Outside of the home, the most common place for an assault to occur is in a vehicle or on a highway. A vehicle is an appealing target for attackers because it provides them with two key elements: privacy and mobility. Follow these tips to help you remain safe entering, exiting and traveling in your vehicle.
- Travel, walk and park in lighted, populated areas.
- Ask for an escort if you feel at risk.
- Keep some money hidden in your vehicle for taxis or unexpected problems where a credit card may not be the best option.
- Keep car doors locked and windows up at all times, especially while you are in it.
- Have your keys ready so you can enter your car quickly.
- Before entering, look in, under and around the vehicle to ensure that no one is awaiting your arrival. If anything seems suspicious, do not get in your vehicle. Seek safety and ask for help.
- Be cautious of anyone standing near your vehicle or offering assistance if it is disabled. This could be a ploy by a potential attacker.
- Keep your vehicle in good running condition with at least a quarter tank of gas in it at all times.
- If a flat tire occurs in an unsafe place, continue driving at a reduced speed until you find a busy, well-lit place to stop.
- If your car breaks down, raise the hood or tie a white cloth to your antenna. Stay in your vehicle with the windows up and doors locked. If someone stops, roll down your window slightly and ask them to call the police or a towing service.
- Do not assist stranded motorists; call the police to assist them as soon as you can.
- You must stop your car if you are summoned by a vehicle with blue lights. If you are suspicious of this vehicle or feel that you are in danger, drive to a well-lit occupied area before stopping. Unmarked police cars must flash their blue lights and sound their siren if they summon you to stop after dark.
- An assailant may cause an accident in order to set up their next victim. If you have an accident in an isolated place, drive to the nearest safe place and call police. Safely inform the other driver of these plans. After you have notified police, meet them back at the accident scene.
- Carry a phone with a fully-charged battery and charger with you.
- Advise friends or family of your travel plans. This could include departure time, route, stopping points and estimated arrival time.
- Know where you are going, the safest routes and what time you should arrive. Share your location on your phone to have someone monitor your arrival.