How to Stay Safe In Your Car - Easy Tips

Traveling in a car can be great fun. Remaining safe should be a number one priority.

Difficulty: Easy

Instructions

1. Use these tips to be safe:
   
   • Before making any trip, have your car checked by a mechanic. A breakdown can ruin your trip.
   
   • Never let your car run out of gas.
   
   • Always keep your doors locked and windows up.

2. • Plan you route in advance. Do not allow yourself to get lost.
   
   • Do not drive alone (if you can) – especially in unfamiliar territory or at night.
   
   • Never ever pick up hitchhikers.

3. • If you feel threatened, call attention to yourself. Honk your horn. Flash your emergency lights.
   
   • Get out of car and walk for at least 10 minutes every 2 hours. (This reduces your chances of getting a blood clot.)
   
   • Park only in well lit populated areas.

4. • Do not park near large trucks or dumpsters. These vehicles will obstruct your visibility. They may provide hiding places for criminals.
   
   • Check to be sure no one is in your car before you get in.
   
   • Look around before you get out of your car. Make sure no one is hiding.

5. • Always lock your car. Take your keys with you.
   
   • Approach your car with your keys in your hand. Be ready to get into your vehicle quickly and lock the doors behind you.
   
   • If you use valet parking, do not leave the keys to home on the same chain as your car keys. Also – do not leave your garage door opener in your car.

6. • Hide maps when getting out of the car. You do not want to advertise that you are a tourist.
   
   • Cover your valuables with a blanket if you cannot put them in the trunk or take them with you.
   
   • If you work later than normal, ask a co-worker or security guard to accompany you to your car.

7. • If you encounter a carjacker, let them have your car. Your life is worth much more than your car.
   
   • Take note of where you parked. Walk straight to your car with purpose. Remain alert.
   
   • Find other outlets for your anger if you experience road rage. Do not allow it to escalate to where someone is hurt (or dead).

8. • Take your insurance cards, registration, and other important vital information with you. Never leave anything in the car that has your name or address on it.
   
   • If you stop to help someone in a car accident, stay in your car. Call 911 and report the situation.
   
   • If your car breaks down, pull off the road as much as possible. Raise the hood and call for help. Stay in your vehicle until help arrives.

9. • If suspect that you are being followed – go to a well lit open business and call 911. Under no circumstances should you go home.
   
   • Always keep purses (and other valuables) out of view. Do not keep them on the passenger’s seat. Keep your valuables in the trunk or on the floorboard on the passenger’s side.

Resources

• more articles by Lu Young
• How to Determine If You Are At Risk For Meningitis
• Boston Terrier Information And Resources

[besesitos]

on 9/12/2009 Great Article! Very good tips! Thanks! Hugs

[deepthinkin]

on 9/2/2009 Detailed and well thought out safety tips to be used not only when traveling but everyday! Thanks!