How to avoid being a victim of crime

It might not hurt to take into consideration the following safety tips while driving.

According to Louis Grobler of Security in Practice being alert to your surroundings at all times while driving can minimise the chances of you being targeted by criminals.

Tips:

• Travel on busy, well-lit streets.

• Keep your car in good running order.

• Keep your car in gear while waiting at traffic signals and stop signs. If you are approached and threatened, honk the horn and drive away.

• Plan your route in advance, particularly on unfamiliar trips. Have enough gasoline and money to get you there and back. Never allow your gasoline gauge to fall below the quarter tank level.

• Drive with all car doors locked.

• Keep the windows rolled up whenever possible.

• Keep your wallet, purse and other valuables out of sight while driving. Do not leave them on the seat next to you. Place personal items in the glove compartment, under a front seat or in the trunk.

• Do not store valuable items in your car.

• Never pick up hitchhikers give lifts to strangers.

• Keep spare money well hidden in your car for a taxi, bus fare or telephone calls in case of a breakdown.

• If you see another motorist in trouble, do not stop. As you drive by, signal the motorist that you are going to get help. Use your cellular telephone to call for assistance.

• If the driver of another car tries to force your car off the road do not stop. Continue driving to an open business, police station, filling station or other safe place. Try to obtain the license number and description of the car, driver and passengers. Report the incident to the police.

• If you are driving during late or odd hours be aware that commuter routes congested during rush hours may be deserted. Use freeways and main thoroughfares and avoid alternate, less travelled roads as much as possible.

• If you travel a regular route to and from work, make yourself familiar with businesses on the route that stay open late in case you need emergency assistance.

• Be alert to your surroundings at all times while driving and when you are getting in and out of your car.

• Do not let yourself be distracted while driving. Resist applying cosmetics, reading or making calls on your cellular telephone.

• Drive in the lane closest to the center of the roadway when travelling in an unknown area, or areas you determine to be unsafe.

• Leave enough space between your car and the car in front of you to enable you to go around the car quickly if necessary.

• Keep your car keys and house keys on separate key rings.

• Minor car accidents are sometimes planned by criminals to set up a “bump and rob” or “carjacking.” If you feel your car was “bumped” intentionally, remain inside your locked car, windows rolled up. Signal the other driver to follow you to the nearest police station to report the incident.

• Do not get out of your car to inspect the damage. If your car cannot be driven, remain in your car, use your cellular telephone to call for assistance. If not, sound the horn to attract attention and wait for help to arrive.

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