Safety and security in your car begins quite simply with keeping your car doors locked when driving. Every time you read about someone's car being hijacked that poor fool failed to keep his doors locked. There are two types of people that attack car drivers:
One is the carjacker who steals a car for its value. Value of parts or for selling it to others with faked titles.
Second is the "red-light robber" who attacks for your personal valuables. This type of robber will take everything you have and will dump your car somewhere after he gets away.
The carjacker looks for that fancy Lexus, Mercedes, or that hot Carrera. He looks for the valuable vehicle, the car he can chop up for valued parts if he has to.
The "red-light robber" who attacks for personal valuables is the most dangerous. He is usually the local dope addict, the corner alcoholic and the neighbor hood thief looking for quick money. This type of guy can panic if you resist and very easily kill you. He usually the guy that Courts see as minor violators. I see this turkey as a dangerous predator.
Both this guys can be stopped by simple tactics.
Keep your car doors locked when on the road.
When stopping for a light or traffic, stop with plenty of room or space to allow you to drive pass the car in front of you if necessary.
Attempt to drive in the middle or inside lanes when in the city.
If you believe someone is following you, drive to the nearest Police station or a fire-station. Better yet drive to a location that has exterior security cameras. If you are driving a distance from such a location. Complete four to five right turns to confirm your suspicions.
Get on the cellular phone and call 911 tell them where you are at and they will guide to the nearest Police officer and his car.
Never drive home if are being followed and never confront them.
Carjackers travel in teams, they always have a driver available to drive away your car.
When approaching your parked car always look around, check from a distance around and under your car before near. At the car look inside the backseat and front seat. Always park your car in bright areas. Get company security to escort you to the car if it's dark.
If you are a woman, dogs can deter carjackers away from you and your car.
Keep your personal information and home keys away from the car, I know it's easy to you the car as a large file folder but do not do this. If someone steals the car they find out where you live and you your keys to break in. don't give thieves an invitation to get you at home too.
Always, always check out your back seat before entering your parked car.
Have your car keys in hand and ready as you approach your car.
Don't distract yourself looking for car keys as you stand by your car.
Fasten your seat-belt only after you drive away from the parking location.
Always be safe and be prepared for unexpected events.
Carjackers most of the time will bump you from behind to get you to stop. The driver gets bump, he or she pulls overs and gets out to check for damage and the attack and take your car. If you are bumped drive into a public area before getting out.
Never leave expensive items visible in your car this most always results in broken car windows.
Do not, never argue with a carjacker. Stay calm and relax. If you have a child in the backseat say so but in a calm voice. He would rather give you the child than face kidnapping along with car-theft.
If the bumping is a real accident and you must exchange information give out only your driver's license number and your insurance agent. Avoid getting your car taken by schedule carjackers. Schedule carjackers steal target vehicles by plain auto-theft, they seek out the parking locations of such targets and take the cars when everyone is asleep.
Some carjackers will pull up to you and signal that there is something wrong with your tire(s). This will get you to pull over, than they can take your car.
If this happens drive to a public area preferably with security cameras and than stop.
Always keep your car in good condition.
Always maintain a fair amount of gas in the tank.
Keep an emergency kit in your trunk. Include a good flashlight with extra batteries, road flares, a tire inflater can, water bottles, a first aid kit, blankets, matches, camping tools and you cellphone with car charger.
Avoid picking up hitchhikers, especially a woman hitchhiker. Female hitchhikers could be the set up for a carjacking. If you see a female hitchhiker call the police and give out their description and location.
If your car breaks down pull over into a safe spot away from passing traffic but be observable from the road. Open your hood, stay in your car and lock your doors.
When driving to a destination avoid driving through bad areas or slum areas by taking a long safe route. It may take a few extra minutes but you will be safe if you break down.
When
driving across the state, drive safely follow the speed limit. I do a
lot driving, it helps me clear my thoughts.
Often I see people drive past me at more than the speed limit. They drive away out of sight. A few minutes later I pull into a city or roadside park and their they are. I have seen some drivers pass me at over the speed limit disappear in to the distance. Later I pass them up and as they trying to explain their excessive speed to the Highway Patrol Officer who has pulled them over.
The most important point:
Police Officers are Police Officers, they are not cops. Let's call them "Officer" or "Mr. Policeman". You would not like it if someone called you "dog".
The lesson to be learned here:
Stay Alert and keep your car doors always locked.
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