WTC World Travel Health Newsletter @ jetStream

Driving Tips

Follow these helpful tips to make driving alone as safe as possible.

These potentially life-saving tips originally were directed toward women who drive alone, but they apply to anyone.

*Keep your car in good mechanical condition to avoid breakdowns and to allow you to react quickly if you find yourself in a bad situation.

* Hold your keys in your hand as you approach your parked car. Don't wait until you reach the car to search for them. Experts say you're most vulnerable when you are getting into or out of your car.
Check the back seat before getting into the car, even if you left the car with the doors locked.

* Lock all doors and roll up the windows while you drive.
Keep the phone number of your AAA Emergency Road Service in your car as well as in your purse or wallet or consider owning a cellular telephone.

* Sound the horn in potentially dangerous situations.

* Be wary of using a citizen's band radio to call for help. Calls are sometimes answered by people with the wrong motives. If you do use your CB radio, don't leave your car until a uniformed police officer arrives.

* If you drive alone the winter, keep emergency items such as a traction mat, a shovel, and a bag of sand or kitty litter in your trunk. Flares, blankets, water, flashlight, canned food and reflective "help" sign also are useful.

*If you have a flat tire in a dark or dangerous location, drive slowly to the nearest service station or public place. Even if you ruin the tire, you will not have risked your life.

* Always park in a central, well-lighted place, preferably where there are attendants on duty or people passing by. Try to park so that you will approach the driver's side of the car when you return. You won't be surprised by someone who has crouched by the door.

* If you notice someone suspicious near your car, walk in a different direction toward a public place and seek help.

* Beware of persons in civilian clothes driving unmarked cars who show you what appears to be a police badge. Don't roll down your windows or get out of the car. Instead, request that a marked police car be called.

* If your car is rammed from behind and the hit seems to be deliberate, stay in the car with the doors locked. Wait for the police to arrive.
Some experts suggest that in either of the above cases, a motorist motion to the other party that they will drive to a lighted and populated place before stopping. Put on your four-way flashers and proceed.

Reprinted with permission from The Motorist, Sept/Oct 1999

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