Planning a holiday getaway? Make safety a priority

A lot can happen while setting off for your holiday destination this festive season, especially while travelling by car.

Here are some safety tips to consider:
• Ensure your vehicle is in a good condition when you plan to go on a journey.
• Ensure the fuel tank of your vehicle always has sufficient fuel.

• Always lock your vehicle’s doors and keep the windows closed.

• Do not leave your vehicle unlocked, even if you think you will be away for only a minute.

• Avoid stopping at remote places.

• Park your vehicle in places that are well lit.

• If a stranger wants to talk to you while in your vehicle, do not open the window wide – only 5cm 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 and from work if 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.

• Hijackers 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 individual(s) involved in the situation, drive to the nearest police station for help.

• Leave everything behind if forced from the car. Do not reach for your purse or valuables.

• 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 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/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 vehicle’s glove compartment (cubbyhole) or anywhere in the vehicle when you park the vehicle. This is against the law.

• Make sure 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 tyre, the intention can be to steal items they see inside the car or steal 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 cellphone unless you have a hands-free kit.

• Lock your valuables in the car’s 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.

• Practise the same prevention skills you apply in parking lots or garages at home.

• Become familiar with your route before you start the trip.

• Get a map of the route and study it.

• Store luggage in the car’s boot where it is out of sight.

• Do not leave your goods/valuable items visible in the car.

• Do not leave your handbag/briefcase visible in the car.

• Do not leave your keys in the ignition.

• Always lock the doors and close the windows when getting out of the car.

• Remove detachable radios and the radio’s 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.

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.