Crime Prevention: Safety tips and awareness when you are in a vehicle

You spend a significant amount of time in your vehicle, whether it be driving to work, going to see family or maybe even embarking on a holiday for the entire family.

Being in your vehicle for long periods of time on different roads can pose a risk to you and your family.

These tips can keep you and your loved ones safe in this regard:

• Ensure that your vehicle is in a good condition when you plan to go on a journey.
• Ensure that the fuel tank of your vehicle always has sufficient fuel.
• Always lock your vehicle’s doors and keep the windows closed.
• Do not leave your vehicle unlocked, even if you think you will be away for only a minute.
• Avoid stopping in remote places.
• Park your vehicle in places that are well lit.
• If a stranger wants to talk to you while in your vehicle, do not open the window wide – 5cm is enough to have a discussion.
• If something seems suspicious, do not talk to strangers; rather be rude and drive away.
• Limit your trips at night or at least take someone along with you.
• Vary the route you travel to work and back, if this is possible.

Also read: 5 road safety tips for Easter travellers

Also read: Public Safety officers help keep our roads safe over the Easter weekend

• If approached by a stranger while in your car, drive off if possible or press your hooter to attract attention.
• If strangers loiter near or in your driveway, rather drive past. If they loiter for a long time, report it to your nearest police station.
• Hijackers may stage a minor accident so they can approach your car.
• If your car is bumped from behind and you do not feel comfortable with the individual(s) involved in the situation, drive to the nearest police station for help.
• Do not reach for your purse or valuables. Leave everything behind if forced from the car. Your life is more valuable than your possessions.
• Do not resist, especially if the thief has a weapon.
• Give up your vehicle with no questions asked and move away.
• A lift club limits the risk of becoming a victim of crime.
• Do not give strangers a lift.
• A gear lock is an affordable and very effective anti-theft device.
• If possible, put up a mirror against the front wall of your garage to see if someone is following you into the garage.
• Do not open your garage doors before your gates are closed.

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