More than one-third of all violent crimes occur on the street and in parking lots or garages, but you can avoid being part of that statistic by using common sense - and keeping your car well-maintained.
The following advice from Sgt. Frank Bruno of the New York City Police Department's Crime Prevention Division could make the difference between disaster on a dark highway and your safe arrival home:- There is one thing you should never do - pick up hitchhikers or any stranger.
- Always keep your windows rolled up or opened only slightly; keep doors locked; drive in well-lighted, populated areas; keep your gas tank at least half full. Get regular tuneups and know your car's general condition to avoid breakdowns.
- When you must stop at a traffic light or stop sign, keep the car in gear so you can move quickly, and check your rearview mirror to assess the situation behind you.
- When parking, try to choose a well-traveled, well-lighted spot. Before opening the door, check for loiterers. If you have reason for concern, stay in your car and move to another spot. Lock your car, even if you'll only be gone for a moment. Back the car in, so you can exit quickly.
- When returning to your car, keep your keys ready so you don't need to search for them. Check inside the car, front and rear, before you open the door.
- When driving, if you think your car is being followed, stay on active, bright streets. Make turns to see if the other car continues to mimic your movements.
- If you still think someone is tailing you, don't drive home to show the potential attacker where you live. Drive to a police station, firehouse, busy store or gas station.
- Even well-maintained cars sometimes break down. If that happens to you, keep moving if possible - for instance, drive on a flat tire until you reach help. If you must stop, stay in your car but don't hide in it or the police may assume it is empty and not stop.
- Put on emergency flashers and tie a white cloth to your antenna or door handle to make your car more visible to the police.
- Carry a road safety kit that includes flares, a flashlight, blanket, Mace where legal, and the telephone number of a towing company in your area.
- Invest in membership in the American Automobile Association or similar group that provides emergency road service throughout the United States.
- A car phone, if you can afford one, may be the best emergency equipment of all.
- If a stranger approaches and offers to help, ask him to call for aid but don't get out of your car. If you can open the hood without getting out of the car, let him help - but stay inside with the doors locked.