Whenever I teach a women’s self-protection seminar I always spend a few minutes talking about how we can stay safe in and near our vehicles. I am often surprised at the misconceptions that are being passed along in the name of safety. With the holidays here many women are spending more time shopping so I thought this would be a good time to discuss self protection while driving.
- Don’t get loaded down. I know that may seem impossible but if you do have a lot of packages in your arms, use a cart or take a break from shopping to drop packages in your trunk (not where they are visible) and then go back in for more shopping.
- Carry your money and your keys in your pockets, not your purse. That way if someone grabs your purse they aren’t getting your credit cards, cash, and keys in one easy swipe.
- Put packages in the car first, then people. If a carjacker happens along they can take the car (please don’t ever fight over things, only fight over people) and your packages but not your children.
- ALWAYS lock your doors, both when you are not in the car AND when you are in the car (this includes while at the gas station).
- Lock yourself into the car when you are securing your children into their carseats. I know it can be a bit akward to maneuver in your car with the doors closed and locked, but I can’t tell you how many times I see a woman with the minivan door wide open, herself half in/half out of the car, her groceries in the cart, and you know the rest of the doors are unlocked. Prime time for someone to snatch a car.
- Here is the order for getting into a car (if you have packages and children): Observe the car as you approach it for anything suspicious. 1) Packages (keep children in the cart or have one hand directly on you while loading). 2) Children (lock the car while you secure them in their seats). 3) You get in. 4) You start the car. 5) Secure your own seat belt. 6) Drive.
- Here is the order for getting in the car if it is just you: Observe the car as you approach it for anything suspicious. 1) Unlock only your door. 2) While slipping into the seat, hit the “lock” button. 3) Start the car. 4) Put your seatbelt on. 5) Drive. The thing that throws people off in this instance is that they are starting the car first before putting their seatbelt on. Have you ever seen a movie where someone is pulled out of the car before they have a chance to get it started? That is why we lock the door on our way in then start the car. You can always drive without your seatbelt on (or put it on while driving) but you can’t drive if the car isn’t started.
- Have roadside assistance available and know how to contact them. I am a big believer in everyone knowing how to change a tire but there are times or neighborhoods where it isn’t safe for someone to do that. Be able to call a professional or simply have a few friends you can call on in emergency. There is safety in numbers.
- Keep at least 1/2 tank of gas in your car. Tis the season of snow storms that can keep people stuck in traffic for hours. You don’t want to run out of gas because it was too chilly to put gas in the car on your way home last night.
The best thing you can do is to pay attention to your surroundings and listen to that inner voice that tells you if something is off. Have your keys ready to get in and start the car and drive safely. Statistically we are much more likely to be injured in a car accident than by being abducted.
Donna Copeland is an Independent Shaklee Distributor who also has a black belt and is part owner of Quest Martial Arts in Ann Arbor. You can find more information on Quest at: www.Quest-MartialArts.com and you can learn more about how to protect your body naturally at: www.DonnaCopeland.MyShaklee.com Donna is paid a commission by Shaklee and she also receives compensation from Quest.
