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C.A.P.S. Program Articles

Vehicle Security: Safety in and Around your Car

By Arnie Lipson

Vehicle Security

We spend a fair amount of time considering our security at home in terms of protecting our property from theft or break-ins, but what about our security on the road? For many of us commuters, the car is like a second home. We need to evaluate our security posture while in transit, and perhaps change some behaviors which leave us vulnerable to criminal activity. There are literally hundreds of ways to enhance our security on the road. I’ve listed only 25 of my favorites.

  • Maintain your car well to avoid breakdowns. Consider a ½ tank of gas to be on empty.
  • Travel in busy areas as much as possible. Especially at night. Who will be around if you DO breakdown?
  • Always keep car doors locked and windows up. Open windows only a crack for ventilation.
  • When going to your parked car, observe it from a distance as you approach. Look for suspicious people or activities. Have keys in hand ready to open the door. Look for any sign that your car may have been tampered with. Check your tailpipe! Look into the car before getting in. (O.K., that’s 6 things right there.)
  • Avoid parking near vans if possible. It’s a good place to hide muggers and the like and provides a quick get-away. If there is one parked next to you upon your return, be very alert.
  • Don’t tailgate. It’s very dangerous and it makes people angry.
  • When stopped, stay in gear. Maintain the “3 mirror principle.” Scan all three mirrors and know what is all around you.
  • When stopped, leave about a ½ a car length of space in front of you for escape room. Know where you’re headed if you have to take off fast.
  • Be very wary of minor accident scenes ahead of you. Especially if it’s later at night, in an empty area, or both. Fake fender benders quickly become robbery and car-jacking scenes. If you don’t feel sure, turn around quick.
  • To help an obviously stranded motorist, just call the police and give the location and description. You don’t need to stop to help.
  • Join AAA or another reputable roadside assistance club. 
  • If you feel you’re being followed, don’t go home. Go to a safe haven such as a police station, fire station, or hospital.
  • If an unmarked police car tries to stop you for no apparent reason. Drive to a populated and well lit area to stop.
  • Don’t leave car keys with a parking attendant. Especially with the house keys on it. That holds true for mechanics as well. (The house keys, that is.) 
  • ALWAYS lock the car. Even if gone for a short time.
  • Try not to park in the same place everyday at work. It helps make you time and place predictable.
  • Know your routes well WHEREVER you go. Vary them frequently and choose routes that have safe havens. When taking trips, map out three ways to get there, and choose routes with plenty of safe havens. (Yes, you can find those types of places on the maps.)
  • Carry a spare car key in your wallet and ALWAYS have a flashlight with you. Metal Maglights with 4 D-cell batteries are great lights AND weapons.  A cell phone is advisable as well.
  • Practice good driving manners to avoid confrontations. Never get out of you car to confront an angry or potentially violent motorist. Drive away. Stuck in traffic? See numbers seven and eight. Always carry pepper spray or some other legal weapon that you know how to use. (Just in case)
  • Keep your car free of anything that will make you stand out. Be non-descript.
  • Avoid traveling on the curbside of the road when in heavy traffic. It makes you more vulnerable to criminal activity.
  • If you are carrying packages, put them down before opening your car door.
  • Don’t leave anything in plain view in your car that someone may want to steal.
  • Remember that your car itself is a weapon if it NEEDS to be.
  • Remember that your car is not an impregnable fortress where someone can’t get to you. So, NEVER forget number 19.

SAFE MOTORING!