Tips to Help Prevent Carjacking

If or when an incident occurs, only you can make the decision as to what action to take. Every situation is different and must be evaluated accordingly. Remember your safety is most important.

While there is no guaranteed way to avoid being carjacked, certain precautions can be taken to reduce or minimize the potential:

·        Keep your car in good working order and the gas tank at least half full.

·        Plan your route. Try not to travel alone.

·        Don’t drive in unfamiliar areas. Avoid trouble spots.

·        Keep your doors locked and windows closed.

·        Look in the rear view mirror often.

·        If a suspicious looking person approaches your car, drive away carefully.

·        Observe 180 degrees around you.

·        Be observant as you approach an area or an intersection.

·        Don’t “drift off” when stopped. Stay alert.

·        Don’t stop to help stranded drivers, call the police to help them.

·        When stopping in traffic, leave enough distance between your vehicle and the one in front of you so you can pull away quickly if necessary.

·        If you can afford to have one, take a cellular phone with you when you drive.

·        Be extra cautious if someone approaches your car and ask for information. If you must talk to them, do so with the window up and the doors locked and ready to drive away, if necessary.

·        If you are getting out of your car and you suspect something is wrong, return to your car and drive to a better location.