Personal Safety While Driving
When most of us think about personal safety, we think about protection of our family and our personal property at home
. However, a significant amount of risk is encountered away from home. On the road, traveling here and there, for leisure or business, we should not neglect our personal safety. Hopefully, we will never find ourselves in a dangerous situation while driving, but a little forethought and preparation can go a long way. How many, in retrospect, have wished, assuming they were still able to, they had given due consideration to their personal safety on the road?I hope to provide you with some valuable information to keep you safe while driving.
In terms of your vehicle itself, make every effort to keep it in good running condition and make sure you have enough gas to get where you are going. Having a breakdown or running out of gas, particularly at night, can put you in a situation where your safety is dramatically compromised. Make a habit of checking the condition of your tires and ensure you have a good spare at all times.
On long road trips make sure you get plenty of rest and don't push the limit when you are feeling tired. Drowsiness and/or fatigue may play a major role in crashes attributed to other causes.
Never pick up hitchhikers! We would all like to be "good Samaritans" however, it is way too risky. The list of victims who became so by letting an unknown person in their vehicle is staggering. It's not worth it.
Keep all your car doors locked and windows closed while in or out of your car. When out of your car set your alarm or use an anti-theft device.
Avoid parking next to vans, trucks with camper shells, or cars with tinted windows. Park as close as possible to your destination and take notice of the location. Never leave your car unoccupied with the motor running or with children inside. Don't leave packages or valuables on the seat of your car. This creates a temptation for thieves. If you must leave something in the car, lock it in the trunk or put it out of sight.
When returning to your vehicle, locate your keys first. Keep a secure hold on your purse, handbag and parcels. Do not put them down or on top of the car in order to open the door. Be aware of your surroundings when approaching your car. Do not approach your car alone if there are suspicious people in the area. Always check both inside and out of your car before getting in. If you are concerned, ask mall or store security for an escort before leaving your shopping location.
If you think you are being followed, drive to the nearest gas station, open business, or other well-lighted area. Don't head home. Use your cell phone, if you have one, to call the police if you are being followed.
Here are a few items you may want to consider to keep you, and your loved ones, safe on the road:
A Car Emergency Tool is a special tool with a bright flashlight and a blinking emergency light. The tool can be used to break a window if you are trapped inside your vehicle. It also has a blade that can be used to cut your seat belt if you are trapped and the seat belt cannot be undone.
A key chain pepper spray and/or one that clips to your car visor. Pepper spray is an effective deterrent to an attacker. It can disorient an assailant long enough for you to remove yourself to safety.
A nap alarm, worn over the ear, that sounds a loud alarm to instantly wake you and alert passengers when your head nods forward. This device is perfect for those going on a road trip, or those who drive long distances in their work. Of course, when the device alerts, it's time to get off the road.
All of these above mentioned items are relatively inexpensive and can be bought separately or as part of a very reasonably priced Vehicle Safety Kit.
Hopefully, I've given you a few things to consider and some good tips that will help you stay safe while driving. Remember that nothing is fail-safe; we can't ensure that nothing bad will ever happen to us, but knowledge and preparation are the keys to reducing risk.
Personal Safety While Driving
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