| Don't put yourself in a situation or location that is | | | | front of you. An easy way to gauge this is to |
| known to be less than safe. | | | | stop your car so that you can still see the rear |
| Wherever you are, always stay alert and be | | | | tires of the car in front of you touching the |
| aware of your surroundings. | | | | pavement. If anyone approaches your vehicle in a |
| Don't look like a victim. Walk tall with your head | | | | threatening manner, you will have enough room to |
| up and project an air of confidence. | | | | pull away. |
| Trust your instincts. If something, or someone, | | | | * Beware of the "bump and rob." It works like |
| makes you uncomfortable, avoid the person or | | | | this: A car rear ends, or bumps you in traffic. You |
| leave. Listening to "your gut" can help you avoid | | | | get out to check the damage and the driver or |
| becoming a victim. | | | | one of the passengers jumps into your car and |
| Know the area you are in. Check out the locations | | | | drives off. Look around before you get out; make |
| of police and fire stations, public telephones, | | | | sure other cars or around. If you feel uneasy, |
| hospitals, and restaurants, or stores that are open | | | | stay in the car and insist on moving to a busy |
| late. Any public place where there are other | | | | place or police station. Call the police right away. |
| people. | | | | |
| When You Are Walking | | | | Also While Driving - Road Rage |
| * Stay on well-traveled streets. Avoid taking a | | | | Many motorists become victims every day |
| shortcut through wooded areas, parking lots, or | | | | because of "road rage." Many drivers get angry |
| alleys. | | | | when someone cuts them off or tailgates them. |
| * Don't flash large amounts of cash or other | | | | A lot of drivers get angry at slow drivers. Violent |
| tempting targets like expensive jewelry or | | | | incidents on the road recorded by police have |
| clothing. | | | | increased more than 50 percent over the last five |
| * Carry a purse close to your body, not dangling | | | | years. The following are some tips to avoid |
| by the straps. Put your wallet in an inside coat or | | | | becoming involved in a "road rage" confrontation; |
| front pants pocket, not a back pocket. | | | | * Don't let another motorist egg you on into |
| *Always have a personal alarm or personal | | | | getting into a confrontation on the highway. If |
| protection device such as pepper spray,stun gun | | | | someone is tailgating you, let them pass. Don't |
| or Taser handy, if they are legal in your state. | | | | take bad drivers personally. |
| * Try to use automated teller machines in the | | | | * Avoid eye contact with an obviously aggressive |
| daytime. Have your card in hand and don't | | | | driver. |
| approach the machine if you're uneasy about | | | | * Don't make obscene gestures. Use your horn |
| people nearby. | | | | sparingly, as a warning, not as an expression of |
| * Have your car or house key in hand before you | | | | anger. |
| reach the door. | | | | * Make sure you give yourself plenty of time to |
| * If you think someone is following you, switch | | | | get where you are going. Being stressed because |
| direction or cross the street. Walk toward an | | | | you are running late can make you an aggressive |
| open store, restaurant, or lighted house, any place | | | | driver with a short temper. |
| where there are people. | | | | * If you see someone driving aggressively, stay |
| When Driving | | | | out of their way and contact the police. Consider |
| * Always know where you are going and the | | | | carrying a cellular phone in your car to contact |
| best way to get there | | | | police in the event of an encounter with an |
| * Make sure you have enough gas to get where | | | | aggressive driver. |
| you're going and back. | | | | At Home |
| * Always roll up the windows and lock car doors, | | | | * Make sure all doors and windows are locked |
| even if you're coming right back. Check inside and | | | | * Have a "peep hole" installed in your door |
| out before getting in. | | | | * If someone knocks on your door and asks to |
| * Avoid parking in isolated areas. Be especially | | | | use the phone, do not let them in. Tell them you |
| alert in lots and underground parking garages. | | | | will make the call if they give you the phone |
| Always park in a well lighted, heavily traveled area. | | | | number |
| * If you think you are being followed, don't head | | | | * If leaving the house for several hours leave the |
| home. Drive to the nearest police or fire station, | | | | TV or radio on |
| gas station, or other open business to get help. | | | | * Install an intrusion (burglar) alarm |
| * Don't pick up hitchhikers. Don't hitchhike. | | | | * Have several lights set on a timer for when you |
| (Remember that one from when you were a | | | | go out at night |
| kid?) | | | | * Have a personal protection device such as a |
| * Always take charge of your own personal | | | | Taser, stun gun or pepper spray handy |
| protection by having pepper spray, a stun gun or | | | | Most of this information is basic, everyday |
| Taser handy, if they are legal in your state. | | | | common sense. But, we need these reminders to |
| * When you're stopped at a light or stop sign, | | | | make sure we DO NOT become a victim. |
| leave enough space to pull around the vehicle in | | | | |