Staying Safe on the Road

Staying Safe on the Road

Whether you are taking a long road trip or just on your daily commute, being on the road presents its own set of dangers. Staying safe on the road means more than just being a defensive driver and steering clear of road rage. Predators and car thieves are just waiting for the right opportunity to take advantage of an unsuspecting victim. Here are some tips to help you stay alert and aware when you are driving.

Car Jacking

According to the Insurance Information Institute, “a motor vehicle is stolen in the United States approximately every 45 seconds.” The majority of these thefts take place while the car is unoccupied. However, car jacking is still a real threat. Often those who are planning to take the car are armed. And they are willing to get violent to get what they want.

Staying Safe

Car jackers want the car with the engine running. Therefore, anywhere you might be idling is a prime spot for them. Like waiting in your driveway on a cold morning for the engine to warm up. Or sitting at the ATM waiting for your money. How do you ensure you aren’t a target for these criminals?

Try to park in a well lit area, as close to the door as possible. Especially at night, have someone walk you to the car. Parking lots and garages are a common site for car jacking. There are plenty of places to hide and jump out at you before you can pull away.
Be aware. Don’t be on your phone while walking to and from the car or when you arrive or are getting ready to leave. Even at a traffic light or the gas station, watch around you and look for anyone approaching.
Don’t stop. A common car jacking strategy is to lightly bump your car. They hope you will pull over to check and then they steal your car. They may also try to signal you on the road that your tire is low or something is wrong. Be wary of both ploys – drive to a police or fire station or a well lit public place to check for damage.
Don’t sit in your car. If you are waiting in the parking lot while someone runs in to grab milk or if you are taking a break from work and listening to music or reading, be aware.
Lock your doors when you are in the car but also when it is parked and you are away. Someone could slip in to your unlocked car and wait for you.

If someone does try to take your car, comply with their requests. If your child is in the backseat, tell the car jacker that you will give them your car but need to get your child out. When possible, grab your purse and phone so you can call authorities after they are gone.

Predators on the Road

Bumping the car has also been used to try to harm the driver. If this happens to you, especially at night or on a quiet stretch of road, call the police right away and keep driving. Some predators plan ahead to try to find a victim on the road. But others will take advantage when they see an opportunity. Stay safe on the road by following these guidelines.

Don’t drive alone on long trips or at night.
Keep your phone charged. Have a charger in the car as backup.
Use GPS. Don’t risk getting lost by trying to wing it. Apps like Waze will tell you of road closures and heavy traffic to help you find the best route.
Have roadside assistance. AAA is one option but most cell phone carriers and car insurance have an option for roadside assistance at a reasonable cost. If you have issues with your car, they can come and help you or tow you to a safe place.
Keep your gas tank over 1/4 full. Running out of gas is no fun and trying to find a gas station nearby when the tank is low is stressful. Always fill up before the tank gets below a quarter full.
Get somewhere safe. If you have a flat tire, get somewhere safe before stopping. Driving slowly you can ride on a flat tire for a while. Get to a public place and don’t pull over on the side of the road. You may have to replace the tire (or even the rim), but that is better than the risk.
Use a phone locator. Be sure someone can track your location. There are a number of apps for this like Find my iPhone, Life360.

Diligence is Key

Being aware of your surroundings and not letting yourself be distracted are important in keeping yourself safe on the road. Criminals are looking for an easy target, someone who isn’t paying attention or looks unsure. Trust your instincts and avoid situations that don’t feel right to you. According the AAA Foundation f0r Traffic Safety, Americans spend 70 billion hours a year on the road. The vast majority of that time is safe and uneventful but it is always better to be prepared for the worst!

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