Personal Safety & Security
Car Safety
In recent years great advances in safety technology have increased the likelihood of surviving a crash. But no amount of factory-installed safety features can keep you or your passengers protected from the other hazards of the road. Each time you approach your vehicle take a moment too further ensure that you're safe from any unforeseen aggression or assault while on the road.
* Before getting in, quickly check the back seat to see that no one has entered the car while you have been away. If you have a two-door model you might be advised to push the seats forward to minimize the possibility of someone hiding behind the seats while you've been away from the car.
* Get in the habit of locking your car doors when you buckle your seat belt.
* Keep your vehicle in good running order. Routine maintenance and replacement of worn parts in a timely manner will significantly decrease the possibility of breakdowns when you are least prepared. Take your car's maintenance seriously. Think of preventive maintenance as part of the investment in the automobile. For example, consider replacing all four tires together instead of one at a time.
* Consider having a CB radio or a cellular phone installed in your vehicle. Often this is the quickest and safest means of alerting the police and emergency services that you are in need of assistance. (Portable CB's and phones are also available and are quite effective.)
* If your travel plans include an overnight or long-distance driving, make sure you leave an itinerary of your trip with friends or family to let them know where you will be staying, including phone numbers of overnight lodgings.
* Plan road trips carefully. Consider weather and driving conditions in relation to the condition of your automobile. Carry maps and familiarize yourself with the route your will travel before your leave.
* Have an emergency kit, including a working flashlight and jumper cables, in the car at all times. Consider a first-aid kit and emergency blanket as well.
* Make sure that you have a spare tire in good condition and the tools necessary to change a tire. It's important to be prepared and able to do this yourself. With the proper tools it is often not a difficult task.
* Often a "Send Help" or "Please Call Police" sign for your windshield can be a valuable item if you are not able to get your vehicle going.
