Motor Vehicle Safety

• Carry a cell phone.
• Never let fuel level get below ¼ tank.
• Drive on well traveled streets and keep your car in gear while it is stopped. Allow at least one car length space between your car and the car in front of you so that you can escape should someone try to get into your car.
• Always be aware of your surroundings and check your rear view mirror often.
• Keep doors locked and windows shut and keep valuables out of sight; either covered or in the trunk.
• If your car breaks down, open the hood and stay inside. If someone stops to help, do not open your window or door, but have him or her call for assistance.
• If you do not know the location of your destination, ask someone for specific directions before you leave.
• If you get lost, do not pull over until you find a well-lit public area, and then call the police.
• If you suspect you are being followed, drive to a well-lit public area and call the police.
• Always carry an emergency kit in your vehicle with first aid supplies, flares, flashlight, jumper cables, blanket, etc.
• Never pick up hitchhikers.
• Beware of people who yell, honk, and point at your car as if something is wrong; if your car breaks down, stay inside and lock the doors. If anyone approaches to help, crack the window and ask them to call the Police. Ask uniformed people to show identification.
• Beware of people who motion and ask you to stop and lend assistance; if you want to assist someone whose car has broken down, go to the nearest phone or use your cell phone and call the Police.
• Beware of people who may bump your vehicle from behind; if you think you were bumped intentionally, signal the other person to follow you to the nearest police station.
• If a person with a weapon confronts you and wants your vehicle, give it up. No car is worth being injured or losing your life over.