Where would we be without our cars? Automobiles are one of the things that have made the United States what it is today. I read a statistic once that showed that directly or indirectly six out of every 10 Americans relies on the transportation industry for a job. That’s pretty amazing!
I have a friend who recently came back from a trip to Germany. He recounted his experience there that so many people in Germany walk, ride a bicycle or take a train or bus to do their daily activities unlike their American counterparts who use their cars. Of course things are different in Europe mainly with the gas. Even with the recent revaluation of the euro, gas is still selling for close to five dollars a gallon; and for them that is very low.
In today’s article we will share with you some automobile crime prevention and safety tips. With so many vehicles and so many people using their cars it is no wonder that vehicle crime is going up in all parts of the country.
In the United States according to the Transportation Department Statistics 92% of Americans have access to a car which means among other things that people with cars traveled twice as many miles in a year than those without one. There is no doubt that economics plays a big role in the way Americans get around.
According to the 2012 FBI Crime Stats there were an estimated 721,053 thefts of motor vehicles nationwide with a loss of $4.3 billion or an average of $6019 per vehicle. That amounts to 2,500 cars stolen per day, almost 2 cars a minute.
We recently provided some Valuable Auto Safety Tips to our readers where we discussed some ideas and suggestions to prevent automobile crime including some tips on how to avoid or minimize the risk of carjacking.
And in this article we discussed what we called “AAA” a strategy of alertness, avoidance and action-thus the AAA. According to FBI statistics in 2012, there were 200 vehicles per week stolen in Colorado alone.
- This AAA strategy calls for you to pay attention to your surroundings at all times. If you think someone is following you, drive to a safe public place and notify police.
- It also calls for you to avoid poorly lit areas such as remote parking lots especially at night and not to pick up hitchhikers.
- Using your remote, unlock your car as you are approaching and make sure you keep one arm free to look around the car before you open the door.
- Don’t be afraid to use the panic button on your key fob or honk your horn to attract attention. Those actions could scare away a potential assailant and draw attention to your situation.
- And finally, be suspicious of anyone approaching your car and asking for assistance.
What other tips/secrets can you share with us?
Diablo Stun FlashlightCarry some kind of a personal alarm or other self-defense device in your car at all times. We recommend this Guard Dog Brand Diablo stun flashlight self defense weapon as a multipurpose tool that can provide a variety of defenses. First and foremost it is a 4.5 million volt stun device that uses concealed inner stun technology. It is also an ultra-bright tactical flashlight with 160 lumen and a bulb life of up to 100,000 hours. All of that is housed in a type III aircraft grade aluminum alloy body that is less than 7 inches long. As a bonus, it comes with a nylon carrying case and free canister of guard dog 18% pepper spray.
We recommend some Car Essentials For Any Emergency. For anyone who travels on a regular basis for short trips or occasionally for longer distances an absolute must is an emergency food and first aid kit. It has first aid supplies which can save your life and food just in case of an emergency. All of this is packaged in a handy backpack that can be used for camping as well as traveling. A reflective triangle to alert passersby of an emergency with your car is also included. It is generally recognized as a sign of distress around the world. We would also recommend that you carry jumper cables, a bright safety vest, oil funnel, and towrope. You may also want to carry a roll of duct tape-the universal fix it solution. It also contains a survival blanket to keep you warm while you’re waiting for help.
Have you ever wondered how crime in your locale stacked up against other cities? You can see how crime is doing your city in several categories including car theft in this FBI Crime Stats Table spreadsheet.
Be proactive with automobile safety. Several resources are available including neighborhood watch that can assist you with car safety tips. Be prudent in your driving and use the “AAA” strategy of alertness, avoidance and action. You will be way ahead of your fellow drivers when it comes to auto safety.
Share any secrets that you might have for your car safety. What do you do that is out of the ordinary? We’d love to hear from you!