: cell phones, mp3 players, laptops, radar detectors, jewelry, etc. Lock your valuables in the trunk and out of plain sight
- When entering and exiting your vehicle, do it quickly. Avoid having your back turned while putting bags away in your car.
- Be cautious of strangers asking for questions as you walk to or from your car.
- Familiarize yourself with exits around the parking lot.
- Always lock your doors and roll the windows all the way up, even if you are just running in the store for a minute.
- Have your keys ready before you get to your vehicle. Searching for or fumbling through your purse to get your keys leaves you vulnerable to attackers.
- Remember where you parked your car. When there are no row numbers provided, look around the parking lot for landmarks such as trees or light posts.
- Look under, in front of, and all around your car before you get in.
- Once you get in your car, leave! Many women sit in their car, preoccupied by other things such as: making a list, balancing your checkbook, fixing makeup; which makes you an easy target for a predator.
- Always be aware of your surroundings - this is your best defense!
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