Everyone should be vigilant when driving, but
women, either driving alone or with small children, need to be extra careful.
Unfortunately, predators tend to target women as easy prey. So what can we
do to minimize our risk? Here are a few tips - Woman to Woman.
-
Stay Alert.
Kids, phones, loud radios, directions, even our "deep thoughts" can
set us up for carjackers and other predators who rely on the element of
surprise. Pay attention to what is going on around the car when coming
to a stop. Always leave yourself enough room to pull around the car ahead of
you in case a quick getaway is needed. If someone approaches from one
side, make sure someone else isn't sneaking up on the other. Avoid
creating blind spots by hanging coats or clothes in front of windows.
-
Don't Tempt.
Keep packages, purses, briefcases, and other valuables in the trunk or out
of sight. Keep the windows up and the doors locked.
- Know Your Safety Features. GM's
OnStar and BMW's Assist let you call for help anytime with a push of a
button (automatically if you're in a crash), and pinpoint your location.
Volvo's Personal Car Communicator (PCC) is an advanced remote that controls
locking, ignition, security lighting, panic alarm, and can even detects an
intruder's heartbeat from a safe distance. And don't forget the horn.
It's still one of the best deterrents available.
- Avoid Breakdowns. Breakdowns rarely
happen at a convenient time or place, and more often than not, put you in a
dangerous situation. While it sounds self-serving, keeping your
vehicle well maintained reduces the risk of breakdown. We recommend a
good maintenance check two to four times a year. Adding an extra
half-hour to an oil change is all it takes.
- Unmarked Police Cars.
Predators have been known to pose as police officers. If an unmarked police
car tries to pull you over, acknowledge them but find a well lit, populated
location to pull over. You can also call 911 to verify if the local police
use unmarked cars for traffic violations. Do not get out of the car or
roll down your window. If the officer is not in full uniform, or can
not present an ID card (not just a badge), stay in your locked car and call
911 for help.
- Keep Keys Handy. Searching for
keys is all the time a predator needs to catch you off guard. Get a
carabineer style key ring to quickly and easily clip and unclip your keys to
your purse strap or clothes. Attach a small canister of pepper spray
to the key ring for extra protection.
- Think Twice Before Helping Out.
If someone tries to wave you down for help, call 911 rather than stopping.
The police are better equipped to help than you.
- Know where you're going.
Always map out your route when going somewhere unfamiliar.
Bing,
Google, and Yahoo all offer excellent
mapping tools to print out both written directions and visual maps.
Make a second copy to leave with friends or family. A GPS, either in
car or on your phone, keeps you on track and prevents the need to stop and
ask for directions. A GPS also helps others find you in the event
you're lost.
- Park Smart. Park in high
traffic, well lit areas. Avoid parking next to vans and other large
vehicles where people can hide. Attendant pay-lots tend to be safer.
Make sure the car is locked when you leave and locked when you come back.
Check the back seats before getting in. Check the vehicle next to your
driver's side. If someone is sitting in the passenger seat of the
other car or if the other car is running, wait until others are available to
make sure you are safe.
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