Accidents Phony fender-benders - criminals cause minor fender-benders then attack and rob the motorist when he/she gets out of the car to inspect the damage. Stay in the car, dial 911 on the cell phone, and/or drive to safe place. Check your rearview mirror for the license number and description of the offending vehicle. New twist: Someone suddenly confronts a motorist after he parks in a shopping center and gets out of his car. The stranger screams that a ways back the motorist hit him and failed to stop. The accuser then punches the driver and robs him. Before leaving the car in a shopping center lot, check to see if someone is watching you or approaching your car. If driving away is impossible, stay in the car and dial 911.
Breakdowns - breakdowns leave you vulnerable. If a breakdown occurs, you don't have a cell phone, and immediate help is unavailable, raise the hood, turn on the blinkers, and remove the keys. Lock the doors and sit on the passenger side. If someone offers help, ask him to call the police and/or your auto club.
Carjackings - carjackings at stoplights and service stations: Service stations: before getting out and pumping gas, turn off the ignition and take the keys. If someone demands the keys, give them up. Traffic signals: leave distance between you and the car ahead for quick get-away. If you feel threatened by someone walking toward you, run the light.
Doors - keep car doors locked, windows up, your purse and other valuables out of sight.
Ensure that you fully charge your cell phone battery before you start out in the car. Have the phone on and within easy reach. Always let someone know where you're going.
Follow-homes - car stalkers follow their intended robbery victim home then attack and rob them in their driveways or garages. If you notice someone following you, don't drive home. Go to the nearest police station.
Garages/Parking attendants - avoid parking in underground and enclosed parking garages at night, if possible. Phony parking attendants target special events parking lots at night. Make certain the attendant you give your money to and entrust with your car is wearing a uniform identifying the parking lot.
Hitchhikers - never pick up hitchhikers.
Ignition running – never dash into a store or fast food establishment and leave the car on. Carjackers watch for such opportunities.
Join a carpool to work. Ask someone to join you when you go shopping.
Keys - in your hand as you approach the car. Carry the ignition key between your index and middle finger. Not just for quick entry if you don’t use a remote fob, but also for use as a weapon.
Leave parking lots immediately. If you sit alone in your car talking on the cell phone, you make an easy target.
Maintenance - join a roadside service auto club. Make sure your tires are in good condition and everything else is working properly before you start out.
Notice what goes on around you. Watch for someone loitering in parking lots, hanging around service stations, street corners, and fast food places.
Office (working late) - have a guard or someone else walk you to the car.
Park in well-lighted areas and remember the location. Do not park between trucks and vans. No one will see you if you're attacked. Try to approach your car briskly from the passenger side. As you walk around the car, notice the tires for any damage, check inside through the windows. Back into parking whenever possible; particularly, at night for fast get-away.
Quick thinking and evasive action can save your life. Stay alert for dangerous situations.
Road-rage - never argue with, trade obscene gestures with, or tailgate another driver.
Statistics: • 2-1/2 million U.S. women are crime victims each year. • 37% of attacks on women occur between 6 p.m. and 12 a.m. • 53% of attacks occur near the home. • 36% of attacks occur in public parking garages • 51% occur in parks or other public areas • 64% of all rapists use guns
Tank-full - refill your tank when it registers half full.
Unfamiliar areas - avoid driving alone through strange parts of town, parks, woods, and long stretches of deserted highways, if possible.
Vary your driving habits. Change your shopping and work travel routine.
Weapons - spray-type protectors can slow down or even deter an assailant if properly used. Have it out of your purse and know how to unlock the canister quickly.
Xmas and other holidays are busy times for thieves. Don't load yourself down with shopping bags and packages. Make more trips to the store if necessary.
Yell - if you sense danger, attract attention by yelling and blowing the horn.
Zero in on safe driving.
Source: Ernestine Hill
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