Women driving alone are still the most vulnerable to criminals acting on people in cars. Arm yourself with knowledge and you can avoid being a victim.
“Have a safety check done before each long trip,” suggests Arrive Alive. “Even better – learn how to change a tyre, jump-start the battery, or change a wiper blade.”
Stow your valuables out of sight. It counts just as much when you’re commuting as when you’re parking. Smash-and-grab crimes take place at stops. You pull up, survey, and before you’re finished, the door window breaks and an arm darts in and grabs your goods. Hide your valuables and it’s less likely to happen to you.
Make sure you have emergency numbers on speed dial. This includes police, ambulance, fire department and close friends and family.
Keep the car’s service record up to date. A happy car is a safe car. Avoid breakdowns in dangerous or undesirable places by having your car properly serviced regularly.
Getting to and from the car
You’re at risk when walking alone. Take these precautions to reduce that risk and increase your confidence.
Safety first in parking lots
The orderliness of a solid structure can be misleading. Parking lots are lonely places, and, coupled with big visual obstacles like pillars and ramp walls, offer criminals the perfect opportunity to advance on you.
Avoid breakdowns
There’s a lot you can do to reduce the chances of breaking down and being stranded.
If you are about to break down, do this
“If you can feel that your car is verging on breaking down,” advises AutoZone, “try making your way to the nearest possible well-lit or busy area such as a petrol station.” Get right off the road if your car does die on you. AutoZone continues with clear steps to protect yourself: “turn your hazard lights on and stay locked in your car to call for help.”
Feel ready to hit the road? Watch out for part II of this important subject, where we put you in the driver’s seat with more smart tips to avoid being the victim of car-based crimes against women.
Top 5 mind-blowing features in 2021 cars
Should you try fix your own dents?
Get that new car feeling every day
Got a love-hate relationship with roundabouts?
What your dream car really costs
Saying goodbye to the car you love