With the festive season fast approaching, the SAPS is warning members of the public to be vigilant when in their vehicles. Most people are being robbed or even hijacked while stationary in their vehicles. Below are the safety tips when in your vehicle.
Safety Awareness in a Vehicle
Ensure that your vehicle is in a good condition when you plan to go on a journey.
Always lock your vehicles doors and keep the windows closed.
Do not leave your vehicle unlocked, even if you think you will be away for only a minute.
If a stranger wants to talk to you while in your vehicle, do not open the window wide -only 5 cm 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.
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 at your driveway, rather drive past. If they loiter for a long time, report it to your nearest police station.
Carjackers 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 individuals 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 a 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.
Safety Awareness when parking or driving your vehicle
Avoid parking your motor vehicle where there are no security officers guarding other cars.
Do not leave your firearm in the motor vehicles glove compartment (cubbyhole) or anywhere in the vehicle when you park the vehicle (this is against the law!).
Make sure that all the doors and windows are properly locked when you park your car.
Valuable items like a laptop and camera should be put in the boot of your car.
Be aware of people coming to you and informing you that you have a flat tire, the intention can be to steal items that they see inside the car or rob your car.
Always close your windows when driving in the city centre.
Do not open your windows for hawkers along the road and at the robots.
Keep the doors locked and windows closed at all times.
Do not use a cellular phone unless you have a hands-free kit.
Lock your valuables in the cars boot before departure.
At night, park in well-lit areas.
If in doubt about the safety of an area, phone a police station for advice.
Practice the same prevention skills you apply in parking lots or garages at home.
Become familiar with your route before you start the trip.
Do not leave your goods or valuable items visible in the car.
Do not leave your keys in the ignition.
Remove detachable radios and the radios face when getting out of the car.
Try to fit an alarm and/or anti-theft device in your car.
Have your keys ready in your hand as you approach your car, especially if they are difficult to find in your handbag.
Parking lots with a parking attendant or supervision/ someone patrolling are best, otherwise try to park in locations that are well lit and/or well populated and not crowded by bushes or buildings where offenders might hide.
Road Safety: Aggressive driving behaviour
The followings aspects might trigger aggressive behavior:
Following too close to the vehicle in front.
Passing vehicles on the left.
Cutting in and out of traffic and failing to signal while engaging in multiple lane changes.
Crossing safety markings while merging onto ramps.
Failing to yield at ramps and intersections.
Violating railroad crossings.
Displaying or using a weapon.
Displaying aggressive or obscene gestures.
The following hints are applicable:
Do not react to provocation.
Stay away from erratic drivers.
Avoid eye contact with an aggressive driver.
Use your hooter sparingly.
Do not flash your headlights.
Do not make obscene gestures.
Do not change lanes without using your indicator.
Do not drive too close to the vehicle in front of you.
Do not block lanes
Alan Straton
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