What If . . . You Find Yourself in Danger in a Parking Lot?

or on the road

Before we continue with part 2 of these safety posts a reminder . . .

                                                         
Some of these ideas can help you avoid a potentially bad situation while others will help you act IF you find yourself in a dangerous situation.

The following are habits that are simple to develop. Being cautious is not being paranoid. Being safe may keep you from  being sorry.

•  Continually be aware of your surroundings --- it is easy to be concentrating on the things you need to accomplish , disregarding the here and now.
• Always lock your car---even when you leave it for just a few minutes. 
• And  re-lock it as soon as you get back in it.
• Have your keys out and at the ready when going to your car.
• Be attentive when walking to your car --look around you-- look into your car before entering, both on passenger side floor and the floor and seat in back. Glance under your car as you are approaching it. Individuals have been known to hide under a car and pull you down or disable you by slashing  your Achilles Tendon as you go to open your door.
•  If you are parked next to a large van, enter your car from the passenger door. Many criminals attack their victims by pulling them into their vans while the women are attempting to get into their cars.
• Check the car parked on the driver's side of your vehicle, and the passenger side. If a male is sitting alone in the seat nearest your car, you may want to walk back into the mall, your workplace or wherever you were and get a guard/policeman to walk you back out.
• Be especially attentive in a parking garage. If someone approaches you with an offer to help with your packages, etc., firmly say NO (not worrying that being assertive sounds rude). 
• If, for some reason, you find you need help, YOU approach a person. There is far less chance the individual you approach is seeking to do harm.
• Be leery if someone asks for your help at their car--- Rapists have been known to wear a cast or fake a disability as a means to lure their victims.
• Make it a habit to lock your doors and leave as soon as you get in your car. 
• Never get into your car and sit there going over your list, your receipts, making calls, etc. The predator can be watching you, and this provides the perfect opportunity for him to get in on the passenger side of your car. 
•  If, after you get in your car, you discover someone is in the car DO NOT drive away from the parking lot --- Instead gun the engine and speed into anything solid, wrecking the car. Your Air Bag will save you. The other person will get the worst of it. As soon as the car crashes, bail out and run. It is better than having them find your body in a remote location.

• If you are ever thrown into the trunk of a car, kick out the back tail lights and stick your arm out the hole and start waving like crazy. The driver won't see you, but everybody else will. This has saved lives.
• As unbelievable as this seems , it is reported that if you ever need to scream for help, you will get greater response if you yell "Fire!"

Gail's personal experience: In my early 20's I was driving home from work around midnight on a main, but deserted at the time, street when a man indicated I was to pull over to the side of the road. He was wearing a uniform but was in an unmarked car. I listened to my internal warning, and instead pulled into the driveway of a darkened home and began honking my horn. He kept driving and the awakened residents were understanding. Upon arriving home and reporting to my husband he called the authorities and confirmed they had no unmarked cars on duty.  

Again, being cautious is not being paranoid. Being safe may keep you from being sorry----even if you feel embarrassed or rude in the process.

Coming Soon

 Be Safe:
When walking or jogging; 

At home; 

On the phone and more