Personal safety isn't just something you tell your children about it, it is something that we all need to be aware of and practice every day.
Nobody should live their life in fear of a crime happening, as the worry will stop us from doing anything. At Cover4Insurance we believe that if people are more aware of the dangers then they can take sensible precautions to prevent them from happening.
Personal Safety Whist Driving
Before your journey
Make sure your car is fit for the journey you are taking.
Plan your journey - if you're going to an area you are unsure of don't ask strangers for directions, carry a map even if you have sat nav as signals can fail. If you do have to ask someone for directions try and call into a business such as a shop or hotel rather than stopping someone on the street.
Tell someone what time you expect to arrive at and update them if you are delayed.
Check your spare tyre to make sure it's not flat before you leave.
Breakdown
Most people worry about what to do if their car breaks down particularly when they are travelling alone. So, be prepared:
A common cause of car breakdowns is running out of fuel so make sure you have enough fuel for your journey before you set off. And carry extra money in case you need to refuel.
Have a survival bag this only needs to be a small holdall type bag that should contain items such as a torch, jump leads, an approved fuel can, personal attack alarm, pen and paper, emergency money, list of useful numbers, your cars handbook, sensible warm waterproof clothing, a High Vis jacket (yellow vest / yellow jacket), highway code book.
If you are not on a motorway you could wait in the passenger seat if you are on your own, as this will give the impression that someone else is nearby.
Motorway breakdown
You should never wait in the vehicle if you breakdown on the motorway, you should exit your car via the passenger door and stand on the embankment or verge away from the car.
There are marker posts on the hard shoulder which have arrows to guide you to the nearest phone,
Keep items out of sight - theft will target items that are in view via opening passenger doors or smashing the window.
Lock all doors including the boot.
Leave plenty of room between your car and the car in front when in traffic. Good tip is to leave enough room so that you can see their rear tyres as this will give you enough room to pull out quickly if you need to get away.
If you think you are being followed in your car
Go around a roundabout twice or do a similar manoeuvre to confirm this.
If you are being followed do not bet tempted to drive faster to outrun the person(s) following you.
Keep driving and stick to main roads that are more likely to be well populated, as soon as you are able to drive into a busy area such as a petrol station where you can contact the police if you do not want to get out of the car sound your horn to attract attention.
Carjacking
Carjacking is where a car is forcibly taken from a driver. As cars become more difficult to steal without the keys, some criminals are now threatening or using violence to steal cars. High powered cars tend to be the most at risk of this type of crime as the vehicle is being stolen for a reason - i.e.: used as a getaway car.
To help reduce the risk of a carjacking:
Remain vigilant when approaching or leaving your car. Also while you are sat in stationary traffic.
Never leave the keys in the ignition even if you're just paying for petrol or getting a car parking ticket.
Park in well-lit areas.
Before getting out of your car check your surroundings. If you feel uneasy move on and do not park there.
If you see someone loitering around your car when you return to it do not approach it, wait until they have gone or if needed when you have assistance.
When approaching your car, have you keys to hand so you don't have to search for them once you're at your vehicle. Do not use your remote control locking until you reach your car.
Always remain aware of your surroundings when leaving and returning to your car.
Always wear your seat belt whilst driving as this will make it harder for would be criminals to get you out of the car.
Lock your door whilst driving.
When in traffic leave plenty of space between you and the car in-front. Try to always be able to see the rear tyres of the car in front when in slow or stationary traffic.
