Staying Safe While in a Rental Car
Carry a cell phone and keep it within reach while in the car, Before you begin driving, especially after dark, dial in the emergency number 911, so your phone is pre programmed to summon help if needed. If you will be arriving at night, Rental car companies can arrange for someone to accompany you to and from the parking lots.
Ask for an up to date map and familiarize yourself with the route to your meeting or hotel. Write the directions in large print, trying to read in a poorly lit car can be dangerous and difficult. And you don’t want to pull over and be forced to figure out directions
Ask the rental car representative which neighborhoods can be dangerous and should be avoided. Then cross them off your map, so you don’t accidentally drive through them or stop in an unsafe area.
Staying Safe While Driving
Plan your driving time during daylight hours and lock your doors when you get in the vehicle. Do not sit in a parking lot and eat, work or sleep, this makes you a target.
When entering your car be aware, look around and check the back seat of your car to ensure no one is hiding in the back seat.
If you are parked next to a van, enter the car from the opposite side many attackers attack their victims by pulling them into their vans
Be sure to keep the gas tank at least ¼ full , refueling regularly will save you from hunting around for a gas station in a neighborhood that you want to avoid.
Restrooms at truck shops, gas stations and public rest areas can be unsafe, look for moderately priced hotels that are likely to have a lobby, as they will have clean public restrooms as well as phones, soft drink machines and newspaper dispensers.
While driving, if someone yells or honks at you, indicates that there is something wrong or bumps your car do not stop. Drive to a well lit busy place, and then check it out.
Staying Safe While in a Taxi
Catch taxis at official taxis stands at airports, hotels, train and bus stations, unmarked taxis, referred to “gypsy taxis” can be dangerous. Cab passengers in unmarked taxis have been victims of Robbery, rape and kidnappings.
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