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How many of us stop and think about travel-safety before getting into our vehicles - even if it's only to go to the local corner store for some milk? It only takes a second for something to go wrong. Be aware of the possible dangers and prepare yourself with these safety tips.
Before getting into your car: Always perform a walk-around check before getting into your vehicle. Even if it’s been ‘safely’ stored in your garage for the night, check it anyway. Check for any tampering on the outside of your vehicle (flat tires, missing tires, gas cap opened, crack in a window, trunk is secure, hood is secure, etc.). Be sure to look in the windows of the front and back seat before getting in. People can and will hide in your vehicle (if you leave it unlocked) and surprise you once you're driving. It happens all the time and your options are slim to none once you’re in this situation. Also, always have your key in your hand, ready for unlocking your door. If you have to find your key in your bag or briefcase, make sure you do so before approaching your vehicle.
Plan your route before you leave: It's important to know where you're going and how you're going to get there. Avoid dimly lit streets and alleyways. Try to always stick to the main streets if possible. Don’t always drive the same route – try to change your driving routine every once in a while. Habitual driving patterns make it easy to become prey to a would-be assailant. It's also a good idea to let another person to know where you are going, especially if you are traveling alone, and/or on a long distance trip. Know where to find gas stations on your trip.
Make sure you have gas: The last thing you need to do is to run out of gas on a street somewhere, especially if you're traveling at night. Make sure you have enough gas, possibly a little more, for wherever it is you're going. If you’re going on a longer road trip, it would be wise to have a ‘jerry-can’ of gas in your trunk just in case.
Lock your doors: Lock the doors of your vehicle at all times, whether you’re in the vehicle or out of the vehicle. Even in those rushed moments when you’ll only be gone from your vehicle for a few ‘minutes’ - lock your doors anyway. Also, be sure to lock your doors when you are driving in your vehicle. There have been reported cases where a person is driving, they are stopped at a light, their door is unlocked and someone simply opens it and climbs in. What do you do when a stranger enters your car? What if they have a gun? Your options are suddenly diminished. If you have the ability to avoid such situations, do it. Always lock your doors.
Parking: Always park your car in well-lit areas or near parking attendant stations if possible and always be extra careful when parking in parkades. If you find that someone is loitering around your car, leave. Go and get someone (security or parking attendant) to walk you back to your car and see you safely out of the parking lot. If a van is parked beside your vehicle, especially if there are many more parking spots and the van is right beside your vehicle, get into your vehicle on the other side or go and get someone to help see to your safety. Vans are often used for abductions so always be cautious and aware.
When driving: Always carry the basic tools for your car and safety. Learn and know how to change a tire in case that situation arises. Have a flashlight, first aid kit, blanket, water, pen and paper, and extra gas in the trunk of your car for emergencies. If you ever feel like you are being followed, drive directly to a police station (or fire station, gas station, corner store – wherever is closest and you feel safe) and do not get out of your car. Honk your horn until someone comes to you. If possible, try to write down a description of the vehicle (color, model, any identifiable markings on the vehicle) and write down the license plate number. Call the police and report the incident.
When purchasing a vehicle: Think of safety when you are choosing a vehicle. If possible, try to purchase a vehicle that has the following: a locking gas cap, a locking device for the hood that can only be opened from the inside, a locking device for the trunk that can only be opened from the inside, especially from within a locking glove compartment.
These safety features will only aid you in your attempt at personal safety while traveling.
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