All America Roadside Assistance Newsletters

(eHow.com – by a Staff Expert)

Carjacking has become an increasing problem, but there are preventive measures you can take to avoid becoming a victim. These guidelines follow the recommendations of the National Crime Prevention Council and the Maryland Community Crime Prevention Institute.

1. Step One
Park your car in a well-lit, busy area and as close to your destination as possible.

2. Step Two
Keep your windows rolled up and the car locked even if parked at your own house.

3. Step Three
Keep valuables hidden. Consider buying a stereo system with a removable stereo face.

4. Step Four
Have your keys in your hand when returning to your car, and look around outside and inside before getting in.

Tips & Warnings
* There have been many stories of parents leaving children unattended in a running car for what the parents assumes will only be "a minute," only to return and find that the car has been stolen - with the children still in it. Don't let this happen to you; take your kids and your keys with you.

On the Road

1. Step One
Make sure your car is well-maintained to prevent breakdowns.

2. Step Two
Choose your routes carefully; drive along busy, well-lit roads.

3. Step Three
Stay in the center lane. This makes you more difficult for carjackers to approach when you're stopped in traffic.

4. Step Four
Keep your doors locked and windows rolled up while driving.

5. Step Five
Check your mirrors periodically for any suspicious activity around your vehicle. If you think you are being followed, don't go home - drive to a police station or a busy public place where you can call the police.

6. Step Six
Pay close attention to your surroundings at intersections, gas stations, drive-up ATMs and grocery stores. Be on the watch for anyone who seems to be eyeing your car.

7. Step Seven
Have an escape route at every intersection.

Tips & Warnings

If you are rear-ended in traffic, before you get out, check to make sure that there are other cars around and see who is in the car that hit you. If the situation seems suspicious, stay in the car and insist on moving to a well-lit area or a police station to exchange information.
If you are approached by a stranger, don't roll down the window or open your car. If you are threatened, use your car's horn or a pocket alarm to signal for help.
Do not pick up hitchhikers.
The only thing scarier than being carjacked is being carjacked while you have kids in the car. If you are faced with this situation, assume without asking that you can take your kids with you and calmly proceed to do so - don't set yourself up for a possible argument, because if you are a parent, you are not going to walk away without your kids anyway. Teach your children ahead of time about following your directions so that if the time comes, you can quickly and quietly direct them out of the car to safety.

2007 NEWSLETTERS



			(eHow.com – by a Staff Expert) Carjacking has become an increasing problem, but there are preventive measures you can take to avoid becoming a victim. These guidelines follow the recommendations of the National Crime Prevention Council and the Maryland Community Crime Prevention Institute. 1. Step One Park your car in a well-lit, busy area and as close to your destination as possible. 2. Step Two Keep your windows rolled up and the car locked even if parked at your own house. 3. Step Three Keep valuables hidden. Consider buying a stereo system with a removable stereo face. 4. Step Four Have your keys in your hand when returning to your car, and look around outside and inside before getting in. Tips & Warnings * There have been many stories of parents leaving children unattended in a running car for what the parents assumes will only be "a minute," only to return and find that the car has been stolen - with the children still in it. Don't let this happen to you; take your kids and your keys with you. On the Road 1. Step One Make sure your car is well-maintained to prevent breakdowns. 2. Step Two Choose your routes carefully; drive along busy, well-lit roads. 3. Step Three Stay in the center lane. This makes you more difficult for carjackers to approach when you're stopped in traffic. 4. Step Four Keep your doors locked and windows rolled up while driving. 5. Step Five Check your mirrors periodically for any suspicious activity around your vehicle. If you think you are being followed, don't go home - drive to a police station or a busy public place where you can call the police. 6. Step Six Pay close attention to your surroundings at intersections, gas stations, drive-up ATMs and grocery stores. Be on the watch for anyone who seems to be eyeing your car. 7. Step Seven Have an escape route at every intersection. Tips & Warnings If you are rear-ended in traffic, before you get out, check to make sure that there are other cars around and see who is in the car that hit you. If the situation seems suspicious, stay in the car and insist on moving to a well-lit area or a police station to exchange information. If you are approached by a stranger, don't roll down the window or open your car. If you are threatened, use your car's horn or a pocket alarm to signal for help. Do not pick up hitchhikers. The only thing scarier than being carjacked is being carjacked while you have kids in the car. If you are faced with this situation, assume without asking that you can take your kids with you and calmly proceed to do so - don't set yourself up for a possible argument, because if you are a parent, you are not going to walk away without your kids anyway. Teach your children ahead of time about following your directions so that if the time comes, you can quickly and quietly direct them out of the car to safety. 2007 NEWSLETTERS