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Driving and having a car are huge responsibilities on their own. You have to be careful and aware of your surroundings because the slightest mistake can end in a fatal accident. But there are also dangers that can occur before you even get in your car or even when you’re stopped in the middle of traffic.
Carjackings happen pretty frequently, but recently some people I know from home were attacked at a light. It got me thinking about car safety and making sure that you’re safe before you put the keys in the ignition. These tips aren’t meant to scare you, but it’s super important to be aware of your surroundings and be prepared for anything that can happen.
Here are 10 car safety tips you absolutely need to know:
Lock Your Doors ASAP
Right when you get out of your car, lock the doors immediately. The sooner you lock them, the better.
Park Under Lights
If it's dark, do your best to park under street lights in parking lots. Also park near other cars or in a more populated area of the lot so there are people around.
Hold Your Keys In Front Of You
This is a habit my mom always taught me. Hold your keys in front of you with a key stuck in between your knuckles. Not only are your keys already handy, but they can be used for makeshift protection if you need it.
Look Under Your Car
Always check under your car before getting close to it. When walking toward your car, take a peek underneath to make sure no one is lurking to grab you.
Look In Your Rear-View Mirror
Always look into your rear-view mirror to make sure no one is in your car. Place your hand on it to make it look like you're adjusting it, but check all of the angles.
Look On The Floors
Check your rear-view mirror first, then glance behind you at the floorboards of the back seat to make sure no one is in your car.
Lock Your Doors
Once you've determined that you're safe inside your car, lock your doors so you're safe from the outside. Most car doors lock automatically these days, but always check.
Pull Over In Well-Lit Areas
Whether you're being pulled over by a police officer or you need to stop, always pull over in a well-lit area at night or somewhere that's busy. If you're being pulled over, you have the right to drive to a gas station or other well-lit place. You do not have to stop on the side of the road. All you have to to is wave at the officer to let them know you're going to stop off somewhere safe.
Never Open Your Window All The Way
If you've been pulled over, roll the window down enough to speak to the officer. If you're stopped at a light or parked and someone approaches you, don't roll down your window and stay in your car.
Call Dispatch
If you've been pulled over, you have the right to call 911 and speak to the dispatcher to make sure you are being pulled over by a real officer. You should always do this if you're being followed by an unmarked car, but you're allowed to do this anytime.
Has anything happened to you before you got in your car? What about while you were driving? What safety precautions do you take? Tell us in the comments!
And you definitely should not text and drive!
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