Carjacking and Driving Safety Tips

Carjacking and Driving Safety Tips

• Keep all car doors locked and windows closed while in or out of your car.  Set your alarm or use an anti-theft device.
• Avoid driving alone or at night. If you have to drive at night always park in well-lighted areas.
• Don’t park in isolated or visually obstructed areas near walls or heavy foliage.
• Park as close as you can to your destination and take notice of where you parked.
• Avoid parking next to vans, trucks with camper shells, or cars with tinted windows.
• Use valet parking or an attended garage, if you are driving alone.
• As you walk to your car be alert to suspicious persons sitting in cars.
• Ask for a security escort if you are alone at a shopping center.
• Watch out for young males loitering in the area (handing out flyers, etc).
• If someone tries to approach, change direction or run to a busy store.
• Follow your instincts if they tell you to walk/run away to a busy place.
• As you approach your vehicle, look under, around, and inside your car.
• Do not approach your car alone if there are suspicious people in the area.
• If safe, open the door, enter quickly, and lock the doors.
• Keep a secure hold on your purse, handbag and parcels. Do not put them down or on top of the car in order to open the door.
• Be sure to locate your keys prior to going to your car.
• Never leave your car unoccupied with the motor running or with children inside.
• Do not leave packages or valuables on the seat of your car. This creates a temptation for thieves. 
• If you must leave something in the car, lock it in the trunk or put it out of sight.
• Don’t be a target by turning your back while loading packages into the car.
• Make it your habit to always start your car and drive away immediately.
• Teach and practice with your children to enter and exit the car quickly.
• In the city, always drive with your car doors locked and windows rolled up.
• When stopped in traffic, leave room to maneuver and escape, if necessary.
• If you are bumped in traffic by young males be suspicious of the accident.
• Wave to follow, and drive to a gas station or busy place before getting out.
• If you are ever confronted by an armed carjacker don’t resist.
• Give up your keys or money if demanded without resistance.
• Don’t argue, fight or chase the robber. You can be seriously injured.
• Never agree to be kidnapped.  Drop the cars keys and run and scream for help.
• If you are forced to drive, consider crashing your car near a busy intersection,
avoiding other cars or people, so bystanders can come to your aid and call the police.
• Call the police immediately to report the crime and provide detailed information