Automobile Safety

Secure Your Vehicle and Your Property:

Always keep your car doors locked. (One in five stolen cars was left with keys in the ignition.) Lock mopeds as you would a bicycle.

Don't hide a key on or in your car.

Do not leave tempting valuables or property visible inside the car. Lock these items in the trunk. However, try not to store valuables in your vihicle under any circumstance because thieves often will force open trunks especially at shopping center and beach parking lots looking for concealed items.

Never attach a name to your key ring. Keep car keys separate from other keys

Consider the installation of an ignition "kill" switch or a fuel cutoff valve. These range in price from $30 to $75 and are recommended for even older model cars.

The installation of an alarm system that detects glass breakage can protect most car stereos from theft. Make sure that you can adjust the sensitivity so that false alarms will be eliminated.

Carry your license and registration with you.

Parking Safety:

Try to avoid parking in large, subterranean, or covered parking areas at night. They usually provide a risk-free environment for car thieves. Whenever possible, park where there is good lighting and in a spot that is visible to potential eyewitnesses.

Avoid parking in dim-lighted or non-frequented areas. Always park in well-lit, well traveled areas. Ask for an escort to your car if you feel at risk.

Keep your keys readily available before reaching your car.

Avoid loading yourself down with packages as you can keep your handsfree.

Inspect underneath car and in back seat before entering.

Attract attention to yourself if you are approached; i.e. yell, make a scene.

Be cautious of anyone who gives you undue attention, asks for directions or in any other way tries to get too close. This includes someone offering help.

Driving Safety:

If you suspect someone is following you, go to the police station or nearest public place, not home. Try to get a description of the car following you and its license plate.

If you see a stranded motorist, go to the nearest phone and call for help instead of stopping.

Always keep your car doors locked and windows rolled up.

Vehicle Condition:

Be constantly aware of gas level. Always keep a minimum of 1/4 tank of gas. Locking gas caps and an inside hood release will help deter vandalism or sabotage attempts.

Avoid breakdowns by keeping your car in tune (check every 6 months).Check all vehicle fluid levels. Check your radiator, battery, brake, oil,transmission and windshield washer fluid levels.

Keep your windows clean: this is especially true while driving at night to help reduce glare and eye fatigue.

Keep your tires properly inflated and check them for tears, bulges, nails and uneven wear. Make sure your spare tire is properly inflated, in good condition and that you have a car jack.

If You Become Stranded...

If you become stranded, raise the hood and tie a white handkerchief on the antenna as a distress signal or put up a "Call Police for Help" sign and then stay in your locked car and ask those who stop to call the police. Do not worry about seeming rude.

Lock doors and roll up windows once inside your car for protection.

If you have a car alarm, activate it.