Vehicle Safety

 
  • Always divide your keys into three groups - Vehicle keys, Office keys, and Home keys. This way you will not be fumbling around with a bunch of keys. If one set are stolen, you can still get in your car or home.
  • Always have your keys out and ready when approaching your vehicle.
  • Use remote keyless entry if you have it. Only unlock the driver’s door.
  • Immediately lock your doors and start your car before doing anything else.
  • Take a wide approach and look around, under, behind, and in your car before opening the door and getting in.
  • Don’t focus solely on your car, remember to pay attention to your surroundings also.
  • Keep your cell phone handy.
  • Consider installing a hidden kill switch.
  • Play the what if game -  If you abducted and placed in the trunk of your vehicle, make sure you can open your trunk from the inside. Hide items you can use for self defense in your trunk. ie. Flashlight, a knife, a handcuff key, a can of pepper spray, a firearm if practical. A cheap pre-paid cell phone or handheld CB radio could be a life saver. Don’t forget improvised weapons – ie. a tire iron or screwdriver.
  • If it’s in your budget, consider a vehicle with a Lojack system.
  • Also, if in your budget, get a vehicle equipped with a service such as On-Star.
  • Don’t get killed for your vehicle. Let the car jacker have it. A remote or timed kill switch will ruin his day (the kill switch is for the car, not the thief).
  • If involved in a crash, stay in your car until police arrive.
  • Keep your fuel tank over half full
  • Keep purses, wallets, packages, CD’s, and other valuables out of sight
  • Vary your routes and time of travel
  • Always have a backup plan. Plan a secondary route to travel in case there is a major accident or construction tie-up on your usual route.
  • Avoid poorly lighted or deserted areas
  • In the winter months
    • Carry a good, sturdy ice scraper in your car or
    • Consider using de-icing spray for your windows
    • Carry a dry, waterproof pair of boots in your trunk. Pack an extra pair of warm gloves, scarf, hat, and a jacket as well. If you have to change a flat, or go for help, having the proper clothing can help prevent, injuries, accidents, or illness, in frigid weather.
  • Learn and use the SMITH driving system.
  • Keep enough distance between you and other cars so you can easily maneuver. Keep at least one car length between you and the car in front of you when at a stop.
  • Never Ever pick up hitchhikers or offer a ride to a stranger
  • If you think you are being followed, make four right turns. If still being followed, go directly to a police station or find a police car on the road. Get their attention if you have to, honk your horn and flash your lights.
  • Be a polite driver. Don't get angry.
  • Defusing Road Rage - the best way to avoid being the target of an aggressive driver is to practice basic traffic courtesy

    • Don't tailgate.

    • Use your horn sparingly.

    • Don't block passing lanes.

    • Don't switch lanes without signaling.

    • Avoid blocking the right-hand turn lane.

    • If you travel slowly, pull over and allow traffic to pass.

    • Avoid unnecessary use of high-beam headlights.

    • No matter how provoked, don't make obscene gestures.

    • Don't let the car phone distract you.

    • Assume other drivers' mistakes are not personal. Be polite and courteous, even if the other driver isn't. Avoid all conflict if possible. If another driver challenges you, take a deep breath and get out of the way.